スミソニアン国立動物園さんのインスタグラム写真 - (スミソニアン国立動物園Instagram)「Researchers have found a new way to combat wildlife trafficking, using genetic sequencing. A new study published today in @ScienceMagazine shows scientists can use genomic tracking to determine where pangolins - the most trafficked mammals in the world - originated. The study focused on the trafficking of white-bellied pangolins between Africa, where the species is found, and Asia, where its scales are sold and used for traditional medicine. With this data, law enforcement agencies can trace the international supply chain to find poachers. "Using genomic sequencing to fight wildlife trafficking is yet another example of how conservation genomics are saving species," said Klaus Koepfli, Senior Research Scientist at @smconservation and a Research Associate in the Center for Species Survival at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, a coauthor on the study who led the effort to sequence and map the white-bellied pangolin genome. "With such a tool, we can help government agencies protect a wide range of trafficked species, not just pangolins." The global wildlife trafficking industry is a $20 billion industry, and experts believe profits are used to fund other criminal activities such as the illegal weapons trade. Use the link in our bio to learn more!」12月15日 5時55分