DNA analysis has revolutionized the
investigation and prosecution of human crime and can do the same for wildlife
crime. With well-trained technicians and the right facilities and equipment,
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will be able to use the DNA found in crime-scene
evidence and confiscated material.
The laboratory will operate under international standards published by the Scientific Working Group for Wildlife Forensic Sciences (SWGWILD). When the lab becomes fully operational, it will be the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and one of the world’s leading centres for wildlife DNA forensics. Kenyan Wildlife Service is using all the traditional enforcement tools to patrol wildlife conservation areas, stop illegal hunting and penalize wildlife criminals. Now KWS is adding new technologies, such as DNA forensic analysis, to its arsenal of tools used to protect Kenya’s wild heritage.
The laboratory will operate under international standards published by the Scientific Working Group for Wildlife Forensic Sciences (SWGWILD). When the lab becomes fully operational, it will be the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and one of the world’s leading centres for wildlife DNA forensics. Kenyan Wildlife Service is using all the traditional enforcement tools to patrol wildlife conservation areas, stop illegal hunting and penalize wildlife criminals. Now KWS is adding new technologies, such as DNA forensic analysis, to its arsenal of tools used to protect Kenya’s wild heritage.
Attached is a fundraising brochure for KWS's new
molecular biology lab constructed on here at the headquarters. As you know, KWS and the National Museums of Kenya are co-leading the country’s
involvement of Barcode of Wildlife Project, which is a Google-funded initiative
led by the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) at the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington, DC. CBOL has
agreed to help KWS in their efforts to raise funds for the purchase of the
equipment needed for the lab.
The first phase of lab construction has been completed and it included
some additional room modification, installation of stainless steel workbenches,
and the placement of freezers and refrigerators. The Barcode of Wildlife Project (BWP) is an international initiative
funded by Google Giving through a Global Impact Award. BWP will enable the
Kenya Wildlife Service and other participating agencies to use DNA technology
for wildlife crime investigation.
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