MOLECULAR FORENSICS IN SILICO: DESIGNING LENGTH POLYMORPHISM BASED SPECIES IDENTIFIER FOLLOWED BY SPECIES-SPECIFIC PRIMERS FOR COW, TIGER, ELEPHANT AND RHINOCEROS

Vijendra Kumar^1*, Bhavya Pal2

1. (PhD), Department of Biotechnology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Haryana, India, 2. General Forensic Assistant, Delhi Police- Crime Branch, Delhi, India.

Corresponding Author: Vijendra Kumar, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Haryana, India, phone: +91 8506838198, Email: Vijendra.kumar@rcb.res.in

Citation: Vijendra Kumar, Bhavya Pal (2025). Molecular Forensics In Silico: Designing Length Polymorphism Based Species Identifier Followed By Species-Specific Primers For Cow, Tiger, Elephant And Rhinoceros. Eco Science Journal.2025 2(7).

Copyrights ©  2025, Vijendra Kumar. This article is licensed under the Creative Common Attribution-NonCommercial-4.0-international-License-(CCBY-NC).

Abstract: Identification of species of biological samples is necessary in forensic investigations, particularly wildlife and illegal meat related crimes. Existing tools and techniques, includes PCR-RFLP, sequencing, and spectroscopic methods, an effective technique but often limited by cost, technical complexity, or turnaround time. In this in-silico study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 21 mammalian species was analyzed to design a primer set (BV primer) capable of amplifying variable-length amplicon across various taxa provided preliminary species differentiation can be confirmed using restriction digestion pattern. To enhance resolution and forensic applicability, species-specific primers were further developed for Bos indicus, Panthera tigris, Elephas maximus, and Rhinoceros unicornis—species of high forensic relevance in India due to poaching or legal restrictions on cow slaughter. These primers possess amplification profiles unique for a species suitable for rapid and cost-effective identification. The approach reduces time, enhances reliability, and presents a scalable framework for developing additional species-specific primer sets, thereby strengthening forensic molecular tools for wildlife conservation and law enforcement.