Club members should note that we will no longer accept written descriptions and/or photographs of unusual species in Avon.
Photographs can be doctored or simply faked and descriptions can be copied and pasted straight from the internet or the fieldguides. We are therefore setting the bar of proof much higher.
With effect from 1st April 2011, we will only accept records of locally rare birds in Avon if the record is supported by an accompanying mitochondrial DNA sample from the bird in question.
We have recently purchased a Polymerase Chain Reaction analyser coupled with a Short Tandem Repeat statistical database which will give 99.99% accuracy of any samples checked.
Though the DNA molecule is relatively large in microbiological terms, it is still extremely small to handle in everyday use.
When submitting the birds' DNA to us, members should ensure that the envelope is securely stuck down, especially at the edges of the flap where sometimes you can forget to lick the gum. Sellotape is recommended.
We hope to to verify records within 2 days of receiving samples and we will get back to you as soon as the results are known.
For national rarities only, we will automatically send on the DNA reference sample and analytical trace to the BBRC for verification.
Many thanks for your cooperation in anticipation.
The Sightings Page team.
Nice one ;-)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, now that polymerlytic "base-reshuffling" enzymes are readily available on e-bay, and even occasionally Freecycle, there's nothing to stop rabid aspiring hotshots from fudging the results of MtDNA analysis using the BOC's newly aquired equipment. This means if these cheating types really weanted to, they could still push through that surprisingly early Whinchat, or that recently described new South Yorkshire subspecies of Dunnock. Shame.
ReplyDelete