Wildlife Genetics

Wildlife Genetics Division (WGD)

Aaranyak, in its endeavour to incorporate advanced approaches in wildlife sciences and conservation, braved a helical leap in the year 2008 by launching Wildlife Genetics Division (WGD) in it domain. The major thrust areas of WGD include:

Development and maintenance of an in-house molecular biology laboratory and undertake conservation genetic research work to provide answers to questions pertaining to pressing wildlife population management need.
Development of reference genetic database of the rich biodiversity of northeast India and standardize DNA-based techniques for population monitoring as well as forensic identification.
Development of manpower resources in northeast India for promoting conservation genetic research and build capacity of relevant stakeholders in efficient use of genetic technology in wildlife management and wildlife crime investigations.

Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL)

At the core of WGD’s functioning, Aaranyak has pioneered the application of modern molecular genetic techniques in the field of wildlife research in Northeast India. In the year 2008, Aaranyak has established the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) in Guwahati, which is equipped to undertake high-throughput DNA analysis of wildlife samples for non- diagnostic population genetic research. WGL, Aaranyak is the only laboratory facility dedicated to conservation genetics work in Northeast India at present.

WGL, Aaranyak has been offering wildlife genetics and forensic DNA analysis service to Assam Forest Department, following approval of the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Govt. of Assam as a facility for wildlife genetic and forensic DNA analysis in the state of Assam, vide letter no. WL/FG/FORENSIC/2014 dated 28 April 2014. Assistance in crime scene investigations and DNA sampling has also been provided by laboratory experts to Assam Forest Department and Assam Police on the ground. In addition, the laboratory has conducted multiple studies on conservation genetics of threatened fauna and biodiversity studies in India.

Government of Assam vide Memo. E. 656643/523 dated 4^th August 2025 has notified Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Aaranyak and Mr. Udayan Borthakur, Director and Head, Wildlife Genetics Division, Aaranyak under Section 329 (4) of BNSS 2023 to facilitate wildlife genetic and wildlife forensic analysis (Annexure I).

Facilities & Expertise

WGL, Aaranyak, situated at House No. 12, Kanaklata Path, Survey, Beltola, Guwahati – 781028, Assam, India has the following facilities:

Biological sample processing and storage facility
DNA extraction facility – With physical separation between low-quality and high-quality DNA sample processing
Electrophoresis and general solvent handling facility
PCR facility (Gradient Thermal Cyclers)
Genetic data analysis facility
Enzyme Immunoassay Facility
Power back-up system for uninterrupted operations of thermal cycler, electrophoresis, and freezers etc.

WGL has in-house expertise on following areas in wildlife research and forensics:

Species identification of wildlife species from various morphologically indistinguishable biological materials, such as blood, tissue, horn, bone, faeces, hair, feather, eggshell, urine etc. through DNA sequencing based genetic marker technology.
Identification of individuals of a species through Short Tandem Repeat (STR) or microsatellite genotyping (DNA fingerprinting) for multiple wildlife species, including greater one-horned rhino, Asian elephant, Western hoolock gibbon, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and a variety of other feline carnivores etc.
Identification of gender through genetic analysis of biological samples from various species.
Development and standardization of various molecular markers required for genetic analysis.
Determination of paternity and kinship relations between individuals of species such as Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhino, tiger etc.
Genetic census or genetic capture-recapture based population size estimation of wildlife species.
Population genetic research on evaluation of genetic diversity, identification of source populations, determination of gene flow and identification of migrants etc.
Expertise in genetic sampling from a variety of biological material and working with trace amount of poor-quality DNA samples for forensic investigations.
Field expertise in undertaking genetic sampling and ecological monitoring studies in general.

Major Research Programmes of WGD

Landscape Genetic and Physiological Stress Monitoring of Western Hoolock Gibbons in Northeast India

WGD, with support from The Habitat Trust, has initiated landscape genetic monitoring of Western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) in the seven states of northeast India. The project aims to use DNA technology to identify source populations of gibbon, understand genetic structuring and gene flow in the landscape and develop methodology for genetic population estimation of the species in the wild. Monitoring of physiological stress in gibbons due to various levels of anthropogenic influence will also be determined through analysis of stress hormones from gibbon faecal samples (Faecal Glucocorticoids).

Landscape Genetic Approach to Asian Elephant Population Monitoring in Northeast India

WGD, in collaboration with Elephant Research & Conservation Division of Aaranyak, as initiated a long term project on using landscape genetic tools to undertake population genetic mapping of source populations and migration routes of elephants (Elephas maximus) in Northeast India. The project will use non-invasive genetic analysis to evaluate the efficacy of the identified corridors in facilitating demographic and genetic exchange of elephants in the landscape. The project work has been initiated from 2022 onwards and ecological and genetic data required for the study are currently being generated.

Population monitoring of Asian Rhino Species

WGD has pioneered population genetic monitoring of greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicorns) in India since 2009, through assessment of contemporary levels and spatial distribution of genetic diversity in the rhino bearing protected areas of Assam and West Bengal. The laboratory also optimized and successful applied of methodology for genetic population estimation of rhinos using dung as a source of DNA.

During 2012 to 2014, WGD worked jointly with Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, IRF and WWF to monitor population status of Critically Endangered Javan (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) in Indonesia. WGD’s role in this work is to oversee the methodological aspects of genetic analysis and to provide technical guidance to the Researchers working in the laboratory of Eijkman Institute at Jakarta.

Population monitoring of tiger and other carnivores in Eastern India

In the year 2009, the laboratory worked in Orang National Park of Assam to standardise methodology for tiger population estimation employing genetic capture-recapture using a maximum likelihood based single session sampling design. Since then, the laboratory is working on tiger (Panthera tigris) population monitoring in various Tiger Reserves and other protected areas of Eastern India. So far, the laboratory has worked in Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal, Palamau Tiger Reserve of Jharkhand, Dampa Tiger Reserve of Mizoram, Namdapha and Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh and Manas Tiger Reserve of Assam to use non-invasive genetic monitoring of tiger populations.

Ecology of Tigers in North Bengal – During 2018-19, WGL undertook assessment of tiger population in the Protected Areas network of North Bengal and study ecological aspects such as population dynamics, prey-predator relationships, territoriality and home range related aspects and finally to develop a tiger conservation plan for the landscape for West Bengal Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Project (WBFBCP), Govt. of West Bengal. The project included mapping of tiger presence and distribution in the PA network of North Bengal using sign survey and genetic sampling based species identification of genuine tiger samples and subsequent population estimation using genetic capture recapture.

Ecology of Leopards in North Bengal – The project, implemented during 2018-2021 and commissioned by West Bengal Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Project (WBFBCP), Govt. of West Bengal. Primarily focussed on assessment of leopard (Panthera pardus)population status in North Bengal, assessment of leopard distribution, prey preferences and most importantly to investigate the driving factors of human leopard conflict, in order to develop a leopard management plan for the landscape. The project followed a grid based survey of leopard presence through questionnaire, sign survey and non-invasive genetic sampling as well as assessment of human leopard conflict intensities through questionnaire and secondary information collection.

Monitoring distribution of small carnivore species – Besides large carnivores such as tiger and leopard, non-invasive genetic sampling based surveys for species presence and distribution in several remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Genetic Monitoring of White-bellied Heron in Bhutan

WGD has collaborated with Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), Bhutan to work on Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) population in Bhutan during 2014-2019. Samples used in this study were collected by RSPN Biologists during nest monitoring of this species in some of the known localities within Bhutan. The study has led to assessment of mitochondrial genetic diversity of the species in Bhutan, assessing phylogenetic status and looking at historical demography of the species, providing answers to some of the key questions pertaining to conservation strategy development.

Services Offered by Wildlife Genetics Laboratory

Wildlife genetic and Forensic Analysis:

DNA analysis of wildlife crime cases, including

Identification of wildlife species from biological samples. This may include identification of authentic wildlife material such as rhino horn, ivory, snake venom, meat, bone, hair, saliva etc.
Individual identification (DNA profiling) and individual matching of samples with scene of crime.
Determining number of animals from multiple biological samples (e.g. pieces of bone, teeth, claws etc.).
Parentage testing of captive Asian elephants.
Determining source of origin (for greater one-horned rhino)

Various requirements of the Forest Department for wildlife and protected area management, including

Development of DNA database for wildlife species.
Wildlife population estimation through fecal DNA analysis.
Analysis of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity between wildlife populations, inbreeding detection, hybridization detection.
Identification of key wildlife source populations and identification of Conservation Significant Units (CSUs).

Assessment of wildlife corridors and connectivity between key wildlife habitats.

Estimation of population size of various species in the protected areas through DNA analysis.

Undertake biodiversity assessment through environmental DNA analysis.

Genetic management of captive stock of various wildlife species and scientific planning of conservation breeding, selection of genetic stock, identification of species etc.

Incident Response:

Service related to responding to wildlife crime incidents including:

DNA sampling from wildlife crime scene and seizures.
Genetic sampling of wildlife articles in govt. repositories etc.

Training and Consultation:

Mentoring various line departments and skill development in:

Collection of DNA evidences from the scene of crime
- Understanding the scope of DNA technology in Wildlife genetic research and forensic analysis
- Awareness generation on wildlife crime investigation and control through application of DNA and other molecular technology

A digital copy of a booklet on Services & Sample Collection Guidelines for Wildlife DNA Forensic Investigations at WGL can be downloaded below:

Download the Services & Sample Collection Guideline for Wildlife DNA Forensic Investigations by Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Aaranyak

Contributions to Capacity Building and Manpower Development

Development of trained manpower in the laboratory and in the field

Since its inception, WGD has been instrumental in developing trained manpower resources in the field of conservation genetics in northeast India. Several Researchers, Interns and volunteers have gained experience in the field of genetic and ecological research through WGD in past 15 years, which have led to production of manpower as well as fulfilment of academic degrees such as Ph.D., M.Phil, Master’s dissertations etc.

Training to forest department field staff

WGL has continuously been providing trainings to forest staff of various protected areas in eastern India on effective use of genetic technology in wildlife monitoring as well as crime investigations, through proper field collection and preservation of genetic samples. The laboratory has also organized training programs for field officers of the forest departments on population size estimation of Asian elephants and Royal Bengal tiger using genetic capture-recapture based sampling.

Training courses and educational seminars

WGD organizes training courses on various topics such as basics of molecular tools in conservation genetics, molecular phylogenetics, genetic population monitoring etc. to students and researchers, where participants from throughout India have participated.

Achievements

Government of Assam vide Memo. E. 656643/523 dated 4^th August 2025 has notified Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Aaranyak and Mr. Udayan Borthakur, Director and Head, Wildlife Genetics Division, Aaranyak under Section 329 (4) of BNSS 2023 to facilitate wildlife genetic and wildlife forensic analysis (Annexure I). WGL, Aaranyak is the first laboratory and expert to be recognized under the act in northeast India.

During 2018-2021 WGD carried out extensive study on the Leopard population of North districts of state of West Bengal involving eight protected areas of the region. The study provided first ever genetic estimation of leopard population in the major protected areas of North Bengal and an insight into its distribution pattern, feeding habits as well as human-leopard conflict situation in the region. This helped in designing a leopard management plan for the landscape.
During 2018-19, WGL undertook assessment of tiger population in the Protected Areas network of North Bengal and study ecological aspects such as population dynamics, prey-predator relationships, territoriality and home range related aspects.
In the year 2015, WGD carried out genetic assessment of greater one-horned rhino population of India. The study provided insight into the contemporary levels of genetic diversity of the species for the first time across all the wild extant populations of India and showed presence of significant levels of genetic population structure among rhino populations of Assam and West Bengal. The study also helped in creating genetic database of rhino populations of India which critical for future forensic investigations.
In 2014 WGD standardised protocol for protocols for genetic individual identification of Asian elephant, thereby opening possibilities of undertaking genetic population monitoring studies in the region.
In the year 2014, WGD carried out analysis of snow leopard faecal samples from Wangchuck Centennial Park of Bhutan and confirmed the presence of minimum 5 individuals in the area.
In the year 2014, WGD carried out genetic assessment of the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron population in Bhutan, in collaboration with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, Bhutan. This study generated first ever genetic information of this species and important information on the genetic diversity in the wild, population history and phylogenetic status were obtained.
In the year 2014, WGD undertook genetic population monitoring of tiger population in Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh. Field sampling for carnivore scats and genetic analysis in WGL confirmed existence of 8 individual tigers, with 3 females and 5 males in the area.
In the year 2013, WGD carried out study to assess the distribution of large and small carnivore species present in the Garo Hills, Meghalaya using noninvasive genetic tools.
During 2012-13, WGL carried out extensive genetic population monitoring of tigers in Manas National Park, confirming the existence of 23 individual tigers in the area. As part of this work, a compartment wise sampling model was followed, where field staff of Manas National Park were trained and later genetic sampling were carried out by the Field Directorate, Manas Tiger Reserve.
In the year 2012, WGL carried out genetic population monitoring of tigers in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, jointly with the Field Directorate, Dampa and WWF-India. This study confirmed the presence of three tigers in the area, which nullified the uncertainty of tiger presence in Dampa due to long absence of scientific evidence.
In the year 2012, WGL successfully carried out genetic census of Greater One-horned Rhinos in Gorumara National Park, West Bengal, reporting the presence of 43 individual rhinos with a sex ratio of nearly 4:1. This is first of its kind achievement for the species in the world.
In the year 2011, WGL carried out analysis of faecal samples collected by the Field Directorate, Manas Tiger Reserve, from a part of the Reserve to confirm the presence of four tigers in the area.
In the year 2011, WGL confirmed the presence of tigers in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, through genetic analysis of faecal samples collected by the Forest Department. This was the first confirmation of tigers remaining in the Tiger Reserve, after a decade long absence of scientific evidence.
In the year 2011, WGL contributed to tiger population monitoring in Palamau Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand, through genetic analysis based identification of six individual tigers from faecal samples collected by Palamau Forest Department.
In the year 2011, WGD started working with various international and local organizations in Indonesia such as YABI, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, WWF and IRF to genetically monitor population status of Critically Endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos in the country. This is first ever detailed study on genetic population monitoring of these two rare mammals being carried out under the supervision of genetic expert from WGD.
In the year 2010, WGL carried out tiger genetic population estimation in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, identifying 15 tigers in the area. This became the first genetic based population monitoring work to be mentioned in the status report of tigers in India in the year 2010.
In the year 2009, WGL successfully developed protocols for genetic individual identification of Greater One-horned Rhinos from dung samples, thereby opening greater possibilities of undertaking genetic population monitoring of this species in its natural habitat.
In the year 2009, WGL carried out genetic capture-recapture based population estimation of tigers in Orang National Park, which for the first time, successfully demonstrated the use of single-session sampling based capture-recapture model in population estimation of tigers. Such single session sampling based capture-recapture population estimation is useful in population monitoring in low density protected areas, especially with physically challenging terrains, where repeat sampling is extremely difficult.