Wildlife Forensics

Wildlife forensics and the use of DNA analysis has become an important tool in the effective investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime, the trafficking of CITES protected wildlife and the fight against illegal logging. The application of DNA forensic techniques to wildlife crime investigation has provided enforcement officers with new methods for detecting criminal activity, uncovering illegal trafficking where animal or plant parts and products are smuggled across borders and detecting the laundering of wild-caught animals into the captive-bred market. DNA sampling techniques are now also being used in commercial sectors to verify chain-of-custody for timber in exporting and importing countries. Globally, wildlife forensics has brought together government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, universities and scientific organisations, the private sector and international financial institutions to support the establishment of specialised wildlife forensics laboratories, the development and trialing of testing kits for use by investigation and enforcement officers, and training for wildlife enforcement officers in developing countries.