As poaching rises, DNA analysis may be critical for elephant conservation.

• Author: Parr, Laura
• Position: EYE ON EARTH

Over the past year, unprecedented numbers of African elephants have been slaughtered for their tusks, according to reports. Between August 2005 and August 2006, authorities worldwide seized more than 24 tons of smuggled elephant ivory en route to the Far East alone, though actual poaching levels are believed to be much higher. In a recent study, Samuel Wasser, director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington, and his colleagues concluded that because customs agents typically detect only about 10 percent of all contraband, the real ivory toll...