Database Gap
Definition
The absence of morphological reference data or molecular barcode sequences for the taxa encountered in trade, particularly tropical invertebrates, many freshwater fish, and under-described plant species.
- Field
- Wildlife forensics, species identification
- Affected groups
- Tropical invertebrates, freshwater fish, under-described plants
- Missing
- Morphological reference data and molecular barcodes
- Consequence
- Trade species may be unidentifiable to species level
Common questions
Why does a database gap complicate prosecution of wildlife trafficking cases?+
If no reference morphological or DNA barcode record exists for the specific species in a seized specimen, an examiner may only be able to identify it to genus or family level, which can weaken a charge that depends on proving trade in a specifically protected species rather than a related but unprotected one.
How do forensic scientists work around a database gap when reference data for a species is missing?+
They may rely on closely related reference sequences to bracket a probable identification, collaborate with taxonomic specialists to newly describe or barcode the specimen, or build case-specific reference material from voucher specimens, all of which take time and can delay case resolution compared to matching against an existing complete database.
Related terms
- Barcode of Life Database (BOLD)
- An online reference library of DNA barcode sequences (primarily COI gene) linked to voucher specimens in natural history collections. Used to identify...
- Reference Slide Library
- A curated collection of prepared microscopy slides (hair scale casts, feather cross-sections, bone histology sections) from verified species, maintained for comparison against...
- USFWS National Wildlife Forensics Laboratory
- The US federal wildlife forensics laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. Holds over 40,000 reference specimens and provides identification services for US enforcement cases...
- Voucher Specimen
- A preserved specimen formally deposited in a collection or retained in the case file as a permanent reference. In forensic entomology, the...
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- India's primary national natural history collection and taxonomic research institution, providing comparative specimens and taxonomic expertise for wildlife forensic identification in South...