Who is who? Identification of livestock predators using forensic genetic approaches

摘要: Molecular identifications of salivary DNA are increasingly applied in wildlife forensic investigations, and successfully used to identify unknown livestock predators, or elucidate cases large carnivore attacks humans. In Europe most predations attributed wolves (Canis lupus), thought free-ranging dogs sometime the responsible, false declared by breeders obtain compensations. this study we analyzed 33 samples collected from carcasses 13 sheep a horse presumably predated seven farms central Italy. Reliable individual genotypes were determined 18 (corresponding nine horse) using 12 unlinked autosomal microsatellites, mtDNA control-region sequences, male-specific ZFX/ZFY restriction-site four Y-linked microsatellites. Results indicate that eight animals killed five (a male different females), ninth female dog while was post-mortem consumed dog. The genotype one wolf matched with genetic profile non-invasively sampled 4 years before same area near predation remains. Genetic always supported results veterinary reports. These findings show genotyping, together detailed field necropsy reports, provides evidence which helps correctly species, gender profiles thus contributing clarify attack dynamics evaluate impact on husbandry.