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Individual identification of sika deer (Cervus nippon) using short tandem repeat analysis for investigating illegal carcass disposal in Japan

  • 0Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
Plos One +

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April 17, 2025

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April 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

DNA analysis using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers can identify individual Japanese sika deer. This study developed an STR database for sika deer, crucial for wildlife forensics and legal compliance in Japan.

Area Of Science

  • Wildlife forensics
  • Population genetics
  • Molecular biology

Background

  • Japanese sika deer populations are managed through hunting to mitigate crop damage.
  • Legal requirements mandate proper disposal of hunted deer carcasses, but illegal abandonment is prevalent.
  • Individual identification of abandoned deer carcasses is necessary to enforce regulations and identify offenders.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis for individual identification of Japanese sika deer.
  • To establish an STR database for sika deer in Japan.
  • To assess the discriminatory power of selected STR markers for forensic applications.

Main Methods

  • Construction of an STR database for Japanese sika deer.
  • Evaluation of STR markers using a cattle genotyping kit (Bovine Genotypes Panel 3.1) and specific sika deer STR markers.
  • Analysis of polymorphism at six STR loci and two sika deer STR markers.

Main Results

  • Polymorphism was observed at six STR loci from the cattle kit and two sika deer STR markers.
  • Three STR loci (CSSM019, TGLA53, ETH10) demonstrated a coincidence rate of 7.63 × 10⁻⁴.
  • This rate was deemed sufficient for reliable individual identification within the sika deer population.

Conclusions

  • STR analysis is a viable method for the individual identification of Japanese sika deer.
  • The developed STR database and identified markers are valuable tools for wildlife forensics and enforcing hunting regulations.
  • This study provides a foundation for applying DNA analysis in managing sika deer populations and addressing illegal carcass disposal.