THE Scottish Government has joined the fight against the illegal trade in rhino-ceros horn by setting up a DNA database which will help trace the origin of stolen horns.
Rhinoceros horn now fetches more than its weight in gold on the black market and it is not just animals living in the wild that are being targeted by profit-seeking criminals.
More than 50 thefts were reported from museums, galleries and auction houses in Europe in 2011.
Scientists at Sasa (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture) are to send out sampling kits to museums and zoos across the UK to create Scotland's first rhino horn database.
The aim of the project is to protect exhibits and also live rhinos in zoos from criminal gangs who steal rhino horn.
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "The illegal trade in rhino horn has become not only a threat to these magnificent but sadly very rare animals in the wild, but also to our museums and zoos.
"The work at Sasa will help the police to crack down on the criminals who are beneath contempt."
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