Guwahati: The Raimona National Park in Assam’s Kokrajhar district now receives forensic DNA analysis support from the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory of Aaranyak.
For conducting an inquiry into one wildlife crime case within Kachugaon Division the analysis support has been expanded.
The laboratory has aided in the species identification and the wild origin of suspected meat samples that have been seized by the authorities, according to a report that was recently given to the Divisional Forest Officer, Kachugaon Division.
Senior Scientist and founder Head of the Wildlife Genetics Division Udayan Borthakur at Aaranyak said, “We are happy to extend forensic DNA analysis support to Raimona National Park and assist the park management in combating wildlife crime in the area.”
The Assam Forest Department has benefited from the wildlife forensic DNA analysis services offered by Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory since 2014.
In recent times, the lab has also offered its assistance to the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department in two wildlife crime cases under the Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary Division and Hapoli Wildlife Division of Arunachal Pradesh’s forensic DNA investigation.
The facility is the first of its kind in the Northeast to conduct forensic DNA analyses and animal genetic studies.