Chris,

Maybe we could expand the equipment to identify DNA from bird fecal samples
as well. Apparently it is possible with mammals. I understand that with
enough sampling that DNA from animals in a specific geoographic can be
identified. The process is being discussed as method of combating poaching.
If you could map the DNA of a population of elephants or of Asian bears you
would be able to tell where poached ivory or bear gall bladder originated
making it more difficult to trafiic in wildlife artifacts. And while we're
at it settle some speciation arguments on tweeters.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo