A team of the Global Timber Tracking Network (GTTN), experts in the different methods of identification of species and origin of wood, just launched the first general sampling guide. The guide explains scientists in detail how to collect reference samples for wood identification.
GTTN member research institutes and labs around the world work on wood anatomy, genetics, stable isotopes, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS). These are all techniques that can potentially enable law enforcement and customs agents to fight illegal logging and trade.
The guide explains preparatory work, field work, and transport and storage of samples and data. Furthermore, it includes a quick guide, an overview table of the reference material to be collected, checklists, tips from the experts, illustrations, and examples of forms to collect field data.
This publication is another GTTN project milestone along with the upcoming Service Provider Directory (SPD). The SPD will find information on available scientific methods and tools, and identifies capable labs.
Download the GTTN general sampling guide here
