Inauguration of Next Generation Sequencing Facility

Protocols for amplification of DNA from scat samples of lions (Panthera leo persica) and tigers (Panthera tigris) were standardized and 13 micro-satellite loci were amplified. This component Conservation Genetics laboratory of the study aims at understanding the genetic diversity amongst Gir lions and understanding the meta-population structure and population genetics amongst the tigers of central India.

Intensive scat collection from Kanha Tiger Reserve has also been undertaken for attempting population estimation through polymorphic micro-satellite loci and comparing it with mark-recapture estimates of camera trap data. DNA data from captured tigers (for telemetry study) is being used for kinship determination and estimating errors associated with scat amplified DNA analysis.