DNA “fingerprinting” and “barcoding” methods used to identify and track logs and wood products, particularly those being traded illegally, have been advanced by researchers at the University of Adelaide.
It is now possible to extract and use genetic material from wood products and old samples of wood. Individual logs, and the region they come from, can also be identified and tracked more easily.
These genetic technologies could make screening for illegal logging easier, and make it harder to get away with destroying protected rainforests.
Read more at University of Adelaide