Genomic conservation of Aquilaria sinensis in Hong Kong

Background

Agarwood-producing species of Aquilaria, commonly known as incense trees, are frequent targets of wildlife crime despite protective regulations. The genus also suffers from a lack of consistent and comprehensive literature on species identification, phylogenetic relationships, and distribution ranges, which impedes conservation efforts. Over the last decade, advancing genetic techniques have been leveraged by law enforcement in the protection of incense trees at risk of illegal harvesting and trafficking. Though various molecular analyses have shown promise as tools to increase wildlife crime conviction rates, there has been no effort to summarize the literature focusing on the conservation of Aquilaria from molecular genetics and wildlife forensic perspectives.

Aims

• Comparison of DNA extraction efficiency and quality from leaf, bark, and fruit tissues
• Resolution of genetic relationships among field-collected Aquilaria sinensis populations in Hong Kong
• Development of conservation strategies for Aquilaria sinensis in Hong Kong based on genetic data
• Assisted Hong Kong police officers by providing DNA evidence for an illegal poaching case