RhoDIS: DNA-based tool to probe poaching

May 28, 2014

Assam government is considering introducing RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Indexing System), a DNA-based forensic tool to probe and prosecute suspects involved cases of rhino poaching. The tool will be used in the collection of each individual rhino’s unique DNA profile and developing a database which can be referenced when producing legal evidence in cases of rhino poaching.
It has been observed that poachers often go scot-free for want of irrefutable evidence. Poachers killed and dehorned 41 rhinos in Assam and about 1,000 rhinos in South Africa in 2013. In 2014, as many as 16 rhinos have been killed in Kaziranga, Assam. The Assam government is also mulling over the option of establishing fast-track courts to conduct speedy trials against poachers. The RhODIS would help provide concrete evidence, as required for conviction in poaching cases.

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