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The evidential value of an mtDNA match between biological remains and their potential donor is determined by the random match probability of the haplotype. This probability is based on the haplotype’s population frequency estimate. Consequently, implementing a population study representative of the population relevant to a forensic case is vital to correctly evaluating the evidence. The emerging number of poaching cases and the limited availability of such data emphasizes the need for an improved fallow deer mtDNA population databank for forensic purposes, including targeting the entire mitochondrial control region. By sequencing a 945-base-pair-long segment of the mitochondrial control region in 138 animals from five populations in Hungary, we found four different haplotypes, including one which had not yet been described. Our results, supplemented with data already available from previous research, do not support the possibility of determining the population of origin, although some patterns of geographical separation can be distinguished. Estimates of molecular diversity indicate similarly low mtDNA diversity (Hd = 0.565 and π = 0.002) compared to data from other countries. The calculated random match probability of 0.547 shows a high probability of coincidence and, therefore, a limited capacity for exclusion. Our results indicate that despite the overall low genetic diversity of mtDNA within the Hungarian fallow deer samples, a pattern of differentiation among the regions is present, which can have relevance from a forensic point of view.

The causal relationship between human interference in both climate change and decrease in biodiversity is unquestionable. This fact supports the need to act effectively against those illegal activities affecting wildlife. Hungary is also involved in wildlife crimes, but there is a noticeable deficit in the processes of uncovering these actions, gathering proof and punishing those responsible. In this study the Authors examine what role forensics may play in the fight against wildlife crime. Aim: Present the characteristics of wildlife crimes and outline the main features of wildlife forensics. Methodology: The current national and international legal background and norms and guidelines for professional conduct are surveyed. The Authors also reviewed the most important relevant Hungarian and international scientific literature. Findings: One of the most important and vital tasks of modern civilization is the preservation and protection of the environment – with an emphasis on life on Earth. As part of this process there is a place for law enforcement to detect, punish and prevent further criminal activity connected with illegal activities involving wildlife. In Hungary the major barriers to effective punishment of those responsible for wildlife crimes are primarily: the lack of forensic technicians with sufficient specialized knowledge and practice; missing specialized standard operational protocols; insufficient knowledge of biology within law enforcement; insufficient funding of non-human genetic laboratories and the lack of adequate non-human (genetic) databases. Value: For the first time in Hungary, the Authors outline the basic characteristics of wildlife forensics.

A klímaváltozás és a biodiverzitás csökkenése, valamint az emberi beavatkozás közötti ok-okozati összefüggés megkérdőjelezhetetlen. Ez a tény indokolja, hogy a vadvilágot sújtó illegális cselekmények ellen hatékonyan kell fellépni. A vadvilági bűnözés Magyarországot is érinti, ugyanakkor a cselekmények felderítése, bizonyítása és az elkövetők felelősségre vonása kívánni valót hagy maga után. A tanulmányban azt vizsgáljuk, hogy a vadvilági bűnözéssel szembeni harcban milyen szerepe lehet a kriminalisztikának. Cél: A vadvilágot érintő bűncselekmények jellemzőinek bemutatása, a vadvilági kriminalisztika jellemzőinek felvázolása. Módszertan: A tanulmány elkészítéséhez a hatályos nemzetközi és nemzeti jogi normákat, szakmai szabályokat tekintettük át. Feldolgoztuk továbbá a téma releváns nemzetközi és hazai szakirodalmát. Megállapítások: A modern civilizáció egyik legfontosabb és legégetőbb feladata a környezetünk – benne elsődleges fontossággal az élővilág – megóvása és védelme. Ebben a folyamatban szerepe van annak is, hogy a vadvilágot ért illegális cselekményeket a büntető hatalom felderítse, megbüntesse, és a további kriminális magatartásokat megelőzze. Hazánkban a vadvilági bűncselekmények elkövetőinek büntetőjogi felelősségre vonását elsősorban a speciális szakismerettel rendelkező bűnügyi technikusok hiánya, a hiányzó speciális szakmai protokollok, a jogalkalmazók hiányos biológiai ismeretei, a forenzikus nem emberi genetikai laboratóriumok nem megfelelő finanszírozása, a forenzikus standardoknak megfelelő nem emberi (genetikai) adatbankok hiánya akadályozza. Érték: A szerzők Magyarországon elsőként vázolják fel a vadvilági bűnözés kriminalisztikájának alapvető jellemzőit.

The fallow deer (Dama dama) represents significant game management value globally, and human activities are significantly impacting the species. Besides the positive effects, these activities can threaten its existence, health, and value. The aim of the authors was to develop a tetranucleotide microsatellite panel that could be clearly interpreted and used for genetic testing of fallow deer. Such a panel did not exist until now and could be particularly useful in the field of conservation genetics and forensics. A total of 99 tetrameric microsatellites, originally designed for related deer species, were tested on 20 fallow deer individuals from five Hungarian sampling areas. Original and newly designed primers were used to amplify the microsatellite regions using previously published or optimized PCR protocols. The lengths and sequences of specific amplicons were detected using capillary electrophoresis, and the rate of polymorphism was determined. Altogether, 80 markers provided PCR products of adequate quality and quantity. Among them, 15 markers proved to be polymorphic (2–5 alleles/locus), and 14 tetrameric markers were selected for further analysis. Statistical calculations showed that the selected polymorphic microsatellites can potentially enable key individualization in many areas of wildlife and population genetics, thus protecting the species.

The aim of our research was the evaluation of the maternal genetic background of two Hungarian autochthonous sheep breeds of different geographical origin. A major argument for the preservation of endangered animal breeds is their documented past and historical importance. These also include the registration of pedigree data. This is the first study to evaluate and compare Tsigai and Cikta sheep in Hungary. Our investigation is based on two complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b gene and control region). Our research was performed on these two sheep breeds with markedly different breed histories and breed characteristics to determine a possible common maternal genetic background, as ultimately the origin of both breeds can be traced back to Asia Minor. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 203 biological samples were taken using a newly introduced founder sampling method. We found that the prevailing haplogroup B accounted for over 80% of both breeds, strengthening the common ancestral root. However, the pairwise genetic differentiation estimates (KST) calculated using the sequence-based statistics for cytochrome b gene and control region were 0.034 and 0.021, respectively (both at level p < 0.05); thus, revealing genetic differentiation in both sequences between the Tsigai and Cikta. We note that the known different history of the breeds is clearly justified by the currently studied deviations in their maternal genetic background.

Molecular sexing techniques are widely applied in conservation biology, although the range of forensically validated methods is fairly limited. The primary aim of this work was to develop forensically validated assays, using two PCR panels for sex and species assignment for the abundant antlered European game species: red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama). Segments of the SRY and Amelogenin X/Y genes for sex determination, additionally species-specific cytochrome b regions for species detection were targeted and separately amplified in two multiplex reactions. These assays can reliably analyze trace amounts of DNA. The results of both can easily be visualized and interpreted practically, either on agarose gel or by capillary electrophoresis. These simple, fast molecular assays are able to affect the early-stage resolution of disputed or unsolved poaching cases, without the need of individualization or sequencing of forensic samples.

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)