South African National Parks (SANParks) has received over 1000 rhino DNA sample kits from the Faculty of Veterinary Services of the University of Pretoria (UP) and are hopeful this will assist in prosecuting poachers who are increasing their activities in the parks of South Africa. The aim of the DNA testing is to link the horns discovered on suspects to the Rhino carcass lying in a national park or game reserve
. This will enable the culprits to be charged with more than just possession but the more serious charges of poaching and the killing of these animals.
According to Dr Cindy Harper, Head of Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, at the University of Pretoria, the ability to obtain a full DNA profile from rhino horn allows us to match recovered horns to specific poaching incidents.