A rapid allelic discrimination real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay has been developed for the confirmation of lion (Panthera leo) or tiger (P. tigris) DNA. The method includes a low cost allele specific PCR assay designed for each SNP variant where the genotype is determined by incorporation and subsequent fluorescence of FAM or HEX following PCR. The described method was able to accurately and rapidly distinguish between the two species, and all three mitochondrial regions (16S, 12S and control region) performed equally well. The proposed real-time PCR assay can be applied for the accurate confirmation of either lion or tiger DNA that could be used by law enforcement agencies around the world as a tool to monitor illegal trade of tiger bones.

已经开发出一种快速的等位基因鉴别实时聚合酶链反应（qPCR）分析法，用于确认狮子（Panthera leo）或老虎（P. tigris）DNA。该方法包括为每个SNP变异体设计的低成本等位基因特异性PCR分析法，其中基因型由PCR之后FAM或HEX的掺入和随后的荧光确定。所描述的方法能够准确，快速地区分两个物种，并且所有三个线粒体区域（16S，12S和控制区域）均表现良好。所建议的实时PCR分析法可用于狮子或老虎DNA的准确确认，世界各地的执法机构都可以将其用作监视老虎骨头非法交易的工具。