Abstract: STR polymorphism analysis was performed on Malay pangolins based on 76 individuals. 16 STR molecular markers were selected for specific individual identification of Malay pangolins. To develop corresponding STR primer sequences, a rapid individual identification method for Malay pangolins was constructed by combining fluorescence PCR composite amplification technology and capillary electrophoresis technology. Through blind testing experiments, the results showed that the 16 selected STR loci had high identification accuracy and could be used for individual identification of Malay pangolins. The samples taken in the blind test experiment included muscles, viscera, and scales. The results showed that the selected STR molecular markers had good amplification stability and were suitable for the inspection and identification of various types of tissue samples. Due to the short amplification fragments, this method is particularly suitable for Malay pangolin scale nail samples with low or highly degraded DNA. It will solve the problems of accurate sentencing in cases of poaching, transportation, trafficking, edible and medicinal Malay pangolins, and will also contribute to the conservation biology research of Malay pangolins.

Key words: Malay pangolin, STR, molecular marker, individual identification, measurement of penalty