Rapid, field-based screening for chital (Axis axis) DNA in illegal meat markets

The Bangladesh Sundarbans are a globally significant ecosystem for biodiversity conservation. However, illegal hunting has resulted in the extinction of a number of species and threatens the persistence of many others, including the chital deer (Axis axis). Wildlife officials are able to easily recognise chital hides by their distinctive markings, but the meat of this protected species is much harder to identify. Here, we describe a genetic method to detect chital DNA in meat products confiscated from market traders.