Single nucleotide polymorphisms from cytochrome b gene as a useful protocol in forensic genetics against the illegal hunting of manatees: Trichechus manatus, Trichechus inunguis, Trichechus senegalensis, and Dugong dugon (Eutheria: Sirenia)

Diagnostic Cytochrome b gene profiles for the identification of paca (Cuniculus paca) bushmeat: implications for the monitoring of illegal hunting and wildlife trade

“…The data obtained in the present study reinforce previous findings on the applicability of the Cyt b gene for the diagnosis of Cuniculus paca. The results also reinforce the use of Cyt b profiles as a molecular tool for the identification of a number of different vertebrate species impacted by the illegal wildlife trade, such as sharks (Kumar et al, 2007), seals (Malik et al, 1997), marine turtles (Moore et al, 2003), snakes (Yau et al, 2002), felids (Wan and Fang, 2003), and manatees (Ferreira et al, 2011).…”

“…The results of the present study indicate that two transversion-type substitutions can be diagnosed using both SNP and PCR-RFLP markers. While transversions are the least common type of point mutation responsible for the diversity of the mitochondrial genome, transversion-based SNPs appear to be reliable markers for the differentiation of a number of domestic animals, as well as some endangered mammals such as manatees (Ferreira et al, 2011). Although complete digestion was not observed in any paca sample, they all presented bands consistent with the expected restriction profile, confirming the effectiveness of this method, and supporting its use for the forensic monitoring of the illegal exploitation of this wild species.…”

“…The technology for the genotyping of SNPs has advanced rapidly in recent years, and this approach has become the most suitable for forensic purposes given its accuracy and reproducibility (Sobrino et al, 2005;Ferreira et al, 2011). The legally-valid discrimination of meat products demands an extremely low probability of misassignment, which may depend on the analysis of a large number of samples in order to guarantee that all possible variants have been identified (Moore et al, 2003).…”

“…In a recent study, Ferreira et al (2011) successfully used RFLP and SNP markers to diagnose samples in a forensic study of endangered manatees, and supported the use of both techniques in the enforcement of legislation against hunting and the illegal wildlife trade. In the present paper, a simple, fast, and cost-effective molecular tool was developed for the identification of nucleotide polymorphisms in the Cyt b gene capable of differentiating biological samples derived from the paca from those of domestic species commonly used for the production of meat in the Neotropics (cow, goat, sheep, and pig).…”

DNA barcoding approaches for fishing authentication of exploited grouper species including the endangered and legally protected goliath grouper <i>Epinephelus itajara</i>

“…The evidence provided herein (94 SNPs) indicate the robustness of the genetic features observed regarding a DNA authentication method. Traditional (as shown herein) and alternative barcoding regions have been used to examine the authentication and traceability of cattle meat (Fontanesi et al 2010), wildlife (Sato et al 2010, Ferreira et al 2011 and fish (Baker and Palumbi 1994, Comi et al 2005, Ogden 2008, Rasmussen and Morrissey 2008, Holmes et al 2009, Ardura et al 2010, Supernault et al 2010, Carvalho et al 2011a. Thus, correct species identification by SNP positions (Table 4) illustrates that the current barcode regions are very useful for fishery management.…”