Illegal trade of canines: Identifying suspected samples of Tigers (Panthera tigris) and Bears (Melursus ursinus)

Abstract

Poaching is one of the major reasons for declining heterotrophic wild populations attributed to illegitimate economic gain. It causes serious threats not only to the specific population but also generates a negative impact on the entire world population of wildlife. In recent years prohibited trade for canines is going through an upward trendline, adversely impacting a number of significant species of mammals. Increasing reports of canine seizures demand forensic inspection and thorough investigation of evidence for species identification. Though examination of canine samples through morphometric technique is acceptable, it falls short when the complete sample is not recovered for analysis. Thus, molecular analysis provides error-free and reliable proof of evidence in identifying species. This report investigates two separate canine seizures using combined approaches of morphometry and DNA analysis. Seizure 1 comprised a 10 years old broken canine sample and seizure 2 contained 4 canine samples (n=4). Morphometrically, physical examination, X-ray analysis and mensuration were undertaken. For molecular analysis, the mitochondrial regions of Cytochrome b (Cytb), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA were targeted. BLASTn search and comparison with the genetic repository at Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) clearly indicated that seizure 1 belongs to Tiger (Panthera tigris) and seizure 2 belongs to Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). To examine wildlife forensic case samples, both morphometric and molecular databases must be strengthened to increase the conviction rate while prosecuting under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.