Combination of Multiple Microsatellite Analysis and Genome-Wide SNP Genotyping Helps to Solve Wildlife Crime: A Case Study of Poaching of a Caucasian tur (Capra caucasica) in Russian Mountain National Park

Abstract

Poaching is one of the major types of wildlife crime in Russia. Remnants of goats (presumably the wild endemic species, the Caucasian tur) were found in an area of the Caucasian mountains. The case study involves a suspected poacher whose vehicle was found to have two duffel bags containing pieces of a carcass, which he claimed was that of a goat from his flock. The aim of the forensic genetic analysis for this case was to (i) establish individual identity and (ii) perform species identification. DNA typing based on fourteen microsatellites revealed that STR-genotypes generated from pieces of evidence found at crime scene fully matched those obtained from the evidence seized from the suspect. The results of genome-wide SNP-genotyping, using Illumina Goat SNP50 BeadChip, provided evidence that the poached animal was a wild Caucasian tur (Capra caucasica). Thus, based on comprehensive molecular genetic analysis, evidence of poaching was obtained and sent to local authorities. To our knowledge, this case study is the first to attempt to use DNA chips in wildlife forensics of ungulates.

Review: Wildlife forensic genetics—Biological evidence, DNA markers, analytical approaches, and challenges

“…Nuclear DNA genetic profiling in wildlife forensics is almost entirely on STR markers; however, alternatives include amplified fragment length polymorphism, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whole genome sequencing and restriction‐site associated DNA sequences (Arif et al., 2011; Caniglia et al., 2010; Carrier et al., 2022; Lee & Chang, 1994; Liang et al., 2011; Rodionov et al., 2021; Sahajpal et al., 2009; Wasser et al., 2015; Zhao et al., 2019). Although SNPs have a smaller discriminatory power than STRs owing to their biallelic nature, they are increasingly being utilized in wildlife forensics either as a complement or a substitute for STRs (González et al., 2020; Kowalczyk et al., 2018; Linacre et al., 2011).…”

Wildlife Crime: Issues and Promising Solutions

“…Two studies in this SI show examples of how modern genetics can be applied to cases of wildlife forensics. Rodionov et al [ 2 ] present a case study where western tur Capra caucasica , an endangered goat antelope native to the Caucasus Mountains, was poached. In February 2020, outside of the legal hunting season, remnants of a goat/tur were found in the Caucasus Mountains.…”

Optimization of polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Roe deer, Saiga, and Siberian stag living in Kazakhstan

“…One effective approach to reducing the negative impact of poaching and illegal trade in wild fauna products is the use of molecular genetic methods for animal identification based on a biological sample. For instance, the use of molecular genetic methods to study biological samples has ensured compliance with legislation against poaching and illegal trade in manatees [2], wild Caucasian tur (Capra caucasica) [3], and greater one-horned rhinoceros [4]. Animal identification based on biological samples was carried out by the traditional method of morphological determination of animal remains.…”