สารคดี เรื่องสั้นCHIANG MAI – Researchers from Chiang Mai University have met great success in developing a software application they claim is the first of its kind in the world to quickly distinguish between African and Asian ivory.
The researchers led by Korakot Nganvongpanit, head of the Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health at Chiang Mai University, said it is an effective device to help officials suppress the illegal trade in ivory.
Mr Korakot and his researchers announced the achievement at a media conference Thursday at Chiang Mai University.
The senior vet said he led his team in developing an Android-compatible programme to help identify the geographical origin of ivory by measuring rare earth minerals found inside it.
He said the measurements depend on data showing that mineral levels found in the tusks of African and Asian elephants differ as a result of food sources and their habitats.
The team chose 10 rare earth minerals as indicators to identify the source of ivory such as magnesium, silicon and zirconium, he said.
Mr Korakot said a portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyser device is used to scan the ivory to read rare earth mineral levels found inside. After that, technicians feed the resulting data into the program so it will help identify whether the ivory is from Africa or Asia.