Forensic Wildlife

Wildlife forensics applies forensic science to the investigation of crimes against wildlife such as poaching, illegal trade in animals and animal parts, smuggling of ivory, skins, horns and the trafficking of endangered species. It supports the enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Wildlife forensic experts identify species from hair, skin, bones, feathers, scales, meat and derivatives using morphological examination and DNA analysis, and help establish whether a protected species has been illegally hunted or traded.

Species Identification

Identification of the species of origin from seized biological material is central to wildlife forensics. Techniques include microscopic examination of hair and feather structure and molecular methods such as DNA barcoding.

Combating Wildlife Crime

By providing scientific evidence linking seized articles to protected species, wildlife forensics assists enforcement agencies in prosecuting offenders under wildlife protection legislation and in the conservation of endangered species.