Priority Species: Rhino of South Africa

WARNING! Blog post contains pictures of poached rhino and may upset sensitive readers.

Up to date much has been written about the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa. By the end of September, more than 700 rhino had been poached in South Africa, which is more than was lost in total in 2012. Experts estimate that by the end of the year more than 1000 rhino could be poached for their horn.

But how much do you really know about these prehistoric-looking creatures?

There are five species of rhino left in the world, two of which are found in South Africa. These two species can broadly be divided into the Black Rhinoceros and the White Rhinoceros. Both of these species are endangered and face extinction should poaching continue to escalate at current levels. Many fear that due to dwindling numbers and a lack of genetic diversity, it may already be too late to save the rhinos from extinction. However the white rhino was once brought back from the brink of extinction after intensive conservation efforts. At the time these efforts were commenced, there were only 50 individuals left in the wild. Today, there are over 20 000, while current estimates place the black rhino population at approximately 5000.

 Both the black and the white rhino have two horns. The white rhino is one of the largest land mammals, second only to the elephant. Rhinos live up to 35 years in the wild and have been known to live up to 40 years in captivity. White rhinos can reach a height of up to 1.8m and can weigh between 1800kg and 3000kg. The black rhino is slightly smaller, growing to a height of 1.6m and weighing between 900kg and 1350kg.



One of the easiest ways of distinguishing between these two species is by looking at the shape of their lips. Black rhino are browsers and have a prehensile, pointy upper lips as to facilitate the plucking of fruit, leaves  and foliage from trees and shrubs while white rhino are grazers with large, square lips to assist them cutting and eating grass. White rhinos therefore live in savanna grasslands while black rhino prefer more dense vegetation as their habitat and can often be found between thick thorn bushes. Black rhinos have been known to be the shyer of the to species, as well as more aggressive than the white rhino.


While their skin may be tough and very thick, rhinos enjoy wallowing in mud. Not only does this cool them down on hot days, but the mud also acts as a protective layer which acts as a barrier against insects and the harsh rays of the African sun. This is especially true of the white rhino who spends a lot of time in the sun. The black rhino is protected by the thorny underbrush that it prefers as habitat, as well as the fact that it is largely nocturnal.

Rhino have been known to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, although they are only able to maintain this speed for very short amounts of time. It is therefore not surprising that a group of rhinos is collectively known as a crash of rhinos, just as a group of lions is known as a pride. This collective noun seems to be self-explanatory!
They are more agile than they look though, and can change direction rapidly. This gracefulness, as well as the fact that they look like they are always walking on their toes, have earned them the nickname of "Nature's Ballerinas".

Rhinos have a 16 month gestational period and pregnancies usually result in a single calf. This calf will drink from the mother for one to two years, but remain under her care for up to five years. Apart from time that the female spends with her calf, both male and female rhinos are solitary and very territorial.

While rhino are equipped with keen hearing and a superb sense of smell, they have very poor eyesight. White rhino cannot see further than 20m. This is one of the reasons why they are dangerous, as they have been known to charge indiscriminately at unknown shapes; these may include game viewers, other rhinos, elephants and even trees! Unfortunately this also makes them very easy prey for poachers, as often, depending on the ind, one can literally walk right up to this creature. This was the case with the rino pictured below, who was wallowing in a mud pool when she was shot by poachers.

Rhino horn grows up to 8cm every year, and there have been reports of rhinos with horns of over 1.5m long. It is for these horns that they are poached, as Asian cultures believe that the ground up rhino horn has medicinal properties, curing from fevers to hangovers and cancers, from food poisoning and impotence.  Rhino horn, however, is made of keratin, which is the same substance as our own fingernails and hair. Despite widespread research there is no evidence that rhino horn has any medicinal value - no more than chewing your nails! The rhinos use their horns to defend their territory against other rhinos, but also to protect themselves and their calves against predators such as lions. Some common conservation tactics in South Africa include dehorning the rhino, as well as injecting a toxic substance into the horn. While this poison does not affect the rhino, it will affect any person who ingests the horn.

DNA barcoding will be particularly useful in the identification of rhino horn. Due to how recognisable the horn is when smuggled as a part, many traffickers have now taken to grinding up the horn before transportation. With the help of Barcode of Wildlife Project and DNA sequencing, customs officials will now be able to successfully identify unknown powders or chips as coming from endangered species.

To raise awareness about the poaching crisis, World Rhino Day is celebrated annually on 22 September. The rhino is represented in South African currency and can be seen on all R10 notes. Rhino protection campaigns began in the 1970s, but despite widespread conservation efforts their numbers continue to decline drastically. Trade in rhino parts is forbidden under the CITES agreements, however it is still legal to hunt rhinoceros professionally in South Africa with the relevant permits.
Rhino are listed under CITES Appendix 1 which means that no commercial trade is allowed.

Follow the link below to read more about the top 10 reasons why you should be concerned about the extinction of the rhinoceros : http://www.savetherhino.org/support_us/donate/ten_good_reasons_to_save_rhinos

To read more about the use of rhino horn in tradition Chinese medicine, click here: http://www.savetherhino.org/rhino_info/threats_to_rhino/poaching_for_traditional_chinese_medicine

South Africa and India partner up to save the falcons

Andre Botha, the manager of the Birds of Prey Programme at the Endangered Wildlife Trust shared the following post recently, in an aim to raise awareness and help protect the Amur Falcons. 

"I am very happy to be associated with this important initiative in Nagaland, India where our partners are working hard to prevent the future massacre of tens of thousands of Amur Falcons while on their southward migration to their wintering grounds in southern Africa. Also chuffed that they decided to use one of my images in the campaign logo. Please read the details of the initiative below and share freely."

“Friends of the Amur Falcon” Campaign Launched

A comprehensive campaign to protect the Amur Falcons that migrate through Nagaland every winter has
been launched in Wokha District of Nagaland. It will include nature education, creation of Amur Falcon
EcoClubs, patrolling and enforcement, as well as scientific study of the birds.
Nagaland Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Trust (NWBCT), an NGO based in Dimapur, is the
principal lead of this campaign, supported by top conservation institutions like Wildlife Conservation
Society (WCS), Birdlife, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Raptor Research and Conservation
Foundation (RRCF) and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT). In addition, there is active support and
encouragement from the Government of Nagaland.
The campaign is in response to the mass killings of Amur Falcon that was recorded last year by the team.
In a message of support, the Chief Minister of Nagaland Mr. Neiphiu Rio stated “The state government is
committed to end the unfortunate killings of the migratory Amur Falcons in Nagaland while they are
passing through the state. Further Mr. Rio added, “It is our duty to protect the Amur Falcons and, in true
Naga tradition of hospitality, treat them as honoured and esteemed guests”.
The complete statement of support from the Chief Minister is attached to this press release.
The local administration (Deputy Commissioner) as well as the Department of Forests, Ecology,
Environment and Wildlife will be stepping up vigilance to prevent any hunting this season.
Conservation education
NWBCT kicked-off a comprehensive education initiative covering the areas the falcons visit. This proven
and comprehensive programme opens a window into the world of nature education as a tool for
conservation.
A “training the trainer” workshop will prepare participants to help educate kids in the villages. The
participants selected will have varied backgrounds such as teachers, church workers, NGO activists,
interested youth of the village and even hunters willing to reform.
Next will be the formation of EcoClubs in specific villages that will focus on nature and wildlife education,
fieldwork, creative arts and photography. Study of Amur Falcons and its protection will be central to these
EcoClubs. A “brand” will be built around the falcon so it becomes a mascot for the community. The
EcoClubs will have Amur posters, stickers, badges and a highly educative “Amur Falcon Passport” for
kids to record details of the falcons migrating through their village.
Managing trustee of NWBCT Bano Haralu believes that “Local communities respond better when the
youth are educated and this can happen only through intensive grassroots education as the team has
seen in other parts of the Northeast”.
Mass killings
Every October, huge numbers of Amur Falcons (Scientific name: Falco amurensis) arrive in northeast
India from Siberia en route to South Africa. This little bird of prey has one of the longest migration routes
of all birds, doing up to 22,000 km in a year. In addition to the distance covered, the birds are unusual in
that they migrate a large distance over the sea and also continue their journey at night.
Last October, the NWBCT team documented the shocking massacre of tens of thousands of these
migratory falcons in Wokha district of Nagaland in India’s northeast.
The migrating falcons descend to forested patches along the banks of the Doyang reservoir (30km from
Wokha town) to roost. Here, hunters set up huge fishing nets (30-40m long, 10-12m tall) where the birds
get caught in large numbers. Doyang reservoir in Wokha district probably hosts the single largest
congregation of Amur falcons recorded anywhere in the world and it is tragic that they are mercilessly
targeted by hunters here.
These findings were published in Conservation India (http://www.conservationindia.org/campaigns/amurmassacre)
that resulted in national and international outcry. It is important to note that India, as a
signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is duty bound to prevent this massacre, provide
safe passage, as well as draw up action plans for the long-term conservation of this bird.
######
For more details on the Friends of the Amur Falcon campaign, please contact:
Bano Haralu at planetbano@gmail.com (+91-98560-32227)
Ramki Sreenivasan at ramki@wildventures.com (+91-98450-66677)

Progress Report from BoWP National Project Committee

The Barcode of Wildlife Project was initiated in South Africa in April 2013 and has since been going from strength to strength through the hard work, dedication and commitment of the participants. In April, two workshops were held - one to identify potential participants and partners and the second to establish the National Project Committee that would be the driving force behind all BoWP-SA initiatives. 

By mid-June approximately 200 priority species that would be the initial focus for DNA collection had been identified. Potential participant laboratories where DNA samples could be processed had also been surveyed. The month of June marked the first workshop for legal standards and standard operating procedures, where the main considerations and challenges for the collection and processing of samples were discussed. This workshop was hailed as a massive success by all who attended, and laid the foundation upon which the project could be built. 

Currently, the BoWP team is busy drafting standard operating procedures for sampling, processing and vouchering of DNA specimens according to the legal specifications to allow for these samples to be submitted as evidence in a court of law. This is to ensure that each voucher in the reference library will meet the judicial standards and be admissible as evidence in a South African court of law. The team is also busy identifying the needs of and designing sampling kits for plants and different animal groups.  These kits will eventually play a vital part in the process of collecting evidence. 

BoWP-SA now also faces the task of collecting the DNA samples, not only of the 200 priority species but also of the look-alike species. They are also drafting sampling plans and establishing what the requirements are for collecting permits. It is important to remember that the animals and plants to be sampled are often endangered or protected, and may not be collected without the relevant permits. 

As for the immediate future, meetings are scheduled for the first week of September to discuss the range of training needs for the project. This will include the training of participants who will be assisting with sampling, as well as laboratory technicians, inspectors and prosecutors. 

 What next?

The next steps would be to develop and finalise all the documentation around the legal standards and standard operating proceduress for the various processes and facilities involved in the project, as well as finalising the laboratories and collection institutions that will be involved in the project. Where there are still gaps in the database and reference library, look-alike species would have to be idenitified and collected. This would also be useful to see whether phylogenies exist that could support the species selected. The sources of material for the reference library would also have to be identified. And then comes the initiation of the ambitious and challenging sampling programme, all with the assistance of various partners/participants nationally.

Below is a list of partners who have indicated a willingness to participate in the project and/or contribute material, expertise or facilities:

·         Department of Environmental Affairs

·         Endangered Wildlife Trust

·         KZN Sharks Board

·         National Prosecuting Authority

·         National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria

·         South African National Biodiversity Institute

·         South African National Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

·         University of Johannesburg, African Center for DNA Barcoding

BoWP-SA is very excited about the progress made so far, and the exciting work that lays ahead.  

Priority Species : Theraphosidae - Threatened giants of the spider world

Known in other parts of the world as tarantulas, the South African baboon spider got its local name due to the fact that the last two leg segments resemble the finger of a baboon. These giants of the spider world were first described in South African literature in 1702 and 42 of the 900 species documented worldwide can be found in South Africa.




Baboon spiders grow very large, with body sizes ranging from 13-90mm and a leg span reaching 20cm, and although many have very docile natures, most people will be forgiven for avoiding these arachnids like the plague! Their hairy bodies, with colours varying from brown, black, grey, black or yellow, just add to their nightmare image; yet it is their size, colouring and often docile nature that makes them ideal pets for many collectors and handlers.


Due to this demand for baboon spiders as pets, they are classified as Commercially Threatened in terms of the IUCN protocols, and this restriction prevents baboon spiders from being collected, transported or kept without a permit. Three genera within South Africa are also classified as Protected Invertebrate Animals. They are also desirable as pets as they can live up to 25 years!  However, many baboon spiders in captivity die farely quickly from dehydration, the stress of handling and sheer neglect.


Theraphosidae can deliver a painful bite, although these bites are not fatal. Their fangs are by far their most dramatic feature, and can extend up to 6mm in length! Much of the pain results from the large fangs piercing the skin, although a neurotoxic venom is also present in one specie from the Western Cape. The Harpactira Lightfooti, which is found predominantly in Cape Town and the Paarl region, has been known to deliver a bite which may result in local burning at the bite site and after 2 hours the person may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, signs of shock, as well as dizziness and difficulty walking. This specific specie has been known to be fairly aggressive and a number of people have suffered a bite. In general, however, baboon spiders are rarely aggressive and will only bite when provoked. In fact, in most cases the venom is not considered medically relevant, and historically these spiders were enjoyed as a delicacy by the bushmen of Southern Africa, who would roast them over an open fire.

Baboon spiders are hunters, and catch prey largely by ambush techniques. Their strong, powerful bodies and large fangs allow them to attack and overpower their prey, and their long, thick legs allow them to move fast and catch their food with relative ease.

Love them or hate them, these spiders are fascinating creatures and deserve our protection!

Press Release - Pioneering Study in South Africa on Great White Sharks

SAPA PR WIRE SERVICE - SAPA PR WIRE SERVICE - SAPA PR WIRE SERVICE

SAPA PR -- PIONEERING STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA ON GREAT WHITE SHARKS

Issued by: Dyer Island Conservation Trust

PIONEERING STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA ON GREAT WHITE SHARKS

Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa - The global population of great white sharks - generally estimated at 3000-5000 - may have been significantly overestimated. As a result the great white shark - already listed as a species "vulnerable to extinction in the wild" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - may be in greater danger than has been previously recognised."

This is the implication of a pioneering study conducted by marine biologists from the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) working with the shark cage diving company Marine Dynamics shark tours, in the world's densest population of great white sharks at Gansbaai, near the southern tip of Africa. The study is published in PLOS ONE today (http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0066035)

The Trust's marine biologists conducted a non-invasive study by collecting more than 20,000 photographs of great white shark dorsal fins between 2007-2012 from Marine Dynamics shark tours vessel, Slashfin. As each dorsal fin is unique to each shark, the researchers adapted a computerised fin recognition programme previously used on dolphins to accurately identify individual sharks. This analysis took more than three years to complete.

Only 532 individual sharks were identified over the five year collection period. As individual great white sharks are not resident in Gansbaai, DICT marine biologists used open population statistics to extrapolate their findings to estimate the number of great white sharks in this densely populated area is most likely less than 1000 individuals.

"These results came as a surprise to everyone as previously unpublished but widely accepted estimates based on non-computerised photographic studies predicted the population was twice this number," a member of the team, Alison Towner, commented.

As global population estimates of the great white shark have been calculated without accurate data provided by such a dorsal fin recognition programme, the DICT's results are very worrying as they suggest that current estimates of great white sharks numbers may be significantly exaggerated.

The species is already classified as "vulnerable" in the Red List issued by the IUCN, but now the Trust believes that South Africa could - and should - take the lead in urgent, scientific re-evaluation of the threat to the great white shark.

The founder and chair of the Trustees of the DICT, Wilfred Chivell said: "Since 1991 when South Africa became the first country to protect Great White sharks, South Africa has been at the forefront of the study and conservation of the species. Now, for the first time, we have scientific evidence that the threat is greater than was previously perceived. At the Trust, we are contributing to the research urgently needed to allow effective, evidence-based conservation policies and interventions. This requires the active support of government at home - who are mandated to protect this species - and form them to urgently develop their leadership in international conservation forums. It is time for South Africa to take the initiative, because time is clearly not on the side of the great white shark."

The Trust is continuing to collect data which is being contributed to the national white shark dorsal fin database being analyzed by NMMU Ph.D. student, Rabi'a Ryklief. This project will be the first national estimate of white sharks based on dorsal fin identification. Additionally, the Trust is sending their results to international conservation organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund through WWF SA and the IUCN and CITES in order to inform their efforts to protect white sharks globally.

The study is published in PLOS ONE (eISSN-1932-6203) an international, rigorously peer-reviewed, open-access, online science publication read by researchers worldwide.

"Gauging the threat: The first population estimate for white sharks in South Africa using photo identification and automated software"

http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066035

For the interactive infographic:

You can download an embed code for our interactive infographic of our study here:

http://www.sharkwatchsa.com/projects/great-white-shark-population/ If you would like to print this inforgraphic in your medium, please email MichelleSharkWatchSA.com for the hi-res jpeg.

Comparative population sizes of other threatened species (International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN Red Data List)

http://www.iucnredlist.org/

White rhino 20170

Cheetah 10000

Snow Leopard 4080-6500

Black rhino 4800

Tiger 3000

Great White Shark Not known (Frequently quoted estimates 3000-5000)

About the Dyer Island Conservation Trust: www.dict.org.za

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) was founded in 2006 by Wilfred Chivell. The Trust delivers unique conservation and research programmes in the fragile and critically important marine eco-system at the southern-most tip of Africa. It strives to protect the largest surviving colonies of the endangered African Penguin whose numbers are at an all-time low; the globally important breeding and calving grounds of the Southern Right Whale; and, the world's densest populations of the vulnerable Great White Shark.

About Marine Dynamics shark tours: www.sharkwatchsa.com

Marine Dynamics shark tours is a Fair Trade accredited conservation orientated 5-star shark cage diving experience based in Gansbaai, South Africa. Every client that joins Marine Dynamics for a dive directly contributed to the Great White shark research programme of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Marine Dynamics guarantees an accredited marine biologist guide on every trip.

Contact details: Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Michelle Wcisel

MichelleSharkWatchSA.com

+27(0)79-102-1845

Wilfred Chivell

officeDICT.org.za

+27(0)82-906-0101

Priority Species : Encephalartos - The real extinction crisis that South Africa faces

Cycads are the oldest seed plants on earth, and fossils that have been collected indicate that they have survived since before the time of the dinosaurs. During the Jurassic era, these plants flourished in large numbers and varied habitats across the globe, but their modern day counterparts are not faring as well. Due to widespread harvesting and poaching, some cycad species are represented by just a few remaining plants in the wild, and South Africa faces the very real danger of their imminent extinction, despite being one of the world centres for cycad diversity.

In South Africa, the cycad is also known as a broodboom (bread tree) because settlers noticed that the local tribes used the pith of the stem to make bread. The scientific name Encephalartos, echoes this as it is derived from the Greek words 'en' meaning within, 'cephali' meaning head, and 'artos' which means bread.

During the 2010 assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, cycads were declared the most threatened group of organisms, despite having survived at least three mass extinction events in the earth's history. South Africa is home to three of the four cycad species classified as extinct in the wild, two of which became extinct between 2003 and 2010.

The theft of these plants in South Africa has escalated to alarming levels, with poachers breaking into botanical gardens, restricted areas and nature reserves to secure specimens for local and international buyers. A large specimen of a rare species can sell for up to US$10 000.

Many botanical gardens and reserves have put extreme security measures in place to protect these "living fossils" of the plant world, but it seems that not even fences, locked gates or patrolling guards can deter determined thieves.

The Encephalartos genus of this plant is endemic to Africa. Despite some of the strictest regulations in the world when it comes to cycad trade, South Africa has a disproportionately large amount of species classified as endangered and critically endangered. To own or transport a cycad within the country, one needs a permit per plant. International trade in wild specimens and large artificially propagated cycads from South Africa is prohibited, as all of the South African cycads fall under CITES Appendix 1, and local trade in cycad plant material from the wild is banned, while the trade in cultivated plants is very strictly regulated.

The cycad was selected as one of the priority species for the Barcode of Wildlife Project in South Africa as illegal trade by collectors and the harvesting for traditional medicinal uses are two of the biggest problems faced in the fight to protect theses plants. For traditional medicines, only parts and derivatives are traded, which makes the identification almost impossible without the use of DNA analysis. When entire plants are removed from the wild, they are often stripped of their leaves which also results in obstacles when speedy identification is needed. Poachers and traders, when caught, often attempt to pass off endangered cycad species as less endangered ones.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), who are active role-players in BoWP-SA, have been involved in various projects to protect the cycads.

In 2010, UJ launched a DNA barcoding project that aimed to create a DNA database of cycad species to aid law enforcement and customs officials to identify species being poached and smuggled across the country's borders. SANBI, working with the Department of Environmental Affairs, has developed a management plan for the Albany cycad, one of the species with fewer than 100 plants left in the wild.

DNA from a confiscated cycad is being collected by scientists from the University of Johannesburg.

Priority Species : Haliotismidae - A Closer Look at Abalone

Abalone (from the Spanish Abulon, meaning ear shell) are a group of shellfish in the family Haliotidae and the Haliotis genus. These mollusks were once abundant along the coast of Southern Africa, but due to commercial and sport harvesting and poaching, their numbers have declined rapidly over the years. 

Known colloquially in South Africa as perlemoen, they are still found along two thirds of the country's coastline. For many years, abalone diving was a recreational activity, but due to large amounts of illegal harvesting, permits are now required for anyone who wishes to harvest, whether for commercial or personal reasons. In the past couple of years, however, the government has not issued any permits, and the collection, exportation and trade in these mollusks remains heavily controlled. 

The government announced in 2007 that abalone was an endangered species according to Appendix III of the CITES list. While this listing was removed in 2010 an export permit is still required, and the sale of perlemoen meat in South Africa is prohibited in an attempt to curb poaching. Despite these precautions, large quantities of South African abalone still finds its way into the Asian market. 

According to sources, the going rate for 1 kg of abalone meat was US$40 in 2008, and the shells could fetch a rate of approximately US$1400 per metric ton. Abalone flesh is considered a delicacy both locally and internationally. There is still an active trade in shells, which are highly sought after by collectors and often used in decorations, jewelry and smudging ceremonies by the Native Americans in the US and Canada. 

There are also speculations that local criminal gangs use abalone to barter with Chinese nationals in exchange for   the chemicals needed for the manufacturing of drugs. This practice is said to eliminate the necessity of money exchanging hands, and thus reduces the need for money laundering and avoids the associated problems. This places the trade in abalone in the category of organised crime. 

Abalone is easily identifiable when still in the shell, but is often traded or transported as parts or derivatives. The flesh is dried into discs, which may hinder swift and accurate identification. The shells are sometimes ground up and can therefore only be identified by means of DNA analysis. 

It is estimated that an average of 1000 ton of abalone is removed every year, despite the ban on commercial or sport harvesting.

Familiarise youself with BoWP Priority Species

As promised, we will be posting some interesting facts about the species that have been selected as priority species for Barcode of Wildlife Project - South Africa.

From abalone to cycads, baboon spiders and cranes, vultures and adders; if it is on our list, we want you to know about it! 

Feel free to send us a message if you have a specific request or interest in a certain species, or else just sit back, relax and enjoy. 

Species Priority List

The list of approxiamtely 200 priority species for The Barcode of Life Project- South Africa was decided on last week at a meeting attended by various role players from UJ, SANBI and CBOL.

Plants represent the largest section of species of to be barcoded, with invertebrates and marine species coming in second. The remaining species on the list consist of representatives from fish, reptile, birds and mammals.

The selection was roughly based on the TOPS list, but further narrowed down during meetings by only selecting species that are threatened by trade, and not by other factors such as habitat destruction.

The list also focused specifically on species that are traded as parts and derivatives, which may be difficult to identify. For instance, a leopard pelt is easily and readily identifiable. However, certain species of beetles are not so easy to identify as adults, and then we have not even started looking at them in their larvae stage. Also certain plants, such as cycads, are stripped of their leaves during transport which makes identification much more of a challenge.

Animal and plant derivatives or powders, as are often found in South African traditional medicines, or muthi, also present an obstacle for taxonomists and can only be identified by DNA analysis.

Although not exhaustive, this list can be added to or revised at a later date as resources increase. For now, approximately 200 priority species have been selected for immediate DNA barcoding to assist in trials and prosecution of wildlife crimes in a court of law.

Workshop on Legal Standards for DNA evidence from wildlife in South Africa

Officials from all spheres of conservation, legislation, prosecution, science and law enforcement gathered today at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens to attend the Workshop on Legal Standards for use of DNA evidence from Wildlife in South Africa.

The BoWP aims to demonstrate the value of DNA barcoding in the investigation and prosecution of wildlife, conservation and biodiversity crime. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together the various partners  and role players together to establish and understanding of the project's goals and structure;  reviewing the procedures for establishing the admissibility of new types of scientific data as evidence in South African courts and the standards for such evidence; and agreeing on a plan of action and a timetable for establishing the admissibility of DNA barcode evidence.

The welcome and introduction of various participants was facilitated by Michelle Hamer of SANBI, after which David Schindel of CBOL gave a brief overview of DNA barcoding, as well as the components involved in the legal standard for admissibility. Discussion was encouraged about a variety of topics relating to this, including the underlying scientific credibility of DNA barcoding and method validation studies, characteristics of the reference sequence database and reference specimens, procedures used in the construction of the database, the collection and handling of evidence, laboratory procedures used on evidence, data analysis using the reference sequence database, the accreditation, certification and training of laboratory staff and expert witnesses and the importance of geographical and population data in investigation and prosecution.

The interest in and importance of the project was evident during a brief coffee break, where participants continued to engage in discussions and debates, ranging from scientific discussions about taxonomy, zoology and botany to current issues such as rhino poaching, conservation policies and legislation and ivory trade.

One of the main topics of discussion when the workshop resumed was the necessity of the chain of custody and evidence collection and handling. One of the points that was clearly made was that lawyers and scientists think differently! As Dania Bruwer from the National Prosecuting Authority stated when discussing the chain of evidence, it is rarely the scientific data that is attacked in court, but rather the human process of collection and possible contamination during analysis that is a weak spot for defense. This process should not only include the suspect sample collected on the crime scene, but may also need to include the sample specimens collected for the reference database. The main obstacle seems to be collaborating the methods and expectations and finding a middle ground between the scientific standards and the legal standards. The need for secure storage and separating academic and forensic laboratories was emphasises as a procedural difference that needs to be addressed.  

The workshop was a massive success, with many key points identified that will need to be addressed as the project progresses in the future.

THE RACE IS ON : Why is DNA barcoding important?

THE RACE IS ON: WHICH COUNTRY WILL BE THE FIRST TO SUCCESSFULLY USE DNA BARCODING EVIDENCE TO CONVICT WILDLIFE CRIMES IN A COURT OF LAW!

Google, famous for their internet search engine, has made a US$3 million Global Impact Award to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for a project on endangered species. South Africa is one of six countries selected as partners in the project. The others are Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil and a Southeast Asian country to be selected soon. The Barcode of Wildlife project will take DNA barcoding to the next level in terms of real-world practical applications were we will test the effectiveness of DNA barcode evidence in investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime by combining scientific research and law enforcement to protect endangered species. This is an effort to assist border and law enforcement officials, park rangers and other regulatory officials in the detection of illegal trafficking of protected species, which is currently ranked amongs the most lucrative industries in the world, slightly less than illegal drugs, human trafficking and arms dealing. The identification of species is generally work for the taxonomists, but this is not possible at every border post, and in many cases the specimens have crossed the border before an identification could be made by a professional. If border officials, for example, confiscate a box of white powder - is it ground up rhino horn, lion bone, an endangered plant root or something more innocent? If a piece of red meat is presented - does it come from a cow, or from a primate? Identification can be difficult as traffickers are taking more drastic measure to cover their tracks. These questions, and many others like them, can only be answered by using DNA technologies such as DNA barcoding.

DNA barcoding was proposed in 2003 as a way to identify species rapidly and cheaply using a short, standarised DNA sequence. According to Dr David Schindel from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, it can be used to identify a species in the same way that the universal product code - the barcodes used on products in a supermarket - distinguish the product that you are buying from countless others on the shelf. DNA barcoding is similar in the sense that once a reference library has been created (by sequencing the barcode region of DNA) it would allow the user to quickly look up and identify the species in hand.

South Africa has been especially active in the collection of DNA material from both plants and animals for this data bank.

BWP takes this to the DNA barcoding to the next level in terms of real-world, practical applications.

The project will bring together people from all sectors to ensure that all the relevant officials have access to this technology. Meetings have already been attended by a variety of parties, including the Department of Environmental Affairs, airport customs officials, the South African Police Service, SANBI, prosecutors, as well as scientists from universities and museums to ensure that this truly is a cross-frontier operation, with all participants realising the importance of the opportunity at hand, and tackling their respective roles with passion and commitment.

The ultimate goal of the project is that towards the end of 2014 DNA barcoding evidence will be used in a court of law. That implies that within two years, somebody will go to jail for illegal poaching and trafficking, due to this unique and groundbreaking research and technology.

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