Development and validation of a novel forensic STR multiplex assay for blue (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum).

The blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled crane (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) are species of concern as their populations are declining and they face several threats including habitat loss, disturbance and illegal trade. In South Africa, these species are bred in captivity for trade purposes which is permitted and regulated globally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Legal sustainable trade through captive breeding of endangered wildlife species such as cranes has been promoted to counteract the illegal trade of individuals from the wild.

Monitoring compliance of CITES lion bone exports from South Africa.

From 2008 to 2018, South Africa permitted the export of captive-bred African lion (Panthera leo) skeletons to Southeast Asia under CITES Appendix II. Legal exports rose from approximately 50 individuals in 2008 to a maximum of 1,771 skeletons in 2016, and has led to ongoing concerns over possible laundering of non-lion, multiple-source and wild-sourced bones. South Africa is required under its obligations to CITES to employ mechanisms for monitoring and reporting trade, and to limit the potential for illegal trade and laundering of lion and other large felid bones.

Forensic application of DNA barcoding for identification of illegally traded African pangolin scales.

The escalating growth in illegal wildlife trade and anthropogenic habitat changes threaten the survival of pangolin species worldwide. All eight extant species have experienced drastic population size reductions globally with a high extinction risk in Asia. Consequently, forensic services have become critical for law enforcement, with a need for standardised and validated genetic methods for reliable identifications.