Avian Crime Scene Investigation Case Studies

Wildlife Trafficking Case Studies

Overview of Wildlife Forensics

  • The study of wildlife forensics involves analyzing cases related to the trafficking and improper treatment of wildlife, including birds.

  • This approach helps to understand the reasons for wildlife trafficking and the methodologies used in wildlife forensics.

Case Study: Trafficking of Songbirds in Hungary

  • Background:
      - Songbirds are often trafficked for food purposes in European countries, including Hungary.
      - This case occurred in the early 2000s during a routine vehicle inspection at the Hungarian-Yugoslav border.

  • Discovery:
      - Customs officials discovered a large number of protected birds in the trunk of a car during a border inspection.
      - The birds were seized and the passengers were arrested.

  • Objectives of the Investigation:
      1. Identify the species of the confiscated birds.   2. Determine how and when the birds were killed.

Identification of Birds

  • A specialized ornithological expert was called in to identify the birds and determine their theoretical value under national conservation law.

  • The specific identification of birds revealed that they were all European common quail, a protected species under the European Union regulations.

Analysis of Killing Method

  • A wildlife forensic expert assessed how and when the birds were killed.

  • Evisceration:
      - Birds were identified as being eviscerated according to traditional methods, missing gizzards, glandular stomachs, and intestines.

  • Radiography Examination:
      - Birds were subjected to radiography to identify radiodense foreign bodies, which were collected and analyzed by a ballistics expert.   - Findings indicated that the birds were killed by gunfire, emphasized by fresh lesions around the bullet entry points.

Determining Timing of Death

  • To ascertain the month of the birds' killings, two main tests were conducted:
      1. Gizzard Content Analysis:
         - The contents revealed seeds with identifiable phenological stages, indicating the quail were likely shot in July.
      2. Analysis of Age and Reproductive Status:
         - Examination of plumage and reproductive organs indicated that the birds were in their reproductive season, confirming the time of shooting.

  • The gathered evidence consisted of:
      - Gizzard content analysis
      - Age composition analysis
      - Reproductive organ activity, leading to a conclusion that the birds were shot in July.

Ethical Considerations in Wildlife Forensics

  • Wildlife forensic experts must be familiar with local laws regarding the legality of hunting species.

  • Legal hunting conditions in Hungary:
      - Protected animals can only be killed if they are vermin or if they present an incurable disease, requiring veterinarian inspection post-shooting.   

  • Understanding the distinction of protected versus unprotected species is crucial for forensic experts.

Additional Case Study: Egg Trafficking in Australia

  • Incident:
      - In 2006, an individual was caught at Sydney International Airport with 23 white eggs concealed in a specially designed vest.

  • Investigation:
      - Due to the high risk of H5N1 avian influenza, the eggs were euthanized and gamma irradiated.   - Candling:
         - An avian expert assessed the eggs’ developmental stages via candling, leading to tissue collection for species identification.

DNA Analysis and Species Identification

  • DNA extraction was performed, targeting mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase 1).

  • Despite the gamma irradiation process, the DNA was successfully amplified due to its robust nature.

  • Species identified from the eggs included several from the families of conure, macaws, and parrots, with some being CITES Appendix I and II species.   

  • Legal Repercussions:
      - The defendant faced multiple charges related to wildlife trafficking and was subjected to fines and imprisonment amounting to a total of AUD 250,000 if sold illegally.

Bird Strike Context and Impact

  • Definition:
      - Bird strike refers to the collision of birds with aircraft, which poses significant risk to aviation safety and can lead to costly damages.

  • Statistics:
      - Over 200 recorded aircraft and human fatalities have resulted from bird strikes, costing the industry billions annually.

Causes and Management of Bird Strike

  • Most strikes occur during takeoff and landing phases, with the risk exacerbated by increased aircraft movements.

  • Importance of understanding local bird species and implementing management strategies around airfields.

  • Effective identification of bird species involved contributes to assessing risks and designing preventive measures.

Forensics in Bird Strike Identification

  • Identification techniques include:
      1. Use of feather morphology for species determination.   2. Increasing incorporation of DNA analysis to ascertain species and populations involved in strikes.   

  • The Barcode of Life Initiative aids in rapid species identification utilizing a comprehensive DNA database.   - DNA barcoding has shown success in identifying avian species, improving forensic capacities in wildlife forensics.

Summary of Wildlife Forensics Methodologies

  • The case studies emphasize:
      - The necessity for multi-disciplinary cooperation among various experts, including ornithologists, botanists, ballistics experts, and forensic specialists.   - The importance of awareness of both local and international wildlife regulations to effectively conduct investigations and prosecute wildlife crimes.