Exploring the techniques and challenges for recovering human touch DNA from white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) to combat poaching.
Forensic Sci Int
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
Published: April 2025
The trade in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) horns poses a significant threat to the survival of this species and additional investigative tools for rhino poaching cases are essentially required to address this challenge. This study explored additional techniques and challenges for recovering human touch DNA from rhino. Experiments depositing touch DNA on rhino during dehorning projects were carried out. Fifty-five human touch DNA samples were gathered from target regions on 15 rhinos (ears, head, legs, horn and back). Recovery of touch DNA using swabs with different tips and compositions as well as a tape lifting method were tested. DNA profiling was performed using the PowerPlex ESI 16 kit (Promega). From the readable profiles (n = 35), 34 % partial and 3 % full profiles were reportable and thus it would have been possible to use these DNA profiles to link suspects to criminal activities. The study demonstrated that it is possible to obtain reportable human DNA profiles from rhinos and that the technique should be considered as an additional forensic investigative tool to be used in wildlife crimes.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112417 | DOI Listing |
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