Application of molecular methods in forensic analyses of wild animals

Abstract

In European countries, hunting of wildlife is regulated by various directives. However, illegal hunting activities are becoming more common. To deal with wildlife crime cases, it becomes necessary to select the best molecular markers for the analysis of animal sex, species, and relationships identification. This study investigated potential markers within chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for animal forensics. By applying markers targeting nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (the cytochrome b gene, hypervariable displacement loop (D-Loop) region, SRY and AMEL genes), the suspected illegal hunting cases were solved by the identification of wild species and sex. Currently, molecular forensic techniques are necessary before conclusions of its validation in forensic investigations.