Rolling Circle Amplification as a method for quick identification of gamebirds (Case study: Alectoris chukar)

The Galliformes are one of the most threatened groups of birds which hunting and other forms of exploitation are applying for different purposes such as: food preparation, entertainment or other commercial purposes. Hunting and over exploitations have been leading that the high percentage of Galliformes species (26.4%) are placed as threatened with extinction in the IUCN Red List. Therefore, in order to effective conservation actions and also preventing of over hunting of Galliformes and to ensure their survival we introduce the RCA as a certain and quick method to identify the gamebirds by offending hunters. In this method, the specific probes are designed for Alectoris chukar based on differences in nucleotide regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Specific probes created a closed molecule after hybridization with DNA and were evaluated by attaching to the target and amplification in isothermal condition. The amplification product could be easily visualized on agarose gel electrophoresis or by adding fluorescence staining in UV. In conclusion, regarding to simplicity of RCA reaction and no need to special laboratory instruments, this method will provide a strong tool for identification of gamebirds such as: Chukar, Pheasant and resolving of their management and conservation problems.