DNA of elephants in combating illegal trade in ivory – Trade

Scientists can now compare the DNA from elephant dung with ivory extracted DNA to trace the source of the massive and illegal shipments of ivory tusks and trinkets crossing borders .

The experts hope that this method will lead to a crackdown on poaching in the two regions of Africa where most deaths Elephants take place, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science.

Illegal trade is responsible for the deaths of 50,000 African elephants per year and resulting in the seizure of 40 to 50 tons of ivory.

Most of the demand for ivory comes from Asia, where it is carved for jewelry and manufacture of other “souvenirs “giving huge profits for traffickers.

The z most problematic ones are southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique , followed by a protected ecosystem that includes parts of Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, southeast Cameroon and southwestern Central African Republic.

“It is a significant transnational criminal organization “, said study co-author Samuel Wasser of the University of Washington .

” Identifying these important foci (poaching) prevent the countries involved in this trade deny the extent of their participation in it. It also allows the international community to work together with these countries to end this trade and stem the flow of ivory of these criminal networks, “the report said.

The time is critical because there are only 470,000 African elephants and about a tenth of the population disappears every year from poaching.

For the study, researchers analyzed 28 seizures of ivory obtained by the authorities between 1996 and 2014. Each arsenal contained more than half a ton of teeth.

Then, to trace the origin of the seized ivory, scientists took samples of manure 1,350 elephants, including copies of the savannah and jungle, in 71 locations across 29 African countries.

When it corresponds with the DNA from the teeth, could create a map showing where they came from.

Since 2007, the majority of elephant tusks have come from Tanzania and Mozambique.

But most of the forest elephants tusks come from Gabon, Republic of Congo and Central African Republic

-. Enough is enough –

Experts have long known where these criminal groups operate, but Bill Clark, a consultant of Interpol, said the study is helping law enforcement in critical areas where the intricate ivory trade crossing many international borders.

The research “is helping to understand the structure and dynamics of transnational criminal organizations that are behind,” Clark told reporters in a conference call.

“It’s part of the puzzle,” he added. “Look, find, identify the source of ivory helps us put the pieces together.”

Wasser said he hopes this study puts pressure on African nations to take strong action smugglers.

“It will be much harder for them to deny the magnitude of the problem. But they also help the international community to come together and say enough is enough,” he said .

The experts also pointed out that this same type of technology of DNA analysis and tracking could be used to help catch criminals who trade in other animals such as lions, tigers and leopards .