Forensic genetic identification of sharks involved in human attacks

Abstract Each year, 75–100 unprovoked shark attacks on humans are recorded, most of them resulting in no or minor injuries, while a few fatal. Often, identification responsible for relies visual observations bite wound characteristics, which limits species determination and preclude individual identification. Here, we provide two genetic approaches to reliably identify and/or individuals involved based non-invasive DNA sampling (i.e. traces present wounds victims), depending the knowledge previous attack history at site. The first approach uses barcoding techniques allowing without any priori, second microsatellite genotyping, confirmation identification, but requiring an priori potential attack. Both were validated by investigating that occurred Reunion Island (southwestern Indian Ocean). According both methods, each incident was attributed bull (Carcharhinus leucas), agreement with suggestions derived from characteristics. appear thus suitable reliable humans. Moreover, genotyping reveals, studied cases, distinct bites. Applying these methods will resolve ambiguities allow collection data better understand mitigate risk.