Experts agree to enhanced international DNA testing of rhinos

Abstract

The RhODIS® Rhino DNA Scientific workshop, hosted by the University of Pretoria's Veterinary Genetics Laboratory(VGL), concluded on Friday, 24 June 2016, at the Kruger National Park. RhODIS® is a system for profiling and indexing rhino DNA, developed by the VGL in collaboration with partners. To date, it has analysed samples from all but one of Africa's rhino range states. The workshop was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Wildlife – TRAPS Project and the WWF African Rhino Programme, and was organised by the VGL, TRAFFIC, the WWF and the TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network. It brought together wildlife DNA forensic scientists, enforcement officers and investigators from countries where rhino horn is sourced, transited and consumed. Various branches of the South African Police Service were represented, as was the National Department of Environmental Affairs.