PumaPlex100: An expanded tool for puma SNP genotyping with low-yield DNA

The original PumaPlex is a high-throughput assay developed to genotype 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pumas (Puma concolor). Here, we describe the development of PumaPlex100 – an expanded version of the original assay that now genotypes > 100 SNPs. We tested 142 candidate SNPs and developed a panel of 101 polymorphic loci, which are spread across four multiplexes and suitable for genotyping of non-invasive samples. This panel will provide researchers a set of standardized markers, that can be analyzed with minimal bioinformatic skills, for the assessment of population structure and genetic diversity. These SNPs will serve as an important resource for the continued genetic monitoring of this species, especially monitoring through non-invasive sampling.