Wildlife Forensic Sciences: A Tool to Nature Conservation towards a One Health Approach

Abstract

Wildlife forensics is a science field with a remarkable potential to provide accurate information regarding nature conservation and One Health. Wildlife crimes are now a persistent target of public opinion and the concern of conservation professionals, which is constantly putting pressure on governmental and non-governmental entities. Moreover, the cross-species transmission of pathogens is becoming more and more frequent, endangering the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment (One Health). This review intends to briefly present and illustrate the potential of wildlife forensic sciences not only in crime solving, but also regarding health sciences and species conservation. By allowing target species identification, recreating the crime scene, and considering their contribution to diseases and ecosystems’ surveillance, wildlife forensics are now constantly developing and improving. A cooperative and multidisciplinary approach (with the inclusion of forensic sciences) is necessary to avoid wildlife crimes, disease outbreaks, environmental disasters and to promote a sustainable and healthy future for all the living beings.