Illegal hunting cases detected with molecular forensics in Brazil.

Alexandra Sanches,Paola M Tokumoto,Tamissa G Godoi,Cristiane Pelizzon,Fernando L Nunes,Wellington Am Peres,Carolina S Carvalho,Mauro Galetti,Mariana St Gotardi

doi:10.1186/2041-2223-3-17

Abstract

BackgroundIllegal hunting is one of the major threats to vertebrate populations in tropical regions. This unsustainable practice has serious consequences not only for the target populations, but also for the dynamics and structure of tropical ecosystems. Generally, in cases of suspected illegal hunting, the only evidence available is pieces of meat, skin or bone. In these cases, species identification can only be reliably determined using molecular technologies. Here, we reported an investigative study of three cases of suspected wildlife poaching in which molecular biology techniques were employed to identify the hunted species from remains of meat.FindingsBy applying cytochrome b (cyt-b) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) molecular markers, the suspected illegal poaching was confirmed by the identification of three wild species, capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) and Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus). In Brazil, hunting is a criminal offense, and based on this evidence, the defendants were found guilty and punished with fines; they may still be sentenced to prison for a period of 6 to 12 months.ConclusionsThe genetic analysis used in this investigative study was suitable to diagnose the species killed and solve these criminal investigations. Molecular forensic techniques can therefore provide an important tool that enables local law enforcement agencies to apprehend illegal poachers.

Highlights

Illegal hunting is one of the major threats to vertebrate populations in tropical regions
The genetic analysis used in this investigative study was suitable to diagnose the species killed and solve these criminal investigations
We reported an investigative study of three suspected offenses of wildlife poaching

Summary

Introduction

Illegal hunting is one of the major threats to vertebrate populations in tropical regions. In July 2010, based on suspected illegal hunting, a wildlife inspector of the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) seized and sent us biltong samples of a mammal species (MAM1) (Figure 1). Along with MAM1, we received a second meat sample, which was removed from the wings of an unidentified bird species (BIRD; case 2) (Figure 1). In February 2011, we received a mammal meat sample (MAM2) taken by another wildlife inspector of IBAMA.

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