UrsaPlex: An STR multiplex for forensic identification of North American black bear (Ursus americanus).

UrsaPlex is a forensic quality 5-dye multiplexed tetranucleotide STR and sex identification panel for individual genetic identification of North American black bears (Ursus americanus). The panel is validated for the identification of black bears involved in human-wildlife conflict events and poaching investigations. This is the first single multiplex panel composed solely of tetranucleotide STRs derived from black bear and bear-specific sex markers.

Can fatty acid and mineral compositions of sturgeon eggs distinguish between farm-raised versus wild white (Acipenser transmontanus) sturgeon origins in California? Preliminary report.

The objective was to investigate the potential of using fatty acid and mineral compositions of sturgeon eggs to distinguish their source, either farm-raised or wild fish. Trafficking of illegally obtained wild white sturgeon eggs is a major concern to the California Department of Fish and Game, but there is no forensic method to separate wild and farm-raised white sturgeon eggs. The extension of these findings in future work will be to use the fatty acid and mineral compositions as forensic indicators of caviar produced legally from farm raised sturgeon compared with illegal caviar produced from sturgeon poached from the wild.

Inheritance of microsatellite loci in the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus).

Nine tetramer motif (GATA)n microsatellite systems were developed for use in the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus. We report inheritance patterns for these nine systems, which range from one possible disomic system to tetrasomy and octosomy, with some systems containing null alleles. Because of the complex modes of inheritance underlying these systems and the highly duplicated nature of the genome, we propose each allele be scored as its own dominant marker, similar to AFLPs or RAPDs.