CCMB LaCONES
Definition
Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. CSIR institute that handles DNA-based species identification and individualisation, especially for tigers and lesser cats.
- Full name
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species
- Parent body
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad
- Affiliation
- CSIR institute
- Specialty
- DNA-based species identification and individualisation, tigers and lesser cats
Common questions
What kind of casework does LaCONES typically support in India?+
It provides DNA analysis for wildlife crime cases under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, such as identifying species from seized skins, bones or meat, and individualising samples to link evidence to a specific poached animal.
Why is species-level DNA identification often necessary in wildlife cases?+
Seized material such as processed meat, powdered bone or tanned hide can be visually unidentifiable, so DNA barcoding or species-specific markers are needed to confirm whether a protected species is involved and to support charges under wildlife legislation.
Related terms
- CITES Appendices I/II/III
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Appendix I: no commercial international trade (tiger, Indian rhino). Appendix II: trade regulated by permit....
- COI Barcoding
- DNA-based species identification using a standard 658 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Sequences are matched against reference...
- Cyt-B Barcoding
- PCR amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. The standard marker for species identification of mammals from skin, hair, bone or...
- NTCA
- National Tiger Conservation Authority. Statutory body under WLPA (2006 amendment) that administers Project Tiger and the network of 50-plus tiger reserves.
- Schedules I to VI (Pre-2022) / I to IV (Post-2022)
- Lists appended to the WLPA that classify species by level of protection. Schedule I species (tiger, rhino, pangolin, snow leopard) receive absolute...
- WCCB
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Statutory multi-disciplinary body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), created by the 2006 amendment...
- WII Dehradun
- Wildlife Institute of India. Autonomous MoEFCC institution. Houses the Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, the country's central wildlife forensic facility. Maintains...
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WLPA)
- Central Indian statute that regulates protection of wild animals, birds and plants. Provides for Schedules of species, sanctuaries, national parks, the WCCB...