Generation of a sequence characterized amplified region probe for authentication of crocodilian species.

A 209-base pair (bp) crocodilian-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) was identified from a 425-bp randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment. The 209-bp SCAR was produced from amplifications of DNA extracted from fresh and/or dry meat samples from at least three species of Crocodylus, Caiman crocodylus, and Alligator mississippiensis. No amplification was observed from DNA of other common animal species. The use of SCAR opens the way for quick authentication of crocodilian samples for conservation biology and trade regulation. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.