Identification of rodent animals by DNA barcoding technology in Gansu Province

Objective To apply the DNA barcoding technology for identification of rodent animals and to establish a rodent animal DNA barcode database in Gansu Province. Methods A total of 54 rodent animals were detected. DNA barcoding technology was used to analyze the DNA mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (CO I) gene sequence in Gansu Province. Results The intra-specific genetic distance was 0-2% while the inter-specific distance ranged from 18% to 30%. Eight major clusters were apparently showed on a Neighbor joining tree. Conclusion DNA barcoding technology could overcome the shortcomings of the morphological identification, so it could be used to identify the rodent animals and has important implications for disease control and prevention in the natural focus of Gansu Province. Key words: Rodentia; DNA barcoding; Mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I; Species identification