“Through research, novel genetic tools are applied for the identification of hybrids in a variety of wildlife species with model thresholds for genetic testing,” explained Professor Ramagwai Sebola, Chief Director: Foundational Biodiversity Science at SANBI. In the Genetics Services Unit, the Minister saw the tools, technologies and guidelines that are applied in wildlife forensics and are used to expand DNA wildlife databases to ensure effective compliance, defensible and credible forensic testing to mitigate wildlife crime and contribute to the management of wildlife trade. Outcomes of this process are valuable in ensuring informed conservation measures for species that are subjected to a variety of threats. The work includes Next-Generation Sequencing, developing genetic approaches to conducting phylogenetic assessments (using full mitochondrial genomes or regions of nuclear and mitochondrial sequence) within and among taxa, in order to understand evolutionary processes, and patterns as well as to identify species, units within species, management units or cryptic species.

“SANBI’s work on research and scientific services which include genetics and DNA profiling, veterinary services, and the Biobank contributes significantly to biodiversity information, species conservation, biodiversity and health, and the wildlife economy, as well as combating wildlife crime,” said Minister Barbara Creecy.ĭuring her visit, the Minister had the opportunity to see facilities which include the state of the art equipment used for the development of marker-based systems to advance genomic research at the Centre for Conservation Science. The Chairperson of the SANBI Board, Professor Edward Nesamvuni, welcomed the visit by the Minister as it afforded the Minister the opportunity to gain greater insights into SANBI’s cutting edge foundational research and scientific services, particularly those activities that contribute positively on policy action, wildlife regulatory services and associated enforcement and compliance.

Download logo On Thursday 4 August 2022, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Ms Barbara Creecy, joined by board members of South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and management visited the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) of South Africa to review the facility’s contribution to biodiversity, research, scientific services, animal welfare, conservation, tourism, and public awareness.

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