White-tailed deer sex identification from faecal DNA and pellet morphometry by neural network and fuzzy logic analyses

espanolKnowing the sex of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) individuals canprovide information to set harvesting rates and management activities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the sex through classification function by using faecal pellet morphometry. Faeces were collected for 12 months in Durango, Mexico; their morphometric variables were measured, the faecal DNA was extracted, and the SRY gene marker was amplified to identify sex. A neural network and fuzzy logic sex classificationfunctions were obtained. The outputs were validated with the SRY gene results. Data from adults in the winter were used to obtain the classification functions. Classification functions could accurately classify sex in 94.4% with neural networks and 86.9% with fuzzy logic. The neural network classified more accurately the sex of adultwhite-tailed deer studied in winter with the faecal pellets morphometry than with the fuzzy logic analysis. This technique can be a tool for non-invasive studies and monitoring of populations. EnglishConocer el sexo del venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) puede proporcionar informacion para establecer tasas de aprovechamiento y actividades de manejo. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar el sexo mediante la creacion de funciones de clasificacion para sexo obtenidas mediante morfometria de pellets fecales. Se colectaron heces durante 12 meses en Durango, Mexico, a los cuales se les midieron sus variables morfometricas, extrajo ADNy amplifico el marcador genetico SRY para identificar el sexo. Luego, se obtuvo una funcion de clasificacion de sexo con redes neuronales y logica difusa. Los resultados fueron validados con el gen SRY. Se utilizaron datos de adultos en invierno para obtener las funciones de clasificacion. Se clasifico con precision el sexo en 94.4% con redes neuronales y 86.9% con logica difusa. Las redes neuronales clasificaron con mayor precision el sexo del venado cola blanca con morfometria de pellets fecales de adultos en invierno que con logica difusa. Esta tecnica puede ser una herramienta para el estudio y monitoreo no invasivo de las poblaciones bajo manejo.