Wasser Map
Definition
A population-level reference map of elephant DNA variation across the African continent, developed by Samuel Wasser's lab at the University of Washington, enabling assignment of a seized tusk to a country-level or regional origin.
- Subject
- African elephant DNA variation
- Developer
- Samuel Wasser, University of Washington
- Coverage
- Continent-wide population reference
- Application
- Assigns seized ivory to country or regional origin
Common questions
How is a seized tusk actually matched to a location using the Wasser map?+
DNA extracted from the tusk is genotyped and compared statistically against the geographically referenced population samples in the map, and the closest matching population signature indicates the likely region where the elephant lived, which can point to poaching hotspots.
Why does this matter for wildlife law enforcement beyond just identifying species?+
Large ivory seizures are often assembled from tusks poached across many locations and shipped through transit countries, so pinpointing the true source region helps agencies target enforcement resources at the actual poaching areas rather than the export or transit points where seizures occur.
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