Skin sheds as a useful DNA source for lizard conservation

Abstract

Skin sheds were obtained from the European common lizard, Zootoca vivipara (Lacertidae), during population sampling. In the laboratory, skin sheds of one to six scales of each individual were collected for DNA extraction using two different methodologies, a DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit, and a Chelex-resine based protocol. The former technique was used 4 month and the latter 11 months after collection. DNA quantification showed successful DNA extraction in 100% of the samples. PCR amplification was assessed using agarose gels and all samples produced bands of the expected length for both mitochondrial genes.