The development of multiplex STR panels for the identification of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)

• Published in: Forensic science international. Animals and environments Vol. 3; p. 100062
• Main Authors: Wostenberg, Darren J., Burnham-Curtis, Mary K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aquila chrysaetos; Bald eagle; Golden eagle; Haliaeetus leucocephalus; Species identification; STR multiplex; Bald eagle; STR multiplex; Aquila chrysaetos; Golden eagle; Species identification; Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• ISSN: 2666-9374; 2666-9374
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsiae.2022.100062

The ability to reliably genotype individual bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) samples has proven to be a valuable forensic tool for investigations of illegal trafficking of eagle feathers and body parts. Twenty STR loci were assembled into three optimized multiplex STR panels. The three STR multiplex PCRs include loci ranging from dinucleotide to pentanucleotide motifs, and both monomorphic and polymorphic amplification. The number of alleles for bald eagles ranged 1–5 (14 polymorphic loci), and the number of alleles for golden eagles ranged from 1 to 11 (16 polymorphic loci). Bald and golden eagles shared alleles at 5 loci, the other 15 loci yielding alleles characteristic of each species. These multiplex panels will be useful in wildlife law enforcement investigations in which eagle feathers and body parts can be identified to species and individuals matched to link a crime scene and eagle victim to a suspect. •Twenty STR loci were assembled and optimized into three multiplex PCR panels.•The variability of STR loci is capable of distinguishing between bald eagles and golden eagles.•Genotypic data from STR panels can determine individual identity and match forensic samples.•Assist the development of a database capable of determining population structure and regional provenance.