Environmental DNA as a tool for detecting illegal wildlife trade

IF 2.2 3区 医学 Q1 MEDICINE, LEGAL Forensic science international Pub Date : 2025-03-11 DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112446
Gregory D. LeClair, Matthew W.H. Chatfield, Michael T. Kinnison
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The illegal wildlife trade presents significant challenges to wildlife conservation due to its large impact on population and species persistence. Forensic technology plays an important role in detecting and prosecuting such trade but has lagged human forensics where trace genetic evidence is important in conviction or exoneration. At present, most genetic applications in wildlife forensics focus on identification of taxa or populations via tissue samples or visible trace material (e.g., blood, hair or feathers). However, enforcement officials may encounter common household objects that are suspected to be used in capture, transport, or holding of wildlife, but without visible evidence of wildlife presence. Here, we demonstrate that environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques can be used to detect trace DNA from turtles on both plastic and fabric objects with high confidence for at least six months following only an hour of exposure. Sampling location and subsequent swabbing did not impact detection probability. While we observed very different DNA concentrations in the two substrate types, detection outcomes were relatively similar. The lack of substantial DNA decay during this experiment suggests a long window (potentially years) in which DNA may remain detectable to law enforcement officials under common gear storage conditions.
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来源期刊
Forensic science international
Forensic science international 医学-医学:法
CiteScore
5.00
自引率
9.10%
发文量
285
审稿时长
49 days
期刊介绍: Forensic Science International is the flagship journal in the prestigious Forensic Science International family, publishing the most innovative, cutting-edge, and influential contributions across the forensic sciences. Fields include: forensic pathology and histochemistry, chemistry, biochemistry and toxicology, biology, serology, odontology, psychiatry, anthropology, digital forensics, the physical sciences, firearms, and document examination, as well as investigations of value to public health in its broadest sense, and the important marginal area where science and medicine interact with the law. The journal publishes: Case Reports Commentaries Letters to the Editor Original Research Papers (Regular Papers) Rapid Communications Review Articles Technical Notes.
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Environmental DNA as a tool for detecting illegal wildlife trade Editorial Board Postmortem distribution of etizolam in various autopsy samples using the surrogate analyte approach (SAA) method The Impact of CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypes on the EDDP/methadone metabolic ratio: A comprehensive analysis The effect of wrist angle and finger grip on maximum trigger pull force
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