GUWAHATI: Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL), the only facility of its kind in Northeast, has completed ten years of providing DNA forensic services in the region, significantly aiding wildlife crime investigations.
The WGL, based in Assam, has successfully handled over a hundred cases within the state and several others across the region, offering vital support in wildlife crime detection and resolution.
Over the past decade, the laboratory has delivered a range of DNA analysis services, including species identification from indistinguishable biological material, DNA fingerprinting for individual matching of rhinos, elephants, tigers, and leopards, as well as parentage testing of captive elephant calves.
In 2012, WGL made history as the first laboratory globally to use DNA fingerprinting for the individual identification of greater one-horned rhinos in the wild.
This groundbreaking technique has since been utilised for population estimation and forensic investigations.
The laboratory has also developed a genetic database of rhinos in India, enabling the identification of the origin of rhino samples, such as confiscated horns, which is crucial in tackling rhino-related crimes.
“Along with providing training and on-the-ground support for DNA sampling, we plan to keep supporting wildlife forensic DNA investigations in Assam and other northeastern states,” said Udayan Borthakur, Senior Scientist at Aaranyak and the founding head of its Wildlife Genetics Division.
Borthakur expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the Assam government, and other state forest departments for their support.
Founded in 2008, the WGL was granted permission by the Ministry in 2009 to collect biological samples from Scheduled I species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The laboratory has been actively involved in several major conservation genetic research projects on threatened wildlife species since its inception.
In 2014, the Assam Forest Department officially approved WGL’s services for forensic DNA analysis and wildlife genetics within the state.
As WGL marks this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to advancing wildlife conservation through cutting-edge genetic research and forensic analysis, continuing to play a pivotal role in protecting the region’s rich biodiversity.
