Work

A novel molecular sexing method for greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) for reliable demographic assessments

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Accurate assessment of demographic parameters is crucial for conserving endangered species. The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicornis ), a sexually monomorphic species, lacks a validated molecular sexing protocol for diverse biological samples. This study established a multi-marker molecular sexing protocol using blood, tissue, horn, and dung samples from all wild populations in India. The optimized multiplex strategy that involves three sex-linked markers: ZF, AMESC, and TSRY, enabled simultaneous amplification of X-and Y-chromosome-specific fragments in degraded samples. Testing with 286 individual rhino samples from seven parks (5 blood, 180 tissue, seven horn, and 94 dung) led to a ∼92% (195 M: 69 F) success rate. Overall, this approach validates a molecular sexing protocol with increased reliability and fewer amplification failures, facilitating large-scale demographic studies. Future research should utilize this method to examine the sex ratio of all existing Indian rhino populations across their range, ensuring their future persistence and management.

Source: Wildlife Research

DOI: 10.1071/wr25105

Authors: Shrewshree Kumar, Tista Ghosh, Amit Sharma, Samrat Mondol

Institutions: Wildlife Institute of India, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, WWF-India

Language: English

Topic: Genetic diversity and population structure

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, WWF-India

OpenAlex ID: W4415943335