Abstract

Forensic science provides a diverse toolkit for investigating wildlife crimes, including DNA analysis, isotopic fingerprinting, morphological assessment, and chemical profiling. These approaches enable species identification, geographic origin determination, supply chain traceability, and the establishment of links to criminal activity. By delving into key concepts such as forensic techniques, challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions, this paper sheds light on the complexities of wildlife crime investigations and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in conservation enforcement. Challenges in wildlife forensic investigations include sample preservation, inadequate databases for species identification, a lack of defined techniques, and the requirement for specialized knowledge. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates investment in research, technology, and capacity building within law enforcement and conservation organizations. The future of animal forensics depends on technological improvements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and more international cooperation. Portable forensic tools, big data analytics, genetic databases, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications show promise for boosting detection capabilities and prosecution rates. Additionally, creating relationships among scientists, law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, and communities is critical for long-term conservation success.

• 1.   Baptista.J.C;Seixas.F; Gonzalo-Orden.M.J; Oliveira. A; (December 2022) Wildlife Forensic Sciences: A Tool to Nature Conservative towards a One health Approach.
• 2.   Haines.A.M; Webb.S.L; Wallace.J.R; (27 June 2021) The Intersection of WildlifeCrime, Forensics, and Conservation. Top of Form.
• 3.   Mozer.A; Prost.S; (December 2023) An Introduction to illegal wildlife trade and its effects on biodiversity and society.
• 4.   Review: Wildlife forensic genetics-Biological evidence, DNA makers, analyticalapproaches, andchallenges (20 December 2023).
• 5.   Pires.S.F; Moreto.W; (July 2016) The Illegal Wildlife Trade.
• 6.   Khalsa.N.K; (25 April 2023) Illegal Wildlife Trade In India : Impact, Laws and Solutions.
• 7.   Stringham.O.C; Moncayo.S; Thomas.E; Heinrich.S; Toomes.A; Maher.J; Hill.K.G.W; Mitchell.L; Ross.J.V; Shepherd.C.R; Cassey.P (December 2021) Dataset of seized wildlifeand their intended uses.
• 8.   Rush.E.R; Dale.E; Aguirre.A.A; (June 2021) Illegal Wildlife Trade and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Pervasive Impacts to Species, Ecosystems and Human Health.
• 9.   Keskin.B.B; Griffin.E.C; Prell.J.O; Dilkina.B; Ferber.A; MacDonald.J; Hilend.R; Griffis.S; Gore.M.L; (February 2023) Quantitative Investigation of Wildlife Trafficking Supply Chains; A Review.
• 10.   Fukushima.C.S; Tricorache .P; Toomes. A; Stringham.O.C; (October 2021) Challenges and perspectives on tackling illegal or unsustainable wildlife trade.
• 11.   Curtis.M.B; Trail.P; Kagan.R; Moore.M.K; (May 2015) Wildlife Forensics: An Overview and update for the prosecutor.
• 12.   Kumar.N; Yadav.K.V; Rana.A.K (October 2017) Wildlife Forensic: Current Techniques and Their Limitations.
• 13.   Forensic Science in Support of Wildlife Conservation Efforts – Morphological and Chemical Approaches.
• 14.   Singh.H.N; (August 2021) Evidential Value of Footprints in Criminal Investigation.
• 15.   Sahajpal.V; Bhandari.D; (June 2021) Forensic Analysis in Wildlife Crime Cases: Microscopy, DNA Profiling and Isotope Analysis.
• 16.   Choudhary.O.P; Priyanka; (2019) Forensic Analysis of Hair by Scanning Electron Microscopy in Domesticated and Wild animals.
• 17.   Sankhla.M.S; Kumari.M; Nandan.M; Kumar.R; Agarwal.P; The Role of Wildlife DNA Forensics in I dentification of Endangered Species.
• 18.   Narreddy.V; (February 2024) Wildlife Crime: Causes, Consequences and Countermeasures: A review.

Data Sharing Statement

Funding