Forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) for species and subspecies of genus Prionailurus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) through mitochondrial genes (12SrRNA and cytochrome b) by using old taxidermy samples

Abstract

Genus Prionailurus comprises four species, i.e. Leopard cat, Rusty spotted cat, Fishing cat, Flat-headed cat, listed under IUCN as threatened species except P. bengalensis. In U.S.A., P. bengalensis is listed as Endangered. Subspecies of P. bengalensis, i.e. iriomotensis is listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN since 2008. The present study describes the use of two markers 12SrRNA and cytochrome b genes to differentiate the three species and three subspecies of Prionailurus. Old taxidermy samples (three skin samples) of P. viverrinus and P.b. horsfieldi were used from India for the study. The study done by using DNAsp v5, MEGA 6.0, and Network 5.0.0.1, proved that both gene markers are useful for differentiating the species and subspecies of Prionailurus. This study is also the first study to present forensically informative nucleotide sequence (FINS) for three species and three subspecies of Prionailurus.