A reliable, single-step method for gender determination in black rhinoceros from low-copy template DNA

We describe an accurate, single-step 5′exonuclease assay for gender determination of black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis , which targets a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 4 of the sex-linked zinc finger homologues in this species. This simple, high-throughput method facilitates the multiple-tubes approach that is necessary when using genetic material derived from non-invasive samples such as faecal material.