Microbial Diversity Trends In The Fecal Matter Of H. Carolinensis And R. Rabida

With over 16,900 endangered species today, illegal wildlife trade is the largest direct threat to the future of endangered species since prior efforts to stop smugglers that evade law enforcement have proved futile. Wild H. carolinensis, Carolina wolf spiders and Rabidosa rabida--result of genetic similarities-- are used as a substitute for Theraphosidae, tarantulas: highly valued commodities in wildlife crime. In this study, a novel method of analyzing microbial diversity in fecal matter as forensic evidence is reported, with the goal of determining substantial evidence to convict the smuggling of trafficking wildlife. The goal is to collect H. carolinensis in the wild and raise them in captivity. We will then analyze the microbial diversity of fecal matter using pyrosequencing. A decrease in microbial diversity provides law enforcement a straightforward forensic technique to supplement the battle against wildlife trafficking. /