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RhODIS
DNA profiling and a DNA database as a tool to protect the Rhino
Rhino Poaching RSA / Kruger National Park
RSA KNP
2007 13 10 2008 83 36 2009 122 50 2010 333 146 2011 73 (355) 48 (234)
RhODIS DNA profiling and a DNA database as a tool to protect the - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
RhODIS DNA profiling and a DNA database as a tool to protect the - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
RhODIS DNA profiling and a DNA database as a tool to protect the Rhino Rhino Poaching RSA / Kruger National Park RSA KNP 2007 13 10 2008 83 36 2009 122 50 2010 333 146 2011 73 (355) 48 (234) RhODIS: What it is Central
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SLIDE 3
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RhODIS: What it is
- Central standard secure database of rhinoceros DNA profiles for
forensic purposes and investigation – only open to authorized people
- Primary aim is forensic DNA database to support poaching
investigations
- Secondary functions include pedigree analysis and population analysis
to support population management programs
- Specific strength is DNA profiling from rhino horn
- Includes provincial and national parks, private owners, poached
animals, recovered horns, stockpile data
- Over 900 animals on database in 6 months and increasing
SLIDE 5
Extraction efficiency from horn
Black / White
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Comparing Blood and Horn Profiles from the same animal
Blood sample
Locus1 Locus2 Locus3 Locus4 Locus5 Locus6 Locus7 Locus8 Locus9 Locus10 Locus11
Horn sample
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RhODIS Case 1 - SA
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RhODIS Case 2 - UK
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Current Status
- 55 cases
- 2 convictions
- 53 pending cases – large proportion
currently in court
- Several recovered horns matched
- Equipment and clothing matched to
poached rhinos
- Vehicles linked to poached rhinos
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Purpose of the kits
- Full traceability from sample to
evidence report in poaching cases
- As permit condition for
translocations to track individual movements
- As hunting permit condition to
link hunted animal to exported trophy horns
- Individual ID of stockpiled horns
– cannot be changed or removed – management of the stockpile as additional condition to national norms and standards – essential part of a management strategy for legal sale of horns
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National Crime Kit Initiative
- Forensic sample collection kits – in
collaboration with SAPS forensic laboratory, National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit and SANParks
- 1 000 kits produced – SAB funding
R100 000
- Over 300 distributed in past 6 weeks –
returns and good reports
- VGL repack and redistribute to reduce
costs Live / Poached / Hunted 2 kind of kits Horn (stockpiles / recovered)
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DNA SAMPLES
Horn
Blood Hair Nail Skin Tooth
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Thank you
“Irrespective of whom or where you are, together we can make a difference”
Dr Cindy Harper Kobus de Wet 072 82 466 9963 027 72 656 0013