Forensic methods in conservation research

Abstract

There are a growing number of high precision methodologies that are becoming ever more useful in the study of ecology and conservation of endangered species, often allowing critical insight. These techniques are often used to provide data that may be used as evidence in wildlife law enforcement, and this has led them to be considered as forensic methods. These include: molecular genetic fingerprinting; stable isotope, trace element and compound analysis; and veterinary pathology. We have examples of the full range of such techniques in this Theme Section. Ogden et al. (2009) review the field of wildlife DNA forensics that has emerged from a synthesis of conservation genetics and forensic genetic practice to meet the in