NCJ Number
223108
Journal
Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 190-197
Date Published
June 2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the development of forensic DNA typing tests and databases for mule deer in the Province of Alberta, in order to facilitate the investigation of illegal killings of this highly prized big game animal.
Abstract
This project produced a set of forensic DNA-typing tests and databases for mule deer that are appropriate for the analysis of evidence for legal purposes in the Province of Alberta. This assists in linking mule-deer DNA found at the scene of an illegal killing to the DNA of mule deer found in the possession of the offender. The study found levels of genetic variation that were similar to other wild deer population, no indication of the existence of reproductively isolated or inbred populations of mule deer, and no indication of any barriers to gene flow. Consequently, no change to management of the studied population is suggested. Three mule deer populations were used in the study for forensic databases. The locations of these databases were selected to cover a majority of the mule deer range within the Province, such that the number of samples was adequate to constitute a forensic database. Tissue samples were collected from hunter kills, animals found dead, and animals that were culled as part of a disease prevention program. This paper describes details of DNA processing, data analysis, and forensic calculations. 4 tables, 5 figures, and 30 references