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Published on: March 13, 2011
DNA profiling of shahtoosh
James Chun-I Lee1, Li-Chin Tsai, Chung-Yu Yang
1Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Electrophoresis
|August 5, 2006
Summary
DNA profiling of shahtoosh shawls can identify Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) wool. This method aids in detecting illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species like the Tibetan Antelope.
Area of Science:
- Conservation genetics
- Wildlife forensics
Background:
- Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) populations are declining due to illegal poaching for shahtoosh wool.
- Shahtoosh, made from fine Tibetan Antelope wool, is highly valued, leading to endangerment and CITES Appendix I listing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a DNA profiling method for identifying Tibetan Antelope wool in shahtoosh products.
- To establish a reliable test for detecting P. hodgsonii in confiscated items.
Main Methods:
- DNA was extracted from two shahtoosh samples and ten comparative wool samples (sheep, cashmere, pashmina).
- A 271 bp fragment of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene was amplified using specific primers.
- Amplified DNA fragments were sequenced and compared to GenBank and EMBL databases.
Main Results:
- DNA typing successfully identified the species of origin for all wool samples.
- Sequencing confirmed high homology with known cyt b genes of P. hodgsonii, Capra hircus, and Ovis aries.
- Sufficient DNA was present in finished shahtoosh wool for successful typing.
Conclusions:
- A DNA profiling method using the cyt b gene can unambiguously identify Tibetan Antelope wool in shahtoosh.
- This technique is a plausible tool for identifying CITES-protected species and combating illegal wildlife trade.
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