Wildlife Forensics Using DNA

Wildlife Forensics Using DNA to Protect Wildlife

Introduction

  • Speaker: Biologist working with bears. Currently stationed above the Arctic Circle.

  • Interest in wildlife forensics sparked by involvement in a criminal investigation in the lab.

  • Overview of presentation: Introduction to wildlife forensics, important aspects and methodological approaches, and real-life case studies.

Forensic Science Overview

  • Definition of Forensic Science:

    • Application of science to criminal laws during criminal investigations.

    • Aim: Produce evidence that meets legal standards for admissibility in court concerning criminal activity.

  • Public perception influenced by crime scene investigation media (TV shows and movies).

  • Distinction between human forensics and wildlife forensics:

    • Wildlife forensics draws upon similar aims and methods, focusing on wildlife-related crimes.

Wildlife Forensics Explained

  • Primary Focus:

    • DNA analysis related to wildlife crimes, including:

    • Animal cruelty.

    • Poaching.

    • Illegal shooting of animals.

    • Illegal collection and trade of wildlife.

  • Key treaty impacting wildlife forensics:

    • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):

    • International agreement among governments aimed to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of wild animals and plants.

    • Encompasses a range of species with regulated trading through a licensing system.

    • CITES Appendices:

    • Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; trade permissible under exceptional circumstances.

    • Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened, but controlled trade needed to prevent status change.

    • Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country, requiring assistance for trade control.

Differences Between Human and Wildlife Forensics

  • Human Forensics:

    • Focuses on individual identification of humans suspected of crimes.

    • Evidence gathered from crime scene linked to suspects (e.g., matching fingerprints).

  • Wildlife Forensics:

    • Often involves species identification rather than individual ID.

    • Challenges:

    • Many species look alike; not all are protected.

    • Determining geographic origin, especially for animals bred in captivity versus those caught in the wild.

    • Individual identification may occur when matching DNA from crime scenes (e.g., blood on a weapon).

  • Complexity and Challenges:

    • Many unknown species with limited genetic information available.

    • May need to start analyses with no existing samples.

    • Requires knowledge of natural populations and potential source regions.

Types of Samples in Wildlife Forensics

  • Diverse biological samples analyzed:

    • Tissue, hair, feathers, tusks, claws, tanned leather.

    • Biological products (e.g., bile crystals, scales, shells).

    • Processed animal parts, often used in traditional medicine or products.

Genetic Markers in Wildlife Forensics

  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA):

    • Key marker for species identification; inherited maternally.

    • Useful in phylogenetic studies and analyzing evolutionary histories.

  • Short Tandem Repeats (STRs):

    • Microsatellite regions of DNA; repetitive structures used for individual identification.

    • Helpful in geographic and sometimes species identification.

Case Studies in Wildlife Forensics

  1. Australian Black Cockatoo Case:

    • High demand for exotic birds leads to illegal capture from the wild.

    • Approximately 5 million birds removed from the wild each year, leading to population decline.

    • Case details:

      • December 9, 2008: Man caught climbing tree to steal black cockatoo young.

      • Photos and evidence collected led to law enforcement action.

      • DNA analysis confirmed the breeding nest and the illegal activity.

      • Outcome: Man fined $1,000, property seized (ladder, cages) but bird could not be released due to imprinting.

  2. Wildebeest Case in the UAE:

    • Legally traded wildebeests infected with sarcoptic mites.

    • Legal obligations to ensure health status of traded animals.

    • Genetic analysis showed mites originated from Kenya, proving prior infection.

    • Implications for disease spread in new areas and potential penalties for sellers.

  3. Norway Bear Hunting Case (2008):

    • Illegal hunting suspected after a shooting incident; blood found at the scene.

    • DNA confirmed the blood belonged to a bear already cataloged by local biologists.

    • Forensic evidence linked blood to suspects' gun; all five individuals pleaded guilty.

    • Consequences included: prison time, fines (30,000 Norwegian crowns), and revoked hunting licenses.

Conclusion

  • Wildlife forensics is crucial in addressing illegal wildlife trade and protecting biodiversity.

  • DNA analysis serves as a powerful tool in prosecuting wildlife crimes effectively.

  • Numerous resources available for those interested in further understanding wildlife crime cases.

  • Suggestion for wildlife-themed crime investigation series in media.

Resources

  • Suggestion to explore online databases or organizations focused on wildlife trafficking and crimes if interested in further study.