Genetic Analysis of Assam Rhino Horn Samples Initiated to Combat Poaching

Why it’s in the News:

A specialized team has begun the genetic analysis of 2,573 rhino horns collected from Assam, a crucial step in combating poaching and aiding rhino conservation efforts.

Key Highlights:

A total of 2,573 rhino horns were collected for genetic analysis, with most having been destroyed by the Assam Forest Division four years ago.

The horns were transported from Kaziranga to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for DNA analysis.

2,523 horns from various treasuries in Assam were verified and reconciled for mass destruction.

Barring some unique and court-case-involved horns, 2,479 horns were consigned to flames on September 22, 2021.

Tiny samples were retained from the destroyed horns for studies to better manage the current rhino populations

The WII’s genetics laboratory is central to the RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Index System) India programme, supervised by Samrat Mondol.

This analysis aims to document individual DNA profiles of rhino horns and add them to the RhoDIS, India DNA data library.

Further analysis will help identify if any changes have taken place in the short tandem repeat (a specific type of DNA sequence) allele frequency over the years.

Significance:

This genetic analysis is a vital tool in combating wildlife crime by creating a comprehensive database of rhino DNA, which can help in tracing poached horns and prosecuting offenders.

It directly contributes to the conservation and better management of the rhino population in Assam and across India by providing scientific data for monitoring genetic diversity and population health.

The initiative underscores India’s commitment to wildlife protection and scientific approaches in bi Mnodiversity conservation.