A PCR-RFLP Method for Distinguishing Closely Related Common Quail <i>(Coturnix coturnix)</i> and Japanese Quail <i>(Coturnix japonica)</i>: Forensics and Conservation Implications
The genus <i>Coturnix</i>, comprising migratory Old World quails, includes Common Quail <i>(Coturnix coturnix)</i> and Japanese Quail (<i>Coturnix japonica</i>), which are nearly indistinguishable morphologically. This similarity poses challenges in species identi...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Birds |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6004/6/2/28 |
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| Summary: | The genus <i>Coturnix</i>, comprising migratory Old World quails, includes Common Quail <i>(Coturnix coturnix)</i> and Japanese Quail (<i>Coturnix japonica</i>), which are nearly indistinguishable morphologically. This similarity poses challenges in species identification, leading to conservation issues such as the illegal trade of wild Common Quail in the name of farmed Japanese Quail. To address this issue, we employed two approaches: (1) mining species-specific short sequence repeats (SSRs) and (2) designing a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay targeting the <i>COX1</i> gene to distinguish these species. While SSR markers proved unreliable, the PCR-RFLP assay successfully distinguished between Common Quail and Japanese Quail, leveraging the unique BsaBI restriction site in the Common Quail <i>COX1</i> gene. This method demonstrated high specificity and reproducibility, offering a robust tool for forensic and conservation applications. Our findings provide a reliable, efficient, and accessible technique for wildlife managers and researchers to regulate the illegal trade of <i>Coturnix</i> quails and support conservation efforts. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-6004 |