IDENTIFICATION OF THE SPECIES OF ORIGIN IN TRACE QUANTITIES OF BIOLOGICAL-MATERIAL

The use of DNA-based techniques for species identification from small amounts of biological material is increasing. In this paper we report the amplification and sequencing of part of the mitochondrial cytochro me b gene from dried blood found on an axe allegedly used by rhinocero s poachers. The axe-derived DNA was compared to white rhinoceros, cow and human DNA sequences, and found to be identical to cow DNA. Thus th is study highlights the application of DNA-based techniques in species identification from small amounts of biological material.