DNA test can curb tiger poaching (That's the headline, not necessarily what I think)

[Guest guest]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a high-tech initiative to tackle wildlife crimes, a

premier research institution is evolving a method to apply DNA analysis to

preserve finger-prints of endangered species and to crackdown on poaching.

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) would soon have a

laboratory testing facility that would enable DNA finger-printing of

threatened wildlife species, bringing in the process hi-tech techniques in

handling wildlife crimes.

" A team of scientists are working on the design of DNA finger-printing of

tiger at present and the technology will be ready within 10 to 12 months " ,

RGBC Director M Radhakrishna Pillai said.

The RGCB would start with DNA analysis of tigers and later would extend it

to other protected wild animals, he said.

The project was initiated as per the guidance of Union Ministry of Science

and Technology in view of increased number of poaching of tigers at Sariska

wildlife sanctuary.

In wildlife crimes, DNA analysis allows forensic experts to answer a wider

range of questions than before, Pillai said.

The RGCB has been providing DNA finger printing facilities in court cases

related to human beings including determining of parentage, identification

of mutilated corpse, establishment of biological relationship in disputed

cases of immigration, organ transplantation and inheritance disputes.

Most types of DNA analysis currently in use involve a process called PCR

(polykmerase chain reaction). PCR 'amplifies' or copies specific short

regions of DNA, he said.

So, with this, smaller samples and even partially degraded ones, can be

analysed using PCR, he said. Proper investigation in wildlife crimes is

difficult as the carcass might be many days old and the sample quality was

not always optimal, he said.

In such cases, the PCR analysis would come in handy in investigation, he

said.

DNA typing systems are available for most of the species that wildlife

officers commonly come in contact with including birds, fish and mammals,

Pillai said.

Systems for other species are constantly being developed in many

universities for research purposes, he said and this could be adapted for

forensic applications, if necessary.

Pillai said evidence from DNA testing has been used successfully in court

for human criminal cases and so, DNA analysis could play an increasing role

in the investigation and into prosecution of wildlife crimes.

 

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