Forensic Analysis of Poaching: Wildlife in the Legal Arena

Abstract

Poaching and the international wildlife trade are growing problems, fueled by a confluence of greed and poverty and managed by ever-more-evolving criminal networks. These actions lead to the loss of biodiversity, which is made worse by changes in habitat and drives many species to the verge of extinction. In this situation, forensic evidence is the cornerstone of investigations into crimes involving both people and animals, and it is essential to securing convictions and criminal prosecutions. The application of forensic methods—especially in the field of forensic genetics—is constantly progressing, giving investigators the instruments they need to address the many problems associated with wildlife-related inquiries.
 This article highlights current developments while examining the evolution of these forensic tools and their useful uses. In addition, it provides examples of actual cases where forensic evidence was crucial in obtaining convictions, paving the way for the eventual application of similar methods to dismantle criminal organizations and safeguard species for the sake of maintaining biodiversity.