Podcast: DNA matching helps convict traders of illegal timber
Dr Eleanor Dormontt was recently part of a team to provide vital genetic information used in a successful prosecution of illegal timber traders in the US.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"]
Eleanor Dormontt with the team of US Forest Service officers and agents who worked on the case, after successfully providing the DNA evidence, and the indictment was being prepared. (US Forest Service)timber[/caption]
Eleanor was recently interviewed by Robyn Williams for the ABC Radio National Science Show.
As she explains, when the value of the products made from that single tree can be in excess of $100,000, there are potentially big rewards for criminals prepared to illegally fell these high quality trees.
So how can we prevent illegal felling, what technology is required?
Listen to the interview or read the transcript.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"]
Eleanor Dormontt with the team of US Forest Service officers and agents who worked on the case, after successfully providing the DNA evidence, and the indictment was being prepared. (US Forest Service)timber[/caption]Eleanor was recently interviewed by Robyn Williams for the ABC Radio National Science Show.
As she explains, when the value of the products made from that single tree can be in excess of $100,000, there are potentially big rewards for criminals prepared to illegally fell these high quality trees.
So how can we prevent illegal felling, what technology is required?
Listen to the interview or read the transcript.
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about new initiatives and share with your friends what's happening.