Molecular sexing of Panthera onca and Puma concolor (Mammalia, Felidae) for forensic purposes

Resumo

The jaguar (Panthera onca) and the puma (Puma concolor) are, respectively, the first and second largest felids in the Americas. Although protected by law, both species face significant threats in Brazil, including habitat loss and illegal hunting. In this context, tools that help authorities responsible for monitoring and investigating crimes involving these two big cats are of great importance, including molecular sexing protocols. In forensic investigations, these protocols can clarify aspects of wildlife crime cases and may influence the penalties applied to offenders. Previous studies have demonstrated that SRY-based protocols are efficient for sex determination in many species. The main objectives of this study were to test for P. onca and P. concolor a simple molecular sexing protocol previously described for other mammal species and to apply it in bones and teeth samples received for analysis by the Brazilian Federal Police DNA Laboratory. The protocols were successful and determined the sex of all samples, confirming the utility of the SRY region for this purpose and demonstrating the applicability of the proposed method to jaguars and pumas.

 

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