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 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 � � ����

Black / White Extraction efficiency from horn

Comparing Blood and Horn Profiles from the same animal Blood sample Locus1 Locus2 Locus3 Locus4 Locus5 Locus6 Locus7 Locus8 Locus9 Locus10 Locus11 Horn sample

RhODIS Case 1 - SA

RhODIS Case 2 - UK

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

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

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)

DNA SAMPLES Horn Blood Hair Nail Skin Tooth

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