Mitochondrial DNA Evaluation and Species Identification of Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Bones After a 3-Year Exposure to Submerged Marine and Terrestrial Environments

Because Kemp’s ridley sea turtles ( Lepidochelys kempii ) are critically endangered and closely related to the vulnerable olive ridleys L. olivacea ), it is essential for forensic investigations conservation efforts distinguish these species when only skeletal elements remain. DNA extraction analysis by sequencing of genetic markers method determine identity reliably, yet methods significantly compromised becomes degraded. To evaluate role that time environment play in obtaining high-quality data, we placed a terrestrial mammal Bos taurus) supratidal subtidal 3 years. Bi-annual sampling revealed after years, mitochondrial (mtDNA) consistently identified each from environment. Our results show mtDNA recovery bone identification was possible up years both environments. All data obtained accurate robust, but were not consistent 664-days exposure. findings led us conclude if sufficient extracted samples, then sequence can be obtained, resulting accurately reflects reference given gene marker. This study provides evidence analyzed challenging biological substrates, like bone, substrates exposed seasonally dynamic maritime environmental conditions 3-years.