We realized an urgent need for developing and standardizing protocols for identifying various parts and products in wildlife for proper implementation of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act -1972. Aims of ongoing project are to (a) Develop morphmetric, crystallographic and DNA based techniques to characterize species from bones of major animals such as Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Sambar, Barking deer and Swamp deer, (b) Establish species-specific characteristics of raw and finished products of Asian ivory and prepare protocols to differentiate from other similar products, used in the trade, (c) Investigate source-area of Asian elephant ivory, (d) Determine characteristics of rhino horn, and (e) Establish species characteristics and keys to identify antler of deer species.

Under present topic of presentation, we discuss our preliminary findings on characterization of African and Asian ivory based on Schreger angles, Colour intensity, Scanning Electron Micrography (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Induced Couple Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Cross-section of tusks was cut, polished and procedure was optimized to get clear Schreger angle using scanning procedure and magnifying. We measured 10-20 different angles at different area like center, middle and periphery of African ivory (n =3) and Asian ivory (n =10). Mean angle measurement at central, middle and peripheral of Asian ivory are 67.820, 85.160 and 112.150 respectively and for African ivory are 73.20, 110.10 and 126.10 respectively. Grey-scale colour intensity (0-256) in case of Asian Elephant ivory (n = 3) (221.99 to 233.09) has higher range as compared to African ivory (n = 3) (217.08 to 224.74) respectively.

Scanning Electron Micrographic (SEM) technique was also used to observe the difference in Asian (n=7) and African ivory (n=7) at three different positions. Dentine surface of Asian ivory has more roughness as compared to African ivory. X-ray diffractogram (XRD) of Asian ivory (n=4) and African ivory (n=1) matches well with hydroxyapatite minerals according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) file no. 9; card no. 432 and analysis is still in progress. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) examination were carried on the Asian (n=4) and African (n=5) ivory samples to know the qualitative constituent of these samples. Overall differences were less pronounce in case of Asian and African ivory but differences were noted in intensity of some elements. Further, to quantify the elemental composition, Inductively Couple Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis were done for Asian (n = 5) African (n=2) ivory. Difference in relative abundance of some elements was noted.

Thermo gravimetric analysis was carried out to record that with increase in temperature how much was the weight loss and was their any variation in nature of weight loss. For this, 200C to 14000C was used under 100 ml/min of nitrogen medium. Difference in Asian (n=6) and African (n=6) ivory were noted between two sections 1000 C to 3500C and 12000C to 14000C. Similar results were observed when percentage weight loss was plotted against time.Schreger angles are specific to ivory and are one of the diagnostic features, which are not found in antler, and bones. UV light is used to distinguish ivory product as at 254 nm ivory items glow more as compared to other items made of antler, camel bone or plastic. Overall differences from other items such as antler, and bone are possible through various techniques as morphometry, SEM, XRD, ICP-AES and TGA. There are other morphological differences in Asian and African ivory.