Processing the Wildlife Crime Scene and Evidence of Forensic Importance

Abstract

Wildlife crime is increasingly recognized as a growing threat to wildlife species. It can take many forms, from illegal wild capture, trading, and selling online for the exotic pet trade, to harvesting protected species for traditional medicine and ornamental products, to poaching for various reasons. Investigations into these illicit activities are often nonexistent or inferior at best, as many wildlife officials, game wardens, conservation professionals, and veterinarians do not have an adequate background in crime investigation or any familiarity with forensic science and its applicability to wildlife, environmental, or conservation violations. Additionally, wildlife crime scenes present unique challenges and thus may not resemble the preconceptions of crime scenes as portrayed in movies and on television, resulting in confusion for investigators. A lack of awareness and training may: compromise an investigation; destroy a crime scene; render evidence or items of importance unrecognizable; and may ultimately allow the perpetrator(s) to escape justice. It is vitally important that all participants involved be aware of the proper procedures and actions to employ in order to avoid such mistakes, as all actions taken by participants at a suspected crime scene will have either a positive or negative impact on the outcome of the investigation. The goal of this chapter is to present an overview of wildlife crime scene investigation, issues, and problems with this discipline, general considerations and principles of crime scene management that are common to all crime scenes, and some specific actions and evidence that are distinct for crimes involving animals.