Forensic DNA profiling of Cervus elaphus species in the United Kingdom

Following the immense impact that human DNA profiling has had upon forensic investigations, many researchers and commercial organisations are now expanding the technology to allow for interrogation of additional species. In the United Kingdom illegal poaching of Cervuselaphus (red deer) species is threatening the welfare of this indigenous protected animal. This project has been designed to identify and test STR markers for the individualisation of red deer species residing in Grizedale Forest, Cumbria, UK, to aid the investigation of this crime. Muscle tissue samples have been collected from 156 red deer to provide a source of DNA for this project. Of a potential 57 STR markers identified during this project, 16 markers, displaying forensically important characteristics have been selected for further investigation. Eight of these loci have been characterised by direct sequencing multiplex PCR systems have been designed for their co-amplification.