scholarly journals DNA Mini-Barcodes, a Potential Weapon for Conservation and Combating Illegal Trade of Pangolin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 194008292110173
Author(s):  
Xuena Xie ◽  
Haoting Ye ◽  
Xuan Cai ◽  
Chan Li ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Illegal Trade ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Distance Ratio ◽  
Barcoding Gap ◽  
Amplification Success Rate ◽  
Nj Tree ◽  
Intraspecific Distance

Background Smuggling and illegal trade of pangolins and their scales has drastically reduced the wild population of pangolins. Accurate species identification is currently in urgent need as a powerful weapon for combating pangolin smuggling and trade and conserving the already endangered pangolin species. Aim of the study To develop an efficient method based on DNA mini-barcodes for accurate pangolin species identification and authentication of processed pangolin scales against the non-target species. Materials and methods The primers for amplifying the DNA mini-barcodes were designed based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene fragments. The mini-barcodes were compared with the two universal barcodes (COI and Cytb) for performance in pangolin species identification by calculating the Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distance, assessing the clustering dendrogram, and analyzing the BLAST similarity and barcoding gap. The accuracy of the three barcodes was also compared for authentication of pangolin scales against non-target species. Results Comparison of the three barcodes showed that the mini-barcode form COI had the highest amplification success rate (100%) and high variable sites (40.0%), with the ratio of mean inter- to intraspecific distance ratio was 25 and a distinct DNA barcoding gap. In the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree constructed based on the mini-barcode regions, each species of the pangolin family formed an obvious clade respectively, and the clades were all separated from those of the non-target species, indicating that the genetic information in the mini-barcode was sufficient for species identification. Conclusion The DNA mini-barcodes based on COI gene fragments provide an effective and accurate method for identification of pangolin species and authentication of pangolin scale products.

scholarly journals Mammalian species identification using ISSR-HRM technique

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110261
Author(s):  
Wannapimol Kriangwanich ◽  
Korakot Nganvongpanit ◽  
Kittisak Buddhachat ◽  
Puntita Siengdee ◽  
Siriwadee Chomdej ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Inter Simple Sequence Repeat ◽  
Issr Markers ◽  
Forensic Sciences ◽  
Illegal Trade ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Biodiversity Crisis ◽  
Issr Primers

Wildlife trading and the illegal hunting of wildlife are contributing factors to the biodiversity crisis that is presently unfolding across the world. The inability to control the trade of animal body parts or available biological materials is a major challenge for those who investigate wildlife crime. The effective management of this illegal trade is an important facet of wildlife forensic sciences and can be a key factor in the enforcement of effective legislation surrounding the illegal trade of protected and endangered species. However, the science of wildlife forensics is limited by the absence of a comprehensive database for wildlife investigations. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) coupled with high resolution melting analysis (HRM) have been effectively used for species identification of 38 mammalian species. Six primers of the ISSR markers were chosen for species identification analysis. From six ISSR primers resulting in a range of accuracy of 33.3%–100% and 100% in terms of precision in every primer. Furthermore, 161 mammalian samples were 100% distinguished to the correct species using these six ISSR primers. ISSR-HRM analysis was successfully employed in determining mammal identification among varying mammalian species, and thus could serve as an effective alternative tool or technique in the species identification process. This option would offer researchers a heightened level of convenience in terms of its performance and the ease with which researchers or field practice veterinarians would be able to interpret results in effectively identifying animal parts at wildlife investigation crime scenes.

DNA barcoding of bats (Chiroptera) from the Colombian northern region

Mammalia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Álvaro J. Benítez ◽  
Dina Ricardo-Caldera ◽  
María Atencia-Pineda ◽  
Jesús Ballesteros-Correa ◽  
Julio Chacón-Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Species Variation ◽  
Molossus Molossus ◽  
Artibeus Lituratus

Abstract Bats are mammals of great ecological and medical importance, which have associations with different pathogenic microorganisms. DNA barcoding is a tool that can expedite species identification using short DNA sequences. In this study, we assess the DNA barcoding methodology in bats from the Colombian Northern region, specifically in the Córdoba department. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences of nine bat species were typified, and their comparison with other Neotropic samples revealed that this marker is suitable for individual species identification, with ranges of intra-species variation from 0.1 to 0.9%. Bat species clusters are well supported and differentiated, showing average genetic distances ranging from 3% between Artibeus lituratus and Artibeus planirostris, up to 27% between Carollia castanea and Molossus molossus. C. castanea and Glossophaga soricina show geographical structuring in the Neotropic. The findings reported in this study confirm DNA barcoding usefulness for fast species identification of bats in the region.

Current issues in species identification for forensic science and the validity of using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linzi Wilson-Wilde ◽  
Janette Norman ◽  
James Robertson ◽  
Stephen Sarre ◽  
Arthur Georges
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidase ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidase I ◽  
Coi Gene

scholarly journals The Utility of DNA Barcoding for the Species Identification of Larval Fish in the Lower Ing River, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 671-679
Author(s):  
Dutrudi Panprommin ◽  
Kanyanat Soontornprasit ◽  
Siriluck Tuncharoen ◽  
Niti Iamchuen
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Larval Fish ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Nucleotide Sequences ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Fishery Resource ◽  
Sustainable Fishery

The species identification of larval fish is very important for sustainable fishery resource management. However, identification based on morphological characters is very difficult, complex and error-prone. DNA barcoding with the sequence of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was used to identify larval fish species from 10 stations in the tributaries of the lower Ing River. One hundred and six samples were collected between May 2016 and April 2017. The average length of the COI nucleotide sequences was approximately 640 bp. A total of 99 nucleotide sequences were identified in 35 species, 31 genera, 19 families and 9 orders, with 97-100% identity with entries in both the GenBank and BOLD databases. The genetic distance within species ranged from 0.000 to 0.004. However, seven samples were identified at only the genus level because their sequences had not been reported in any databases. Based on IUCN conservation status, most species were classified as least concern (77.14%). Approximately 69.23% of all species were related to human uses in fisheries, aquaculture or aquariums, whereas 30.77% of species were not assessed. Trichopsis vittata (family Osphronemidae) (90%) had the most frequency of occurrence, followed by Oryzias minutillus (family Adrianichthyidae) (70%) and Trichopodus trichopterus (family Osphronemidae) (70%).

scholarly journals Hidden biodiversity revealed by integrated morphology and genetic species delimitation of spring dwelling water mite species (Acari, Parasitengona: Hydrachnidia)

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Blattner ◽  
Reinhard Gerecke ◽  
Stefanie von Fumetti
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Molecular Species ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Water Mites ◽  
Water Mite ◽  
Barcoding Gap ◽  
Molecular Species Identification ◽  
True Diversity ◽  
Genetic Species

Abstract Background Water mites are among the most diverse organisms inhabiting freshwater habitats and are considered as substantial part of the species communities in springs. As parasites, Hydrachnidia influence other invertebrates and play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. In Europe, 137 species are known to appear solely in or near springheads. New species are described frequently, especially with the help of molecular species identification and delimitation methods. The aim of this study was to verify the mainly morphology-based taxonomic knowledge of spring-inhabiting water mites of central Europe and to build a genetic species identification library. Methods We sampled 65 crenobiontic species across the central Alps and tested the suitability of mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (28S) markers for species delimitation and identification purposes. To investigate both markers, distance- and phylogeny-based approaches were applied. The presence of a barcoding gap was tested by using the automated barcoding gap discovery tool and intra- and interspecific genetic distances were investigated. Furthermore, we analyzed phylogenetic relationships between different taxonomic levels. Results A high degree of hidden diversity was observed. Seven taxa, morphologically identified as Bandakia concreta Thor, 1913, Hygrobates norvegicus (Thor, 1897), Ljania bipapillata Thor, 1898, Partnunia steinmanni Walter, 1906, Wandesia racovitzai Gledhill, 1970, Wandesia thori Schechtel, 1912 and Zschokkea oblonga Koenike, 1892, showed high intraspecific cox1 distances and each consisted of more than one phylogenetic clade. A clear intraspecific threshold between 5.6–6.0% K2P distance is suitable for species identification purposes. The monophyly of Hydrachnidia and the main superfamilies is evident with different species clearly separated into distinct clades. cox1 separates water mite species but is unsuitable for resolving higher taxonomic levels. Conclusions Water mite species richness in springs is higher than has been suggested based on morphological species identification alone and further research is needed to evaluate the true diversity. The standard molecular species identification marker cox1 can be used to identify species but should be complemented by a nuclear marker, e.g. 28S, to resolve taxonomic relationships. Our results contribute to the taxonomical knowledge on spring inhabiting Hydrachnida, which is indispensable for the development and implementation of modern environment assessment methods, e.g. metabarcoding, in spring ecology.

scholarly journals Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) Divergence Assessment of Family Nemipteridae from Malaysian Waters

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Liew You En ◽  
Salwani Abdullah ◽  
Tan Min Pau ◽  
Mazlan Abd Ghaffar ◽  
Alias Man ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Species Discrimination ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Putative Species ◽  
Commercially Important ◽  
Nucleotide Divergence ◽  
Coi Sequences

DNA Barcoding, primarily focusing on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been appraised as an effective tool for species identification. Nonetheless, species identification based on molecular approach is essential for discrimination of look-alike species. In this study, we focused on the marine fishes Family Nemipteridae, one of the commercially important group distributed within the surrounding seas of Malaysia. Some of the samples were collected during the National Demersal Trawl Survey in the Exclusive Economic Zone of East Coast Peninsular Malaysia by the Department of Fishery Malaysia. A 652bp region of COI was sequenced for 74 individuals from nine putative species. Additional 34 COI sequences from GenBank were also included in this study making the total number of samples analysed to 108 individuals. The average Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) nucleotide divergence was 0.34% among individuals within species and 6.97% within genera. All putative species formed monophyletic clades in both Neighbour-joining (NJ) and Maximum-likelihood (ML) trees. However, there was a potential misidentification in specimen identified as Nemipterus tambuloides, as the specimen did not group with their own taxa. It was genetically grouped in Nemipterus thosaporni clade. This study supports the effectiveness of COI gene in species discrimination of Family Nemipteridae.

scholarly journals The efficiency of universal mitochondrial DNA barcodes for species discrimination of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8755
Author(s):  
Adrian Kannan ◽  
Suganiya Rama Rao ◽  
Shyamala Ratnayeke ◽  
Yoon-Yen Yow
Keyword(s):  
16S Rdna ◽  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Species Discrimination ◽  
Pomacea Canaliculata ◽  
Agricultural Wetlands ◽  
Barcoding Gap ◽  
Species Specific

Invasive apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata, have a widespread distribution globally and are regarded as devastating pests of agricultural wetlands. The two species are morphologically similar, which hinders species identification via morphological approaches and species-specific management efforts. Advances in molecular genetics may contribute effective diagnostic tools to potentially resolve morphological ambiguity. DNA barcoding has revolutionized the field of taxonomy by providing an alternative, simple approach for species discrimination, where short sections of DNA, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in particular, are used as ‘barcodes’ to delineate species boundaries. In our study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of two mitochondrial markers, the COI and 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) markers for DNA barcoding of P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The COI and 16S rDNA sequences of 40 Pomacea specimens collected from six localities in Peninsular Malaysia were analyzed to assess their barcoding performance using phylogenetic methods and distance-based assessments. The results confirmed both markers were suitable for barcoding P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The phylogenies of the COI and 16S rDNA markers demonstrated species-specific monophyly and were largely congruent with the exception of one individual. The COI marker exhibited a larger barcoding gap (6.06–6.58%) than the 16S rDNA marker (1.54%); however, the magnitude of barcoding gap generated within the barcoding region of the 16S rDNA marker (12-fold) was bigger than the COI counterpart (approximately 9-fold). Both markers were generally successful in identifying P. canaliculata and P. maculata in the similarity-based DNA identifications. The COI + 16S rDNA concatenated dataset successfully recovered monophylies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata but concatenation did not improve individual datasets in distance-based analyses. Overall, although both markers were successful for the identification of apple snails, the COI molecular marker is a better barcoding marker and could be utilized in various population genetic studies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document