DNA is applied frequently on human especially regarding virus research and genetics issues. Estimated that 10,000 pangolins are hunted each year, it is one of the most threatened mannal species due to illegal hunting. Pangolin requires more accurate tracking and measures against illegal hunting. Scientists believe that DNA testing could assist in tracking the illegal activity.
The project was led by the French scientist Philippe Gaubert who targets to complete the DNA collection in 5 years’ time. It is believed the project can assist conservation organization to combat the illegal activity of pangolin from 3 prospectives: analyzing the number of pangolins hunted; the species involved; and their places of origin. The samples required for the initial stage of the project is from 2 sources: African markets and natural historical museums. However Philippe claimed that obtaining live samples for research purposes is extremely difficult. This is due to the elusive behavior of pangolins, making them hard to be found and that fact that many countries has already prohibited the export of pangolins, even for research purposes.
In fact, as early as 2016, Philippe and his team has used Mitochondrial DNA from 6 white-bellied pangolin from 6 African regions to differentiate unique genetic characteristics. Conservation geneticist Mr Haurong Zhang from Hong Kong used the information obtained from the above findings to examine 1,800 DNA samples from 30 confiscated pangolin scales in Hong Kong from Nigeria and Cameroon between 2012 and 2016. Over 80% of the DNA samples could be traced back to pangolins from the 6 African regions. Based on these results, it can be inferred that the scope of pangolin hunting in Africa is extensive, with hunters transporting their harvest to designated shipping hubs before distributing them worldwide. However, Haurong admits that the DNA project mentioned above fails to further narrow down to the specific pangolin origin. Higher-resolution genetic markers is required to achieve this purpose.
In light of the above findings, Philippe and his team are working on this DNA project using another type of genetic marker. In their research report released in May, they genotyped 24 white-bellied pangolins from Douala and identified 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci. By using these genetic markers, Philippe and his team are able to preliminarily identify those pangolins from the Ebo Forest near Douala. Despite this improvement, they are still studying the use of single nucleotide polymorphism for pangolin DNA testing, comparing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this method to their original objective.