DART mass spectrometry as a potential tool for the differentiation of captive-bred and wild lion bones

Abstract In recent years lion bones have been legally traded internationally to Asian markets from captive-bred sources in South Africa. There are also indications of increasing instances illegal international trade wild bones. The existence parallel captive and supplies bone a cause law enforcement concern regarding the potential for laundering illegally sourced through legal trade, present problem assessment conservation impact due difficulty determining what market-share account for. Captive-bred visually indistinguishable no reliable method currently exists distinguishing them. We preliminary study that explores use DART mass spectrometry as differentiate between find is able batch African suggest shows strong tool regulation investigation trade. Further testing needed prove suitability this technique. Therefore, we further research focuses on capability contemporary originating Africa, attempts identify chemical markers can be used indicators origin.