THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest officials in the State may soon have access to a powerful technology to investigate wildlife crimes and crackdown on poaching. The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology here is collaborating with the Forest Department in a unique project to harness genetic data for scientific investigation of poaching cases.

A mission team is already at work on the preparation of DNA fingerprints of threatened species and the application of biotechnology for forensic analysis of genetic samples collected from dead animals. The project assumes significance in the light of the increased poaching of tigers, elephants and leopards in Kerala forests. The flourishing international trade in wildlife articles like animal skins is believed to be fuelling the crime.

Proper investigation of poaching crimes is difficult as the carcass of the slain animal is often mutilated or degraded. DNA forensic analysis examines evidence containing genetic material to link the suspect found in possession of wildlife material, to the slain animal and the crime scene.

This allows investigators to enhance the credibility of evidence and ensure prosecution of poachers.

The scientists will use the blood, skin or tissue from a carcass to identify the species, determine the sex and establish parent-offspring relationship. The method involves the application of a host of techniques ranging from the complex and expensive DNA sequencing and genotyping to the relatively simple and cheap PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method.

Some of these techniques are widely used to establish evidence in human cases involving dispute of parentage, identification of mutilated corpses, establishment of biological relationship in disputed cases of immigration, organ transplantation and property and inheritance disputes.

Director of the RGCB M. Radhakrishna Pillai said the first phase of the project would involve the DNA fingerprinting of the tiger and elephant, the most vulnerable species in Kerala. "We hope to submit the project for funding in seven to 12 months after developing the DNA primers and probes," he said.

Officers investigating wildlife crimes are often confused by a large number of samples.

Genetic fingerprinting of the samples will help determine how many different animals were involved.

A DNA analysis of samples will also be used to establish parent-offspring relationship.

An offspring's DNA signature shares certain characteristics with its parent. Additional charges may be pressed against the poacher if it can be proved that a dead tiger cub is the offspring of a dead female found in its proximity.

The geographic origin and individual identity of the animal can also be analysed, once the scientists build up a genetic database of the vulnerable species. The advantage of DNA analysis in crime investigation is that it does not require large sample sizes. Even if the officer retains part of the evidence, it can be used in the event of loss or damage to the original shipment. In addition, evidence is available if the defence counsel wants it to be tested by an independent laboratory at a later stage.