The selection of a standard STR panel for DNA profiling of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Kenya

Abstract

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) population in Kenya is declining at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction, human-elephant conflicts and the current escalation of poaching for ivory. This study established a standard protocol for forensic analysis of L. africana and their products such as ivory. Three multiplex PCR panels consisting of 17 Short Tandem Repeat markers were selected from 40 markers using bioinformatics tools, amplification and polymorphism. Genotyping was successful and reproducible. This method is efficient, accurate and cost effective and has potential for application in conservation of L. africana.