Donation: KWS receives DNA extraction equipment

Ms. Oriana Zoghbi (L), QIAGEN Business Manager and Commercial Partner – EMEA, hands over a DNA extraction equipment to Ag. Director General Mr. William Kiprono (R) for use at Forensics and Genetic Laboratory at KWS headquarters on Wednesday (September 24, 2014). The machine will be used to help counter poaching and enhancing disease investigation and surveillance among wildlife.

Bio-Zeq Kenya and its partner QIAGEN has donated a DNA extraction equipment - automated nucleic acid extraction machine - to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to help counter poaching and enhancing disease investigation and surveillance among wildlife. 

Poaching is one of the most serious crimes investigated by wildlife forensics. The modern DNA-based molecular methods will aid in the fight against the poaching of endangered and protected species, and in the prevention of cruelty to animals through the new Wildlife Forensic laboratory based at Kenya Wildlife Service.

The DNA extraction equipment will be used in the Forensics and Genetic Laboratory when commissioned later this year. KWS commissioned the construction of the lab at its headquarters in July 2012.

During the handing over ceremony at KWS headquarters on Wednesday (September 24, 2014), Ms. Oriana Zoghbi, QIAGEN Business Manager and Commercial Partner – EMEA, congratulated KWS for the establishment of the forensic laboratory and its efforts to tackle poaching menace.

Ag. Director General Mr. William Kiprono welcomed the donation and said it will go a long way in enhancing prosecution through forensic investigations.

“Wildlife forensics based on DNA analysis will enhance our investigations on wildlife crimes and lead to convictions of offenders,” he said.

Besides, the laboratory shall be undertaking DNA sampling and profiling of poached wildlife and products seizures under the rhinoceros DNA Index system (RhODIS) and other mapping in partnership with University of Pretoria – Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (UP-VGL) with funding from WWF.

Once the forensic laboratory becomes operational, all live rhinos and other species, poached cases and existing stock piles will be profiled within the collaboration framework with UP-VGL.

QIAGEN is a leader in life science technologies and provides automated platforms for high through put for sample processing and analysis. Its technology provides key techniques, for example, automated nucleic acid extraction, pathogen detections, gene expression analysis, genotyping, mutation detection among others.

World Rhino Day dedicated for actions to raise awareness

File picture of poached rhino

Ag. Director General KWS Mr. William Kiprono has advocated for sustained awareness campaigns on the plight of the rhino during a ceremony to mark this year’s World Rhino Day.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director Species Conservation and Management Mr. Patrick Omondi and Chair of Barcode of Wildlife Project Kenya, Kiprono said that all of the world’s rhino species are under threat, mostly from poaching for their horn.

He also sought application of deterrent severe penalties for poachers and dealers in rhino products to robustly tackle the current high poaching threat to rhinos. 26 rhinos has been poached this year compared to 59 in year 2013.

The horn is mainly used for traditional Eastern medicine. However, rhino horn does not have any proven medicinal properties.

“This day is therefore dedicated for actions and activities to raise awareness and let the world know that we care about the plight of rhinos,” he said.

There is currently an alarming rise in the number of rhino being killed in Africa affecting both the Black Rhinoceros and White Rhinoceros population. The three Asian species, the Greater One-horned rhinoceros, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros are also threatened by habitat destruction. Kiprono said that KWS is committed to combat this vice by modernizing its security operations, systems and troops deployment.

“Will ensure that troops and field operators use modern equipment and embrace the latest and appropriate technology in their day to day operations to stop any further poaching incidences,” he said.

KWS, County governments, private and community sanctuaries have been working together to minimize threats posed to rhinos. Cumulatively, Aberdare’s National Park, Solio, Olpajeta, Oljogi, Lewa, Borana and Illngwesi host more than half of Kenya’s rhino population currently estimated at 1041.

Other stakeholders who participated in the event included local communities, County Government of Laikipia, World Wide Fund for nature (WWF), Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Association of Private & Community Land Rhino Sanctuaries . 

World Rhino Day, now in its fifth year, is a global phenomenon, uniting NGOs, zoos, cause-related organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals from across the globe in demystify the myths on use of rhino horns and to diminish the demand for the horn.