Forensic Identification of Wild Ungulate Species via Mitochondrial Cytochrome C oxidase Gene Analysis

The identification of wild animal species is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and the prevention of illegal wildlife trade and poaching. Wild ungulates are highly susceptible to poaching, making it essential to develop reliable and authentic methods for identifying species from biological samples. By using mitochondrial DNA barcoding techniques, particularly targeting the Cytochrome c Oxidase gene , it offers an effective method for the accurate identification of species involved in poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The application of this technique in India and potentially in other countries can greatly assist in strengthening wildlife conservation efforts , combatting illegal wildlife trade , and providing robust evidence for legal authorities. Furthermore, it contributes to global efforts to document and preserve the genetic diversity of wild ungulates and other species.