A new multiplex qPCR assay to detect and differentiate big cat species in the illegal wildlife trade.

ABSTRACT: All species of big cats, including tigers, cheetahs, leopards, lions, snow leopards, and jaguars, are protected under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This is due in large part to population declines resulting from anthropogenic factors, especially poaching and the unregulated and illegal trade in pelts, bones, teeth and other products that are derived from these iconic species. To enhance and scale up monitoring for big cat products in this trade, we created a rapid multiplex qPCR test that can identify and differentiate DNA from tiger (Panthera tigris), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), leopard (Panthera pardus), lion (Panthera leo), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and jaguar (Panthera onca) in wildlife products using melt curve analysis to identify each

SUBMITTER: Henger CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10275956 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature