Question NW1554 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
30 May 2018 - NW1554
Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With reference to the reply to question 2342, on 24 August 2017, (a) what number of (i) random DNA samples were taken and (ii) the specified DNA samples were analysed to test for compliance and (b) what was the result of the analysis?
Reply:
(a) (i) and (ii)) According to the results of inspection conducted by the officials, twenty five (25) exhibit bags from OR Tambo International Airport Cargo office for the Department of Environmental Affairs were analysed by the National Zoological Garden (NZG) forensic laboratory in April 2018. A ziplock bag was used to randomly collect DNA samples of the pieces of lion bones exported. Each ziplock bag contained a piece of a bone.
(b) All the twenty five (25) DNA result submitted to the NZG forensic laboratory were found to be the specimens of Lion (Panthera leo), which is in compliance with the export permit.
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