DNA barcoding as a tool for robust identification of cervids of India and its utility in wildlife forensics

Abstract

DNA barcoding has become a popular method of choice for identification of specimen based on molecular techniques. Here, we present preliminary findings on generating robust DNA barcode library of Cervids of India. The dataset comprising the DNA barcode library of seven deer species included in the genus Cervus, Axis and Muntiacus classified under family Cervidae. Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I gene of ca. 710 bp accepted widely as DNA barcode region, was used for generating species specific signature from 31 known samples of seven Indian deer species. Expectedly, the NJ tree clustered three genera i.e. Cervus, Axis and Muntiacus of Cervids of India into three clades. Further, the intra-and interspecies distances based on Kimura 2 parameter model also supported the results. The average intra-and interspecies sequence divergence were 0.011 (±0.09) and 0.65 (±0.14), respectively. The present study has exhibited that DNA barcoding has discriminating power to delineate boundaries among the closely related species. The data generated are of high importance to the law enforcement agencies in effective identification of species in wildlife offence cases. The similar approach can be utilized for generating DNA barcodes for other Indian mammals for making effective management and conservation action decisions.

Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): major challenges and prevention approaches

“…There is a need to establish modern wildlife laboratories in nearby sensitive areas of every state and strengthening existing state forensic science laboratories for wildlife crime investigation, where at least basic tests facilities (morphometry, microtomy, hair examination, blood/tissue tests) (Nishant et al 2017 ; Sahajpal et al 2009 ) can be carried out. Further efforts should be made to have advanced test (genetic based identification) facilities which include multiplex PCR and mitochondrial DNA analysis ( Cytb , 12 S rRNA, 16 S rRNA) sequencing (Gupta et al 2005 ; Kumar et al 2018 ; Vermeulen et al 2016 ; Yang et al 2014 ) in every state laboratory. Environmental DNA (e-DNA) released from wild animals in water, soil, vegetation, or even air of forest areas should be routinely examined through metagenomics analysis or metabarcoding study (Bohmann et al 2014 ; Lynggaard et al 2022 ) especially for monitoring wild animals that are not easily reachable.…”

A review of the genus Rusa in the indo-malayan archipelago and conservation efforts

“…This approach is a method of species identification using a short section of the DNA from a specific gene or genes, typically the mitochondrial COI gene in animals. Kumar et al (2018) used DNA barcoding method as a tool for robust identification of cervids of India and its utility in wildlife forensics. Seven deer species which comprise of 31 cervids from genera Cervus, Axis and Muntiacus were barcoded using the COI gene, all of which demonstrated highly supported monophyly through discrete clustering according to genus.…”

“…On the other hand, deer is an important prey animal for large carnivores like tigers, leopards, and so forth (Kumar et al, 2018) and structures a necessary part to the ecosystem. For instance, the Sambar is a favoured prey species especially for tigers in South and Southeast Asia (e.g., Seidensticker and McDougal, 1993;Karanth and Sunquist, 1995;Biswas and Sankar, 2002).…”

Molecular Identification and Evolutionary Divergence of the Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Rusa unicolor (Kerr 1792)

“…The introduction of the DNA barcoding approach has become the gold standard used in taxonomic studies. DNA barcoding has been used for cervid identification in India [ 14 ] and Southwest China [ 15 ]. A previous study conducted in Kerala, India, using COI barcode sequences, revealed that the Indian Sambar deer has faced continuous poaching by illegal hunters.…”