The non-invasive collection of biological samples has proven useful to study a diverse array of research topics worldwide. Here, we present a systematic bibliographical synthesis exploring how the non-invasive collection of genetic samples has been used to study avian populations in the Neotropics. We searched international online databases for scientific publications, spanning from 2007 to 2017, to describe the trends and identify the sample types used, species studied, and research questions addressed. The analysis of 21 articles showed that shed feathers were most frequently used (66.7% of articles), followed by carcasses (14.2%), eggs (9.5%), and non-invasively obtained blood (4.8%); one study used both feces and shed feathers. Most studies addressed population genetic issues (38.1%), followed by species identification (28.6%), phylogenetic questions (14.3%), molecular sexing (9.5%), and parentage analyses (9.5%). Brazil produced almost half (47.6%) of the publications retrieved. Despite an increasing interest in using non-invasive sampling to study Neotropical avifauna, its application is still largely concentrated in the most developed countries in this region and to explore a limited number of questions. A more regular use of non-invasive sampling would help advance the knowledge of ecological, behavioral, genetic, and evolutionary aspects of Neotropical birds. Investigating the extent of human–wildlife conflict, such as impact of road-kills, illegal traffic, and collision with aerial infrastructure or unmanned vehicles, is an underexplored avenue of research in which this method could be of much help. Non-invasive genetic sampling can help tackle conservation problems and pave the way to scientifically informed conservation policies in this avian biodiversity hotspot.

中文翻译：

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应用非侵入性基因采样研究新热带鸟类的当前趋势：用途、目标和保护潜力

生物样本的非侵入性收集已被证明可用于研究全球范围内的各种研究课题。在这里，我们提出了一个系统的书目综合，探索如何使用非侵入性的遗传样本收集来研究新热带地区的鸟类种群。我们在国际在线数据库中搜索了 2007 年至 2017 年的科学出版物，以描述趋势并确定使用的样本类型、研究的物种和解决的研究问题。对21篇文章的分析显示，脱落的羽毛使用频率最高（占文章的66.7%），其次是尸体（14.2%）、鸡蛋（9.5%）和非侵入性采血（4.8%）；一项研究同时使用粪便和脱落的羽毛。大多数研究涉及种群遗传问题（38.1%），其次是物种鉴定（28.6%），系统发育问题 (14.3%)、分子性别 (9.5%) 和亲子分析 (9.5%)。巴西生产了几乎一半 (47.6%) 的检索出版物。尽管使用非侵入性采样来研究新热带鸟类的兴趣越来越大，但其应用仍主要集中在该地区最发达的国家，并且探索的问题数量有限。更经常地使用非侵入性采样将有助于提高对新热带鸟类的生态、行为、遗传和进化方面的了解。调查人类与野生动物冲突的程度，例如道路死亡的影响、非法交通以及与空中基础设施或无人驾驶车辆的碰撞，是一种尚未充分探索的研究途径，这种方法可能会大有帮助。