Mitochondrial DNA detects Arctonyx collaris from burnt body parts: a wildlife forensic case study in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

The greater hog badger, Arctonyx collaris is a venerable and widely distributed terrestrial carnivore mammal in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The population of A. collaris has largely declined in its range distribution due to the habitat loss and bushmeat crisis. The present study identified the amorphous burnt body parts of a mammal as A. collaris, through mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequences. The mustelids carnivores (family Mustelidae) with 51 species showed 0–3.03% intraspecies genetic distance in the present dataset. Further, the generated sequences of A. collaris from Manipur state showed notable genetic distance (2 and 3.5%) in comparison with Thailand and Vietnam specimens, which assumed to be a distinct meta-population in northeast India. However, additional genetic information of this carnivore mammal from the wide geographical area might be helpful for estimating their population structure and conservation genetics. The similar approach with different molecular markers would be useful in wildlife forensics by identifying the species, track the trade route, and also find the native population of many abused animals.