Wildlife forensic science

• define wildlife crime

  • targets rare/endangered species <— driver of extincition
  • global value of estimated $30-100 billion annually
  • linked with other crimes
  • the interception,investigation and prosecution are low
• list the main issues of WEC (wildlife and environment crime)

  1. biodiversity loss
  2. intro to invasive species
  3. security concerns
  4. animals welfare and ethical issues
  5. faciliattate spread of disease
• what is the extent of the problem

  increase anually in the number of seizures
• list the animals most affected

  1. mammals
  2. reptiles
  3. corals
  4. plants
  5. birds
  6. mollusc
  7. bony fish
  8. other
• what are some wildlife crime challenges

  1. lack if ground survelliance and compliance
  2. shortfall in basic research and innovation
  3. roadblocks for on-ground adptoion for emerging technologies
  4. barriers to incorp up-to date practice into polciy and legislation
• name some resources/organistaions

  1. ngo <— wwf
  2. society for wildlife forensics
  3. UN
• explore the origins of WC

  • late 1990s
  • to determine captive vs wild caught birds through phylogenetic methods
  • useful for illegal wildlife trade
• list some apps of DNA in WC

  1. sample ID <— species, regions and invid
  2. match samples
  3. sex determination
  4. parentage/relatdness
• what are some bio mat used in WC

  • body tissue
  • swab
  • egg shell
  • facease
  • blood
  • urine
  • antlers
  • bone/teeth
  • museum samples
• explore some methods used in WC

  1. mtDNA for trace samples and starting pt
  2. nDNA
  3. STR
  4. SNP
  5. NGS
  6. speical assay
• what can trace DNA not tell us

  1. age of indiv
  2. if sample came from living or dead animals
  3. size, colour or marking of indiv
• list some limiations of wildlife trace DNA

  1. very few commerical kits
  2. contamination
  3. DNA degradation
  4. expensive and time consuming
• NGS

  • next generation sequencing
  • not markers but a tech for investigating markers
  • masses of data
  • high throughput
  • expnsive if there is a small number of samples
• TSA

  • for trace
  • need prior genetic info
  • validation of assay
  • gives false +ve/-ve
• SNPS

  • single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • most common form of variation in genome
  • well suited for high throughput
  • bi-parentelly inherited
  • perfect for ID and parentage testing
• explore some emerging capatablities

  1. detection: for presence of an organisms when it is not there anymore <- trace samples
  2. testing: used to confirm presence of species using LAMP, non-PCR based and very rapid and easy to use
  3. validation: use fluorescence detection
• what is the plan of FSQ for WC

  give rrossuces to dedicated research develop event and invocation teams to support proactive access to up to date technqiues and technologies to deliver valid services
• explore FSQ innovation division

  • sperate purpose built lab
  • dedicated innovation budget
  • research stat
  • engagement and action plan
  • student projects