At Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory in Assam, the first batch received training in Wildlife Genetics and Forensics.

For the first time, Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory successfully organized an eight‑day practical training program titled “Applications of DNA Technology in Wildlife Genetics and Forensics”. Held from April 22 to April 29, the program provided hands-on training to eight researchers and academicians on modern molecular and forensic techniques related to wildlife conservation, including sample collection and laboratory practice.

The training covered key topics such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), genetic marker data analysis, phylogeny reconstruction, genetic diversity assessment, and forensic identification based on DNA information. Udayan Barthakur, Head of Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Division, stated: “Participants were enriched with practical experience from sample collection to analysis. We are confident that this group will apply these skills in research, monitoring, and forensic investigations, thereby contributing to wildlife conservation.” On April 29, at Hotel Nakshatra in Guwahati, certificates were awarded to all eight participants during the closing ceremony attended by Aaranyak’s senior officials and media representatives.

Speaking at the event, Aaranyak’s Executive Director Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar remarked that the program fulfills a long‑standing need for capacity building in wildlife conservation and forensic investigation in the region. He emphasized that practical expertise in genetic techniques will strengthen legal processes against wildlife crime by generating robust scientific evidence. Udayan Barthakur further noted that Aaranyak is committed to developing human resources in Northeast India’s science and conservation sector through specialized training modules for students, researchers, and professionals. He added: “Even after the training, we will continue to guide participants in applying DNA technology in their future research and conservation work.”

The training was coordinated by Udayan Barthakur and Dr. Pranjal Kumar Das, with laboratory experts providing instruction. Sessions on DNA technology and bioinformatics tools were conducted by Dr. Pranjan Barman (Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University), Dr. Raju Bharali (Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Gauhati University), and Dr. Saurav Mahanta (Senior Technical Officer, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Guwahati).

It is noteworthy that Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, dedicated to assisting investigative agencies in wildlife crime detection through genetic and forensic DNA analysis, is the only such institution in Northeast India notified by the Government under Section 329(4) of the BNS Act, 2023.