Visualisation of Latent Fingerprint on Wild Bird Eggshells by Alternate Light Sources Following Superglue Fuming

Alison Darby Christopher

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000286

Abstract

The theft of the eggs of endangered or protected species of bird, and subsequent reduction in wildlife population, is a significant problem worldwide. Detection rates are comparatively low towards this type of crime and fingerprinting of egg shells is infrequently utilised due to the technical barrier. This paper explores a novel technique using cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming in conjunction with fluorescent dye to visualise latent fingerprints upon avian eggshells assisted with alternate light sources. A systematic investigation of experimental parameters has also been carried out to optimise the condition for the fingerprint visualisation. This research project has successfully developed latent fingerprints upon smooth wild bird eggshells but was less successful on developing prints on more textured, porous eggshells.

Highlights

In commissioning this study, the Forensic Working Group for the Partnership against Wildlife Crime aim to meet UK Wildlife Crime Priorities for prevention and detection of wild bird persecution through improvements in detection techniques for egg theft [1]
This paper explores the visualisation of latent fingerprints upon wild avian eggshells using the cyanoacrylate fuming method, which involves heating a sample of superglue in an enclosed chamber to allow polymerisation of the cyanoacrylate monomers [7]
Following the cyanoacrylate fuming process, there were no prints visible on the Canada Goose and White-Tailed Eagle eggs, but faint prints could be seen on the Lapwing and Grey Partridge eggs

Summary

Introduction

The Forensic Working Group for the Partnership against Wildlife Crime aim to meet UK Wildlife Crime Priorities for prevention and detection of wild bird persecution through improvements in detection techniques for egg theft [1]. This category of crime is an ongoing problem for wildlife officers and wild bird conservationists, in spite of a change in the law in 1954 that made the taking or possession of wild birds’ eggs illegal and subsequent introduction of custodial sentences in 2011 [2]. Out of the seven foodstuffs tested, eggs (along with potato) were the least successful surface for enhancing latent fingerprints

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Conclusion