Elephants have unique wrinkle patterns and ridges on the tips of their trunks. These patterns are distinct enough to identify individuals. Conservationists use trunk prints to track elephants over time. This method is non-invasive and highly accurate. Much like fingerprints, trunk patterns remain consistent throughout life.
It matters because identification helps protect elephants. Knowing individuals allows better monitoring and conservation planning.
It also shows how technology adapts to biology. Conservation has become more precise thanks to this discovery.
Trunk prints are now used in wildlife crime investigations to identify poached individuals. This has strengthened legal cases against traffickers.
World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)