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Vertical section of Bengal tiger skin: E-Epithelium, D-Dermis, Cl-Cluster of hair follicle, G-Primary Guard hair, C-Compound hair follicle, S-Sweat gland (Hematoxylin and Eosin 60).
Source publication
Background and Aim: Leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are carnivores. Leopard and Bengal tiger are listed in the red list as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources. Leopard cat and golden jackal ar...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... the epidermis, all layers of the stratified squamous epithelium, except stratum lucidum, were present (Figure-4). Cells of stratum basale were low columnar. ...
Context 2
... contained compound follicles (Figures-4 and 6). Dermis contained one large primary guard hair surrounded by three to seven compound follicles. ...
Context 3
... contained one large primary guard hair surrounded by three to seven compound follicles. Each compound follicle contained one to two coarse primary hair follicles; six to twenty fine secondary hair follicles and large saccular sebaceous glands (Figures-4 and 6). Fine elastic and collagen tissue fibers surrounded individual hair follicles within a compound follicle. ...
Context 4
... glands were observed in association with guard primary hair follicles and coarse primary hair follicles. Saccular apocrine type sweat glands were located deep in the dermis in association with primary hair follicle (Figure-4). The glands were lined by simple columnar cells and presented apical blebs. ...
Citations
... One of these purposes includes the trade of various animal-derived products, such as teeth, claws, or hides, which are highly sought after on the black market. The hides of animals from the genus Panthera, which includes many endangered species, are particularly valuable [7][8][9][10][11]. ...
Illegal wildlife trade is currently on the rise, and it is becoming one of the most lucrative crime sectors. The rarer the species, the higher the demand. Wildlife trade falls under international regulations, such as the CITES convention. Proving that this convention has been violated is a complex process and can be very difficult to do. DNA analysis methods remain (in many cases) the only way to determine whether a certain specimen originated from a protected animal species, a specific individual, or a species in which it is legal to trade. Tanned animal hides are a specific type of specimen. With this type of biological material, obtaining amplifiable DNA is often difficult. This pilot study aimed to map the effect of the chemicals used in the tanning process on the degradation of the DNA yielded from such samples. The DNA was quantified using two different approaches: qPCR and Qubit fluorometry. The degree of DNA fragmentation was assessed by determining the degradation index. The results indicate that reagents containing chromium have the greatest influence on DNA degradation. However, by using the presented protocol, enough amplifiable DNA can be obtained from hides treated with aluminum-based reagents.
... From visual data, the Sri Lankan Leopard's spot and rosette pattern was distinct from the other leopards [87]. The shapes, sizes, and formations of spot and rosette formations are unique to every leopard [35,88]. We also compared the spot and rosette formation of animals included in the analysis. ...
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endangered subspecies restricted to isolated and fragmented populations in Sri Lanka. Among them, melanistic leopards have been recorded on a few occasions. Literature suggests the evolution of melanism several times in the Felidae family, with three species having distinct mutations. Nevertheless, the mutations or other variations in the remaining species, including Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, are unknown. We used reference-based assembled nuclear genomes of Sri Lankan wild type and melanistic leopards and de novo assembled mitogenomes of the same to investigate the genetic basis, adaptive significance, and evolutionary history of the Sri Lankan melanistic leopard. Interestingly, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon-4 Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, which may completely ablate Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) function. The wild type leopards in Sri Lanka did not carry this mutation, suggesting the cause for the occurrence of melanistic leopords in the population. Comparative analysis of existing genomic data in the literature suggests it as a P. p. kotiya specific mutation and a novel mutation in the ASIP-gene of the Felidae family, contributing to naturally occurring colour polymorphism. Our data suggested the coalescence time of Sri Lankan leopards at ~0.5 million years, sisters to the Panthera pardus lineage. The genetic diversity was low in Sri Lankan leopards. Further, the P. p. kotiya melanistic leopard is a different morphotype of the P. p. kotiya wildtype leopard resulting from the mutation in the ASIP-gene. The ability of black leopards to camouflage, along with the likelihood of recurrence and transfer to future generations, suggests that this rare mutation could be environment-adaptable.
... In the Felidae, the patterns that are displayed on the flank and face are highly variable. These spots, rosettes, or strips are distinct to each individual [2]. Previous studies on the adaptive function of coat patterns have indicated that they are more likely for camouflage rather than for communication or physiological reasons [3]. ...
Citation: Wattegedera, M.; Silva, D.; Sooriyabandara, C.; Wimaladasa, P.; Siriwardena, R.; Piyasena, M.; Marasinghe, R.M.S.L.R.P.; Hathurusinghe, B.M.; Nilanthi, R.M.R.; Gunawardena, S.; et al. A Multi-Point Identification Approach for the Recognition of Individual Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya). Animals 2022, 12, 660. https://
... Tiger distribution pockets and the tiger sighting spot are classified using the software GIS ARC in 9.0 [36]. An epidemic layer of skin and different glands presents in tiger, leopard or golden jackal skin sample, this baseline data of skin sample study is an indispensable tool in wildlife forensics [37]. ...
Wildlife forensic is the implementation of the combined sciences, natural and cultural science. The court of law focused on the regulation of wildlife protection and conservation. Criminals that regulate illicit trade across nations and continents face the most significant threat. The tiger is the largest of all cats, the most iconic, and one of the most endangered. Due to its higher trading value, those animals are unlawfully slaughtered or poached for black-marketing, medical use and jewellery products. Tiger or leopard protection indirectly protects habitats and ecological health. By transmitting signals through vision, scent marks and voices, they are socially connected. Because of the dramatic reduction in tiger numbers, studying their behaviour habits is very difficult. Therefore, in this study, the Indian Leopard and Bengal Tigers [Felidae-family] are studied using the non-destructive approach through its claw nail markings. The transactional survey was the approach adopted for collecting data-signs of tiger nail bruises. This review focuses on the study of their behavioural habits and extensively study them for their conservation.
