# Genetic Sexing of the African Penguin, Spheniscus demersus Using Noninvasive Guano and Molted Feather Samples

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a noninvasive way to determine the sex of African penguins using guano and molted feathers, aiding conservation efforts.

## Contribution

A noninvasive DNA extraction and PCR-based sexing method for African penguins using guano and molted feathers was optimized.

## Key findings

- Two primer sets targeting CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes were successfully used for genetic sexing.
- Optimized methods enabled DNA extraction from inhibitor-rich guano and difficult-to-lyse molted feathers.
- The method supports conservation monitoring of wild African penguin populations without invasive sampling.

## Abstract

The monitoring of sex ratios in wild populations of the critically endangered African penguin
Spheniscus demersus
is essential for conservation management but is currently limited by the inherent difficulty in acquiring blood samples required for sexing. This study optimized a noninvasive method for the DNA extraction and PCR‐based genetic sexing of
S. demersus
using guano and molted feather samples. Two primer sets (CHD1F/R & 2550F/2718R) were used that target sex‐specific length polymorphisms in the CHD1‐Z and CHD1‐W genes on the CHD1 sex chromosomes. Using methods optimized for the extraction of DNA from inhibitor‐rich guano and difficult‐to‐lyse molted feather samples, this work can directly contribute to the conservation monitoring of wild
S. demersus
populations through sex determination using noninvasive means.

This study developed a noninvasive method for the DNA extraction and PCR‐based genetic sexing of
S. demersus
using guano and molted feather samples. Two primer sets (CHD1F/R & 2550F/2718R) were used that target sex‐specific length polymorphisms in the CHD1‐Z and CHD1‐W genes on the CHD1 sex chromosomes. Using methods optimized for the extraction of DNA from inhibitor‐rich guano and difficult‐to‐lyse molted feather samples, this work can directly contribute to the conservation monitoring of wild
S. demersus
populations through sex determination using noninvasive means.