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Wildlife Forensics and Law Enforcement: A Review of Current Practices

Dr. N. Rajkumar

Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College, Badangpet, Rangareddy, Telangana, India.

75-81

Vol: 14, Issue: 4, 2024

Receiving Date: 2024-10-15 Acceptance Date:

2024-11-21

Publication Date:

2024-12-02

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http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrst.v14i04.009

Abstract

Global biodiversity, ecological stability, and socioeconomic growth are all seriously threatened by wildlife crime, which includes illegal trading in protected species, poaching, and the trafficking of animal products. By using biological, chemical, and technical techniques in judicial settings, wildlife forensics has become a specialized scientific field that aids in the identification, examination, and prosecution of these crimes. This review looks at current animal forensic science practices, such as morphological and microscopic investigations, trace evidence methodologies, DNA and genetic studies for species and individual identification, and the use of conventional human forensic techniques. Additionally, it evaluates how forensic evidence aids law enforcement, influences court decisions, and informs policy frameworks. The main issues are emphasized, including the scarcity of laboratory resources, the absence of established procedures, and the unequal legal recognition of forensic evidence. In order to improve investigative capacities, the piece also examines new developments including portable genomic instruments, artificial intelligence for pattern detection, and improved inter-agency cooperation. This paper highlights the critical role that wildlife forensics plays in preventing wildlife crime and developing successful enforcement tactics around the world by combining recent advancements with real-world applications.

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