Decoding the Diet of a Local Owl Population

Populations of owl species are in danger due to declining habitat. Owls play an essential role in maintaining the local rodent population, which aids in preventing the spread of disease. To better understand the local rodent population and its potential for disease transmission, owl pellets were collected from an abandoned building that was soon to undergo renovation in Burke County, NC. Over two years, 12 pellets were dissected, with eight pellets dissected in the first year and the remaining four in the second year. These pellets were dissected under a biological safety cabinet, resulting in 38 samples. Teeth and jawbones were surface sterilized and dried before pulverization. DNA was extracted from dissected rodent incisors utilizing Qiagen DNEasy spin columns. Mammal primers were used to amplify a 400 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b DNA fragment through Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR ). Mitochondrial cytochrome b is the accepted barcode used for genetic identification of mammals. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and aligned to mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences within GenBank’s BLAST database. In the first year of study, ten sequences most closely aligned with Sigmodon hispidus, commonly known as the Hispid Cotton Rat. Other sequencing attempts were either unsuccessful or suggested contamination. In a second round of study, one DNA sequence aligned with Microtus pinetorum, otherwise known as the Woodland Vole. The remaining DNA sequences were too weak to determine a particular species. Sigmodon hispidus is known for transmitting respiratory diseases that are detrimental to human health, while Microtus pinetorum is known to disrupt foundations in human infrastructure. Prior to building renovations, the owls were relocated to a nearby location where they continue to maintain the prey population as determined in this study.