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
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
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
