What is it about?
Each year on average, 2.3 million individuals (mainly small migratory birds) are trapped illegally on the island and often served at restaurants. Consequently, reliable identification of specimens from processed tissues can be crucial for undertaking legal actions. DNA barcoding of the large majority of bird species resident in Cyprus plus several migrants that were illegally captured was carried out to support local authorities in their anti-poaching actions.
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Why is it important?
The created DNA barcoding database provides a tool to compare wildlife forensic evidence, enabling Cypriot enforcement authorities to come with conclusive evidence regardless of whether suspects were caught in the act or not. Furthermore, the ability to identify plucked, processed or cooked birds can strongly contribute to the reduction of poaching for increasing income, since some restaurants are an important component of the illegal market. DNA-based specimen identification will allow for more effective investigation of local restaurant owners and trappers possessing plucked birds. Thus, the use of DNA barcoding as a forensic investigative tool may represent an effective deterrent for anyone that might possess protected species.
Perspectives
A DNA database enabling reliable, fast and cost-effective identification of bird samples was made available after our publication. Following the proposed protocols DNA can be successfully amplified from ill-preserved samples such as shed feathers, biological traces (blood), even human-processed tissue (cooked or preserved in vinegar). Hence, DNA barcoding can facilitate local authorities in their anti-poaching actions.
Mr Andreas C Dimitriou
University of Cyprus
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: DNA barcoding of bird species in Cyprus: a tool for conservation purposes, Bird Conservation International, January 2017, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0959270916000472.
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