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FAUNEXIS
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
SCIENCE · CONSERVATION · JUSTICE
Rue Hans-Fries 1, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
Certificate No.:  RPT-2024-00603
Date of Issue:  27 September 2026

Wildlife Forensic Identification Report

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Feather Analysis Report

1.

Sample Information

Sample No.:
SPM-8410
Sample Name:
Primary feather
Submitted by:
Individual submission
Date Received:
12 November 1958
Date(s) Analyzed:
25 August 2026 – 10 September 2026
Testing Institution:
Faunexis Research Institute
Location:
Rue Hans-Fries 1, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
Species:
Barn owl
Scientific Name:
Tyto alba
Submitted sample (primary feather, SPM-8410)
Fig. 1Submitted sample (primary feather, SPM-8410)
2.

Analytical Methods (Based on this test)

01

DNA Analysis

  • Species identification through mitochondrial DNA and/or nuclear DNA analysis, including COI, cytochrome b, 12S/16S rRNA and other appropriate genetic markers.
02

Chemical and Material Analysis

  • Analysis of material composition using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and other relevant techniques to determine the chemical and elemental composition of the sample.
03

Imaging and Microscopic Analysis

  • Observation and recording of microstructural features and morphological characteristics using high-resolution photography, microscopy and imaging techniques (e.g. SEM).
3.

Results (Corresponding to analytical methods)

01

DNA Analysis Result

Mitochondrial DNA amplification result (comparison with reference)
Fig. 2Mitochondrial DNA amplification result (comparison with reference)
DNA sequence comparison with barn owl reference sequence
Fig. 3DNA sequence comparison with barn owl reference sequence
02

Chemical and Material Analysis Result

FTIR spectrum analysis result
Fig. 4FTIR spectrum analysis result (feather keratin characteristic peaks)
XRF elemental analysis result
Fig. 5XRF elemental analysis result (elements commonly found in bird feather)
03

Imaging and Microscopic Analysis Result

Feather barb structure
Fig. 6Feather barb structure (microscopic image)
Barbule structure
Fig. 7Barbule structure (microscopic image)
Barbule with barbicels
Fig. 8Barbule with barbicels (microscopic image)
Feather shaft cross-section
Fig. 9Feather shaft cross-section (microscopic image)
4.

Identification Conclusion

The analyzed sample is identified as Barn Owl (Tyto alba) primary feather.

The results from DNA analysis, chemical composition analysis (FTIR and XRF), and microstructural characteristics are consistent with the biological characteristics of Barn Owl (Tyto alba). No evidence indicates that the sample originates from any other species.

Signature of Dr. Somchai Ratanapong
Dr. Somchai Ratanapong
Chief Forensic Biologist
Faunexis Research Institute
Faunexis Research Institute seal

This report is based solely on the test results of the submitted sample and represents the professional opinion of Faunexis Research Institute. This report is valid only for the submitted sample. Unauthorized use, alteration or reproduction of this report is prohibited.

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