FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Probabilistic genotyping of wildlife STRs using ANSI/ASB Standard 018

Describe

the need:

Similar to human STR analysis, mixed STR profiles are possible when processing wildlife 

forensic evidence. Determining the number of individuals in a wildlife evidence sample, 

along with their associated STR profiles, can be important in establishing whether a 

violation has occurred; for example, in most jurisdictions there are take limits on specific 

species. Currently, most wildlife forensic laboratories do not analyze or report on mixed 

samples. However, given the development and adoption of probabilistic genotyping 

software for human STR analysis, it would be valuable to assess and validate such software 

for use in wildlife forensics, based on ANSI/ASB Standard 018. 

Keyword(s): Autosomal STRs, continuous probabilistic genotyping, likelihood ratio

Submitting subcommittee(s): Wildlife Forensic Biology Date Approved: 10/7/2022

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

No. 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

[1] Taylor D, Bright J-A, Buckleton JS. (2013). The interpretation of single source and mixed DNA profiles. 

Forensic Sci. Int.: Genetics 7:516-528.

[2] Kelly H, Bright J-A, Buckleton JS, Curran JM. (2014). A comparison of statistical models for the analysis of 

complex forensic DNA profiles. Science & Justice, 54:66-70. 

[3] Greenspoon SA, Schiermeier-Wood L, Jenkins BC. (2015). Establishing the limits of TrueAllele® casework: 

A validation study. J Forensic Sci. 60(5): 1263-1276.

[4] Coble MD, Buckleton J, Butler JM et al. (2016). DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic 

Genetics: Recommendations on the validation of software programs performing biostatistical calculations 

for forensic genetics applications. Forensic Sci. Int.: Genetics 25:191-197. 
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4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes, under “Assessment of limitations and/or variability of probabilistic genotyping software”. However, NIJ 

does not specify whether this need is specific to human applications or is additionally needed for wildlife 

forensic applications. 

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The vast majority of forensic laboratories that process wildlife forensic casework currently do not interpret 

mixed samples, either manually or using probabilistic genotyping software. Assessing the utility and 

limitations of using such software for deconvoluting autosomal STR profiles for wildlife samples would be 

highly valuable and could result in laboratories validating such software for routine use in casework. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The applicability and limitations of using probabilistic genotyping software to analyze mixed wildlife STR 

samples is lacking and requires further research prior to validation for wildlife forensic casework use. 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

This research would provide new tools to wildlife forensic laboratories for analyzing mixed wildlife samples, 

increasing the number of cases that can be analyzed and reported on benefiting the criminal justice system. 

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.