Poaching in Africa remains a critical, albeit fluctuating, crisis that continues to threaten iconic species with extinction, driven by high-value international trafficking in animal parts. While in some areas, anti-poaching measures have resulted in recent, welcome declines in poaching rates, the overall situation remains severe. 

Essentially, DNA identification augments anti-poaching strategies, especially in Africa, by providing forensic evidence that links seized illegal wildlife products (ivory, rhino horn) to specific crime scenes, or victims and suspects. Wildlife DNA identification also uses genetic analysis, specifically DNA barcoding (COI gene) and microsatellite genotyping, to identify species, individuals, and geographic origins from biological traces like fur, blood, or ivory. It is crucial for combating illegal wildlife trade, prosecuting poachers, and aiding conservation. 

DNA evidence is used to link suspects to crime scenes, such as identifying specific animals from confiscated parts. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms, often known as the master blueprint of life. 

Wildlife DNA identification is a forensic technique that uses genetic markers to identify species, individual animals, or geographic origin from biological traces such as blood, hair, or processed products (e.g., ivory, meat). It is critical for combating illegal wildlife trade, prosecuting poachers and mapping biodiversity. 

Scientific breakthrough 

Over the last eight years, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) has received about £250 000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery in the United Kingdom (UK) to build the DNA database of lions in Zimbabwe. 

Wildlife crime experts have only just revealed how they were able to identify the individual animal from body parts found in a suspect’s village, as they matched a profile on Zimbabwe’s lion database. A blood sample had previously been taken from the male lion, which was being tracked by authorities in Hwange National Park, using a radio collar. Coincidentally, in May 2024, authorities in the park became suspicious after a radio collar worn by a male lion stopped working. Investigators and police traced its last known position and found a snare with lion fur attached. 

After collecting forensic evidence, they questioned two men in a nearby village and discovered three sacks of meat, sixteen lion claws, and four teeth. These body parts would later be tested against the database, with DNA from all matching the profile of that missing lion. In addition, the laboratory generated a DNA profile from the recovered body parts and compared this to the profile previously generated from a blood sample of the lion with the radio collar. 

The two profiles matched, and scientists were able to identify the specific missing lion. The two suspects pleaded guilty and were given 24 month prison sentences. The hearing was told the value of the lion was US$20 000. This is understood to be the first time that DNA from an individual lion has been successfully identified and used to prosecute poachers, for the first time in the world. 

Challenges 

Wildlife DNA profiling is a challenging, highly specialised field that is generally more complex than human forensics, due to the immense diversity of species, lack of standardised genetic databases for many animals, and the often degraded nature of forensic samples. While it uses the same core technology as human DNA profiling, it requires extensive, species-specific validation to ensure results are admissible in court. 

While universal primers exist, identifying species from processed items, e.g., powders, cooked meat, and leather, is difficult. Many species lack comprehensive genetic data (reference databases), making it hard to identify geographic origin or individual, especially for endangered, rarely studied or inbred animals. Taxonomic changes (science of classification), such as reclassifying giraffes into four species, complicate legal protection and identification. 

In summary, DNA evidence is generally admissible in court if it is scientifically reliable, properly collected, and analysed by qualified experts using accepted methods. Key requirements include maintaining a chain of custody, preventing contamination, and providing statistical, not just qualitative, evidence of a match. It is used to identify suspects, establish guilt, and or exonerate the innocent. 

DNA forensics is a critical component in the investigation of crimes committed against humans, but a new court conviction in Zimbabwe has shown it can prove pivotal in wildlife crimes too. 

The results of a forensic investigation of animal remains were used to secure a conviction for the killing and trafficking of an individual lion, something that’s never been done before. 

In our case, Namibia actively utilises DNA profiling for wildlife conservation and forensic investigations, particularly for rhinos, during procedures such as dehorning or ear-notching, contributing to national and international databases like RhODIS to track poached horns back to specific animals. 

Whilst this is a positive scientific development, other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are also developing and upgrading their own forensic capacities. Some laboratories in the region have received accreditation through the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS). These capabilities are regularly utilised to support anti-poaching efforts across regional borders. The moment countries acquire the forensic capability to present solid, science-based evidence in court, this will have a global impact on poaching. Criminals Be Warned! 

*Maj. Gen. (RTD) J. B Tjivikua is a Criminal Intelligence Analyst.