Wildlife Welfare

Wildlife Forensics and Animal Crime Investigation

Wildlife forensics applies scientific evidence techniques to investigate animal crimes including poaching, illegal trade, and abuse. Building forensic capacity improves enforcement and welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

CITES-listed species trade investigations rely on DNA forensics to identify species in processed products
Veterinary forensic pathology determines cause of death in suspected animal crime cases
Wildlife crime is a multi-billion dollar global criminal enterprise second only to drugs and arms
Forensic evidence enables successful prosecutions that deter future offenses
Citizen science platforms and DNA databases are expanding forensic capacity beyond specialist labs

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife forensics connects welfare harms — the killing, trafficking, and abuse of animals — to legal accountability. Without forensic evidence, wildlife crime cases often cannot be successfully prosecuted. Building forensic capacity reduces impunity for animal crimes and creates deterrence. Welfare advocates who support wildlife forensic programs are investing in the enforcement infrastructure that turns welfare standards into enforceable protections.

What You Can Do

Support organizations building wildlife forensic capacity in range countries with high poaching pressure
Donate to wildlife crime enforcement organizations that use forensic evidence in prosecutions
Learn about the connection between enforcement capacity and wildlife welfare outcomes
Advocate for wildlife crime to receive law enforcement priority and resources commensurate with its scale