Fighting Against Animal Smuggling, Scientists Design An Electronic Nose Inspired By Lizards

Kadal Shingleback. (Wikimedia Commons / Kasia-aus)

JAKARTA - Who would have thought, if the shingleback lizard, which is one of the best-selling species on the black market for animal trade, could actually help forensic scientists detect illegal wildlife smugglers.

Although it is a common sight to see shingleback lizards in Australia, it is a big target for smugglers on the international market. The illegal wildlife trade generates global revenues estimated at 19.5 billion euros annually.

"This is a problem for wildlife around the world, not only in Australia because it can cause species extinction as well as biosecurity risks", said Dr. Greta Frankham, a conservationist geneticist at the Australian Museum, told Euronews.

Building on the work that has been done with sniffer dogs, forensic scientist Amber Brown has traveled across Australia to collect samples from these reptiles.

Amber and the team then spent time in a ventilated box where the smell of the lizards was collected for analysis in a laboratory at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Shingleback Lizard. (Wikimedia Commons / Paulr)

Each species has a unique odor, which results from the release of organic compounds into the air. They depend on what the animals eat and their genetic makeup. The electronic nose can detect this unique compound and is very difficult to disguise.

"Our focus is on odor detection, and this is because no matter how bonded you are, what container you are in, you are still producing and releasing odors", explains Brown.

This will allow officers to easily scan luggage and mail, and even detect animal products that have been used in traditional medicine or ornamentation.

Although research has focused on the shingleback lizard, for now, it could soon be used to track other highly trafficked species. The research team believes that the electronic nose will be crucial in combating the wildlife trade, being a potential 'game changer' in preventing the illegal trade in Australian native animals.