Using blood and non-invasive shed skin samples to identify sex of caenophidian snakes based on multiplex PCR assay

摘要: Abstract Molecular sexing is routinely used in the fields of forensic investigations, population genetics and conservation biology. However, none assays so far allows non-ambiguous, quick, cheap sex identification snakes. Here, we designed a new multiplex PCR (two panels triplex) assay using two homologous loci on chromosomes (snake gametologous genes), CTNNB1Z/CTNNB1W WACZ/WACW, combined female-specific CTNNB1W loci. This method was successfully tested 81 samples from 17 caenophidian snakes, but not for 20 5 henophidian suggesting that this applicable across all snake tested. Moreover, results validation study comprising sensitivity, specificity, blind test, casework with blood spots filter paper shed skin as non-invasive sample confirmed effectiveness perspective. The represents robust, cheap, rapid, simple which should also prove useful unknown bodies carcass. efficient benefit wildlife laboratories registered breeders to conform regulations or certification commercial trade, boost profits snake-breeders conservationist snake-breeding communities.