Work

Integrated wildlife forensics and systematics identify a confiscated specimen of Yunnan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista yunanensis) seized in Sikkim, India: a case study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The present study was conducted as part of a forensic investigation following an integrated taxonomy approach which provides novel genetic evidence of the Yunnan Giant Flying Squirrel ( Petaurista yunanensis ) from India. We sequenced two partial mitochondrial genes (Cyt b and 16 S rRNA) that showed > 96% sequence similarity and lowest genetic distance (0.040) with P. yunanensis . The Bayesian based phylogenetic analysis revealed paraphyly and ~ 2.19 million years’ divergence with P. yunanensis indicating the occurrence of a distinct phylogenetic lineage. The morphological examination of pelage and cranio-dental features also coincided with the genetic inferences. The principal component analysis based on 25 cranial measurements across eight Petaurista species showed that the studied specimen showed a close morphometric affinity with P. albiventer and P. philippensis . The present study underscores the role of wildlife forensics in investigating illegal trade involving lesser-known taxa and suggests the possible occurrence of P. yunanensis in India, as evidenced by its seizure in a village area. This study also highlights the role of molecular forensics in wildlife trade investigations in lesser-known taxa involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.

Source: Discover Conservation

DOI: 10.1007/s44353-026-00094-y