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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Research grants // Our internship projects // Field Based Identification of Tiger DNA

Field Based Identification of Tiger DNA

Developing DNA identification of tiger species in the field

The problem

The illegal wildlife trade sadly poses a huge threat to the survival of many species across the world. This includes the tiger (Panthera tigris) as their parts are currently traded illegally in traditional Asian medicines. The officials at borders who are tasked with enforcing wildlife trade legislation have a really difficult job. This is because they have to carry out routine inspections and targeted investigations on items that are seized at the borders, many of which are made of heavily processed materials. Currently, to identify the unknown species using DNA, samples require laboratory testing. It can take days or even weeks to determine what the species is. If the investigation is forensic in nature, the results may be needed rapidly to be successful.

ptes tiger investigation of DNA project

The solution

We will be developing an investigative test to be used in the field by personnel such as police and custom officials. It means that law enforcement officials will be able to obtain results much more quickly, and the results will be simple enough that they can be interpreted by employees with minimum training.

This is a completely novel approach, as it removes the need for a laboratory. The test will be be developed to identify samples to sub-species level, identifying whether the animal was a Bengal, Sumatran or other sub-species of tiger, which will help determine where it came from.

Latest findings

We are getting promising results from the investigative test we are developing. We are now able to distinguish between a number of species. Our next steps are to test the probe’s sensitivity and look at the potential effects on the test of herbs which are often used as a part of traditional Asian medicine.

This project is possible thanks to our generous donors. Can you help us continue?

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