Rhino horn DNA database introduced

9 April 2013 Last updated at 00:05 ET By Tom Heap BBC Radio 4's Costing the Earth

A new DNA database is being set up to hold genetic information on all the rhinoceros horn in the UK in an attempt to stop its theft and trade.

It's probably not every day that a museum will get a couple of drill bits in the post accompanied by a polite request to bore a hole in one of their highly valuable exhibits.

But those holding rhino horn can expect just such a package in the next few months as the National Wildlife Crime Unit roles out its database.

"The illegal trade in endangered species is one of our six wildlife crime priorities and, within that, the number one issue for us is the illegal trade in rhino horn," says unit head Det Insp Nevin Hunter.

In Africa, white rhino numbers are rising.

But despite this, a rapid rise in the incidence of hunting means that, if present trends continue, it won't be long before the population begins to dwindle.

Poachers are driven by the high prices paid in China and Vietnam for rhino horn - strongly, but wrongly, believed to have powerful medicinal properties.

Stealing antique rhino horn kept in the UK can deliver similar profits with much lower risks.

If we want to make inroads into the illegal trade in endangered species, DNA will certainly be the key tool to do that

Read the original post:
Rhino horn DNA database introduced