Wildlife

Wildlife Crime Forensics and Welfare

Wildlife crime forensics helps prosecute traffickers, creating deterrents that ultimately reduce animal welfare harm at scale.

Key Facts

DNA analysis can identify species and geographic origin of wildlife products
Isotope analysis can trace ivory and horn to specific elephant and rhino populations
Forensic evidence has secured convictions in high-profile trafficking cases
Wildlife forensic capacity varies enormously between countries

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife crime forensics connects laboratory science directly to animal welfare outcomes. Prosecutions enabled by forensic evidence create deterrence that reduces future poaching. Building forensic capacity in range-state countries — where wildlife crime most commonly occurs — is particularly impactful. The link between forensic science and reduced wildlife suffering is direct.

What You Can Do

Support organizations building wildlife crime forensic capacity globally
Advocate for wildlife crime to be treated as serious organized crime by law enforcement
Support international cooperation on wildlife crime evidence sharing
Donate to wildlife forensics research at organizations like the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science