A single bat dropping carries enough host DNA to identify the species that left it. We extract DNA from the dropping, amplify a mitochondrial barcode region and sequence it, then match the read against a curated reference library of UK bat species. Ideal where roost surveys, gut-content work or droppings under a feature need a confident species call rather than a morphological best-guess.
How it works
- 01 Extract DNA is recovered from the host cells shed into the dropping.
- 02 Amplify A mitochondrial barcode region is amplified by PCR, the marker that separates bat species.
- 03 Sequence The fragment is sequenced and quality-checked to a clean consensus read.
- 04 Match The read is compared against a curated reference library of UK bats to call the species.
What it resolves
Many UK bats cannot be separated from their droppings by eye, the cryptic pipistrelles (common, soprano and Nathusius') being the classic case. DNA barcoding gives a defensible species call where morphology and droppings alone can only narrow it to a group.
Sample requirements
One intact, dry bat dropping per sample in a labelled tube. Avoid cross-contamination between roosts; keep samples cool and dry.
Frequently asked questions
- Which bat species can you identify?
- The barcode is matched against a curated reference library covering the UK bat species, including cryptic pairs such as the pipistrelles that cannot be told apart from droppings by eye.
- How much material do you need?
- A single intact dropping is usually enough. Older, degraded or partial droppings may not yield a sequence; send the freshest material available.
- Is this an eDNA test?
- No. This is direct DNA barcoding of a submitted specimen, separate from our TaxaScreen® eDNA and TaxaReveal™ metabarcoding ranges.