Thailand Using DNA Testing to Prevent Illegal Ivory Trade

[Jacob Maslow]

Authorities used DNA testing to determine the origin of ivory products in local markets. Test showed that the majority of ivory came from African Elephants.

In an effort to put an end to illegal ivory trading, Thai authorities are using DNA tests to determine the origin of elephant ivory sold in local markets. The project is a collaborative effort between TRAFFIC and the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

In a trial run, 160 small ivory products were subjected to DNA testing. The products were acquired by TRAFFIC legally from retailers in Bangkok and tested in at the WIFOS Laboratory. The small test run was performed to determine whether or not the products were from Asian elephant tusks or African elephant tusks.

The tests showed that the vast majority of the ivory tested was acquired from African Elephants. While the small number of test samples isn’t representative of Thailand’s entire ivory market, it does seem to indicate that a large portion of the ivory sold in Thai markets is from African Elephants.

DNA testing would allow Thai authorities to further enforce the revised National Ivory Action Plan, which was developed to better control the ivory trade in Thailand and prevent illegal trade of African Elephant ivory. Strengthened regulation, enforcement and the implementation of an ivory registration system were also a part of the revised plan.

New legislation was passed in January to improve regulations and control of ivory possession and trade. Under the new legislation, anyone in possession of ivory (as personal effects or for trading) is required to register the item(s) with the DNP. Anyone who fails to register their ivory could face three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 6 million baht.

Acting Deputy Director General Adisorn Noochdumrong reminded anyone who registered their ivory products that African Elephant ivory is illegal for sale and strictly prohibited in Thailand. TRAFFIC praised Thailand for its efforts in determining the origin of ivory being traded in the country and hopes that the efforts will put an end to illegal ivory trading.

-- 2015-02-26