How can DNA Barcodes help protect against smuggling and extinction of endangered species?

Ricardo Fujita

CABANA partner, Ricardo Fujita from Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Peru, gave a presentation to the Latin America Regional Conference to fight Illegal Wildlife Trade in Lima on 1st October. 

Ricardo discussed how the identification of specimens, part of them or processed products, by a system using DNA Barcodes or DNA metabarcodes is a must to help the protection against smuggling and extinction of endangered species.

It raised interest and willingness to collaborate from Peru National Prosecutor for the Environment, the Prosecutor of Environment at the National Customs, UNODC Environment Crime Project Specialist, Wood Productive Innovation and Technology Transfer Center of Peru and some NGOs involved in Wildlife Diversity Protection.  

Location
Lima, Peru