Science & Justice
Volume 49, Issue 3 , Pages 205-209, September 2009

Identification of mongoose (Genus: Herpestes) species from hair through band pattern studies using discriminate functional analysis (DFA) and microscopic examination

  • Vivek Sahajpal

      Affiliations

    • Wildlife Forensic laboratory, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box#18, Dehradoon-248001, India
    • ,
  • S.P. Goyal

      Affiliations

    • Wildlife Forensic laboratory, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box#18, Dehradoon-248001, India
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +91 135 2640111 115x224; fax: +91 135 2640117.
    • ,
  • R. Raza

      Affiliations

    • Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box#18, Dehradoon-248001, India
    • ,
  • R. Jayapal

      Affiliations

    • Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box#18, Dehradoon-248001, India

Received 17 May 2008; received in revised form 21 August 2008; accepted 22 September 2008. published online 22 December 2008.

Abstract 

India is home to seven species of mongoose (Herpestes sp). Mongooses are being poached primarily for their hair, which is used in the production of painting and shaving brushes. Prior to September 2002, mongooses were listed under Schedule-IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (India). Indiscriminate poaching of the mongoose created an immediate threat to their survival and hence mongooses have now been placed under Schedule-II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act-1972 (India). In order to convict a person under this legislation, species identification of case related samples is necessary. Four species of mongoose i.e. H. edwardsii, H. smithii, H. palustris and H. urva were characterised by performing discriminate functional analysis (DFA) on measurements of their dorsal guard hair banding pattern and by microscopic hair characteristics (Cuticular, medullar and cross section). It was possible to distinguish between the four species studied, based on both these methods.

Keywords: Cuticle, Medulla, Cross sections, Discriminate functional analysis, Forensic

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PII: S1355-0306(08)00118-4

doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2008.09.002

Science & Justice
Volume 49, Issue 3 , Pages 205-209, September 2009

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