RhODIS® – Rhino DNA Index System

RhODIS® (Rhino DNA Index System). In order to help with the plight of the rhinos, the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, is collecting DNA samples of rhinos across the country to create a database using the unique DNA profile of individual rhinos. So far, the database has grown to include over 3500 black and white rhinos from South Africa in just over a year. It costs R600 for each rhino to be added to the database (excluding darting and sample collection costs). The goal is for all rhinos to be on the system. This will deter poachers and assist in forensic prosecutions

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BENEFICIARY
Just a note to thank Rhino Force for the amazing donation to the RhODIS project. We have so many cases that we have to finalise and each represents another rhino lost to us. Each case is important and each animal deserves at least a thorough and efficient investigation and in some cases, evidence to ensure that a poacher or trafficker is brought to book. It is constantly a struggle to keep up but the kind of support that you have provided makes this possible and is a motivation to continue.”
– Cindy Harper, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory : Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria    Onderstepoort –