STUDIES of elephant dung at 28 locations in 16 African countries may soon be helping authorities track down ivory poachers and smugglers.
By analysing DNA from the dung and from skin samples, researchers have identified genetic characteristics of elephants from each region. That has enabled them to develop a DNA-based test that they say can reveal to within 500 to 1000 kilometres where any sample of ivory comes from. If sales of ivory are ever allowed to resume, as requested by at least three African countries with substantial stockpiles, the test could be crucial for proving whether or not ivory…
