Project:

Extraction of DNA from Raw Confiscated (USFWS) Ivory vs Objects of Material Culture.

Students:

Lizbeth Ortigoza, Lorena Flores

Institution:

American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan

Mentors:

Anibal Rodriguez

Abstract:

In this UBRP project, we aim to extract DNA from samples of modern elephant ivory and additional ivories from protected and endangered species. Some of these endangered and protected species may include: the Narwhal whale, walrus, Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and hippopotamus. For our research, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle & Wildlife Property Repository will provide samples. Two examples of elephants we plan to identify are the Asian elephant (Elaphas maximus) and the African elephant (Loxodonta Africana).

Poster:

Team samples: