The genetic correlation analysis at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, has established a link between wild tigress Ramya and male tiger cub Dhanush. The two had been rescued in separate episodes from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve recently and shifted to Mysuru zoo for treatment. DNA tests confirm that the two display a parent-offspring relationship.
While Ramya is currently housed at the zoo, one-year-old Dhanush died of pneumonia recently. According to the zoo, the DNA was isolated from two samples of the tigers and amplified to generate species-specific molecular signature. Further, the samples were genotyped at 13 micro-satellite loci to establish individual identity.
“The standard lab procedure was followed to find species and individual identity of the biological material. The samples were further analysed to establish the relationship of the two animals. Tiger genotypes from Satyamangalam were also used in the related analysis,” says CCMB scientist P. Anuradha Reddy in her report.
Ramya, aged 8-10 years, was rescued from Metikuppe range on December 17 and was under stress. A medical examination revealed wounds in the nail buds, forelegs and on the right knee. The canine teeth were found broken and gums of the upper jaw had wounds, said zoo executive director B.P. Ravi.
Assessment by veterinarians showed that Ramya was unsuitable for release back to the forest and permission was taken to retain her at the zoo.
A month later (on January 15), the zoo received cub Dhanush from the same forest range. He was found along with two other cubs in Metikuppe range. The two cubs died and Dhanush, who was in a weak condition, did not respond to the treatment and died on February 2. Since the tigress and the cub had been received from the same forest range, the geographic coordinates of the site was sought.
