Hatha Jodi: A commodity of importance under Indian wildlife trade

Abstract

India is home to four species of monitor lizards (Varanus spp.), which play a vital ecological role in their habitats. However, illegal wildlife trade, particularly the exploitation of their hemipenes (marketed as Hatha Jodi), has led to increased poaching despite their legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This study aimed to identify biological samples seized from Maharashtra using molecular forensic techniques. DNA extraction was performed using the Qiagen DNA Blood and Tissue Kit, followed by PCR amplification of the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene. The purified amplicons were sequenced using the ABI 3500 Sanger Sequencer, and species identification was conducted via nBLAST analysis. Results confirmed the samples belonged to the Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), reinforcing the role of forensic genetics in wildlife crime investigations. This study underscores the significance of forensic science in species identification and its role in combating wildlife crime.