摘要
We describe a new method for obtaining DNA from needles following their use to insert PIT tags (Passive Integrated Transponders) into wild animals. This approach represents a currently unrealised opportunity, given that PIT tags are a widely-used tool for individual identification. Needles can be frozen and stored long-term and utilised when genetic samples of the study species are required. We demonstrate that DNA can be successfully extracted from PIT tagging needles for amplification of mitochondrial and microsatellite loci in little penguins (Eudyptula minor).