Wildlife forensic applications

Wildlife DNA forensics

The application of DNA forensic techniques to wildlife crime investigation has provided enforcement officers with new tools for detecting criminal activity. Methods for the identification of species, geographic origin, parents and individuals can be used to uncover illegal trade or provide evidence in cases of animal theft and persecution.

Wildlife DNA Services specializes in the development and application of DNA forensic techniques to investigate wildlife crimes. Further information on our facilities and genetic analysis services is available on this website, together with examples of the types of species and enforcement issues that we deal with.

Background to wildlife crime
The illegal wildlife trade is a global issue involving the capture and sale of live animals, the removal and sale of live plants and the killing of wildlife destined for food, traditional medicine and clothing markets. Organizations such as CITES and TRAFFIC work alongside government enforcement agencies to control illegal trafficking whilst upholding the rights of legitimate wildlife traders.

Animal abuse is the second major form of crime against wildlife. Within the UK, ill-treatment of pets and livestock persists despite animal welfare legislation and activities such as badger-baiting contribute to persecution of local wildlife. Serious organized crime has been linked to other forms of animal abuse such as dog-fighting and unregulated hare-coursing.

In the United Kingdom, trade regulation authorities have joined wildlife protection
organizations to form PAW, the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime. This initiative, headed by DEFRA (U.K. government environment department), combines the efforts of trade enforcement bodies such as HM Revenue and Customs and TRAFFIC with Police wildlife crime officers, regional environment authorities and non-governmental groups such as the RSPCA and the RSPB. The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW)PAW provides a co-ordinated framework for tackling all forms of wildlife crime from animal persecution to breaches of CITES regulations. Wildlife DNA Services is a PAW partner.

For further information on all wildlife forensic techniques, visit the TRACE website, an international NGO established to promote the use of forensic techniques in wildlife law enforcement.