Wildlife Genetics
The UFS Wildlife Genetics unit is a specialised laboratory run by the University of the Free State, providing commercial and research-based genetic testing for the Southern African wildlife industry. Our services cater to the genetic screening needs of private wildlife farmers, game breeders, professional hunters, game ranch and reserve managers, conservation policymakers, NGOs and government agencies. Our mission is to enhance wildlife management, conservation, and breeding practices through the application of cutting-edge genetic testing.
Services
We offer specialised wildlife genetic testing, tracking, and barcoding, aimed at informing breeding programs, population management, and wildlife trade.
- Parentage and relatedness testing, reconstruction of pedigrees
- Determination of genetic diversity, inbreeding, and population structure
- Species identification and confirmation
- DNA barcoding and genetic tagging
- Specialised game counts and population assessments using non-invasive DNA (scat, hair, feathers, etc.)
Contact details
Ruan Jacobs
E: JacobsR1@ufs.ac.za