Mini-SNaPshot multiplex assays authenticate elephant ivory and simultaneously identify the species origin

Area of Science:

• Wildlife Forensics
• Molecular Biology
• Conservation Genetics

Background:

• Illegal ivory trade drives elephant population decline.
• Thailand is a major hub for laundering African elephant ivory.
• Accurate species identification is crucial for combating poaching and smuggling.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and validate a mini-SNaPshot multiplex assay for elephant ivory identification.
• Enable species identification from confiscated and low DNA template ivory products.
• Support wildlife forensic investigations and legal prosecutions.

Main Methods:

• Identified informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences.
• Developed a mini-SNaPshot multiplex assay using seven validated SNPs.
• Tested the assay's performance on confiscated ivory and low DNA template samples.

Main Results:

• The assay achieved a 99.29% success rate on 140 samples.
• Demonstrated 100% identification accuracy with no cross-reactivity to other mammalian DNA.
• Confirmed compatibility with nested and direct PCR amplification.

Conclusions:

• The developed mini-SNaPshot assay is efficient, accurate, and reproducible for elephant ivory identification.
• This assay is a valuable tool for wildlife forensic laboratories.
• The assay will aid in combating illegal ivory trade and prosecuting related crimes.