The Agricultural Magzine Article by - Vishal Bhojyawal (Research Scholar) (GATE XL) (M.Sc Zoology) Department of Zoology, T.D.P.G. college V.B.S.P.U. on Wildlife Forensic as Futuristic Approach in Biodiversity Conservation.

1. VOLUME-3, ISSUE-6
FEBRUARY 2024
E-ISSN: 2583-1755
A Monthly Peer Reviewed Magazine for Agriculture and Allied Sciences
https://theagricultureonline.com/
International Year of Camelids

2. E-ISSN: 2583-1755 Volume-3, Issue-6, February, 2024
Introduction
Biodiversity is the multifariousness of Life
on Earth, which includes a diversity of genes,
populations, species, communities, ecosystems and
ecological processes. From genes level to micro-
organisms level to top predator of the ecosystem and
even whole humanity rely on biodiversity for every
single thing. The Earth comprises complex
collections of countless organisms which constitute
the vital life support for survival of humans.
Biodiversity is of Brobdingnag cultural and socio-
economic value, but is being widely lost at record
rates as a result of human activities. Various
conservation initiatives have been established to
reduce these impacts but with limited success. The
future of Biodiversity Conservation holds significant
promises with the integration of advanced Wildlife
Forensic approaches.
Wildlife Forensics is the use of scientific
methods to investigate crimes cases against wildlife,
like poaching and illegal trade, by investigating
physical and chemical evidence to identify species,
individuals, and origins, helping in law enforcement
and finally leads to Biodiversity Conservation.
Wildlife Forensics plays a key role in
Biodiversity Conservation by utilising scientific tec-
hniques to investigate crimes involving wildlife,
such as poaching, illegal trafficking, and habitat
destruction. By analyzing evidence like DNA, hair,
feathers, and even pollen, forensic researchers and
scientists can identify species, individuals, and
geographic origins, aiding law enforcement in
prosecuting offenders and deterring future crimes.
This scientific approach helps to protect endangered
species, preserve ecosystems, and combat illegal
wildlife trade, ultimately contributing to the
conservation of biodiversity.
Advantage of Wildlife Forensic investigation:
Wildlife Forensic investigation provide several
advantages, including:
Crime Prevention
 Acts as a deterrent against wildlife crimes like
poaching and illegal trade.
 Helps in preventing further illegal activities by
identifying and prosecuting offenders.
Species Identification
 Accurately identifies species from trace evidence
like feathers, fur, or bones.
 Aids in combating wildlife trafficking and
enforcing conservation laws effectively.
Individual Identification
 Utilizes DNA profiling and other forensic metho-
Wildlife Forensic as Futuristic Approach in Biodiversity Conservation
Vishal Bhojyawal, Sweety Gupta, Shubhangi Sahu, Amit Agrahari and Mansi Kesarwani
Vishal Bhojyawal, Sweety Gupta, Shubhangi Sahu and Amit Agrahari
Department of Zoology, T. D. P. G. College, V. B. S. P. U., Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh
Mansi Kesarwani
Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
77

3. E-ISSN: 2583-1755 Volume-3, Issue-6, February, 2024
ds to identify individual animals.
 Enables tracking of individuals in populations,
monitoring of endangered species, and gathering
data for conservation efforts.
Legal Evidence
 Provides robust scientific support in legal
proceedings related to wildlife crimes.
 Helps secure convictions and uphold justice for
offences against wildlife.
Support for Wildlife Rehabilitation
 Assists in identifying injured or confiscated
wildlife for rehabilitation and release back into
the wild.
 Ensures appropriate care and management based
on the species' specific needs and genetic
considerations.
International Collaboration
 Facilitates collaboration between law enforce-
ment agencies and scientific experts across
borders.
 Improves the effectiveness of conservation
efforts by addressing transnational wildlife crime
networks.
Technique for Wildlife Forensic investigation:
Several techniques are employed in wildlife
forensics to analyze physical evidence and provide
valuable information for investigations. Some
common techniques include:
DNA analysis: Identifying species, individuals, and
genetic relationships by DNA extracted from
samples like hair, blood, or saliva.
Stable isotope analysis: Determining the geograph-
ic origins and movements of animals by analyzing
stable isotopes in tissues like feathers, bones, or
teeth.
Microscopic analysis: Examining structures and
characteristics of evidence like feathers, hairs, or
plant material under a microscope for species
identification.
Chemical analysis: Analyzing chemical compounds
in samples like bones, tusks, or feathers to determine
their origin, age, or exposure to toxins.
Radiographic imaging: Using X-rays or CT scans
to examine skeletal structures for evidence of trauma,
age, or species identification.
Geospatial analysis: Integrating geographic
information systems (GIS) with forensic data to map
crime scenes, track illegal activities, and identify
hotspots for conservation efforts.
Molecular techniques: Molecular approaches, such
as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene-based species
identification and microsatellite markers, have
significantly strengthened wildlife crime investi-
gations. MtDNA gene-based species identification is
particularly valuable for studying wildlife offences,
while microsatellite markers are widely utilized for
individual identification and parentage testing within
populations. These techniques provide key tools for
forensic analysis in wildlife conservation efforts.
Geolocation: DNA based technique: DNA analysis
can help determine the geographic origin of animals
or animal parts like ivory tusks because wildlife
populations often have distinct genetic signatures
due to their limited interbreeding with other populat-
78

4. E-ISSN: 2583-1755 Volume-3, Issue-6, February, 2024
ions from different geographic areas. This method
relies on identifying unique genetic markers specific
to certain populations, allowing researchers to trace
the origins of samples back to their source regions
(Wasser et al., 2004, 2007).
Mitochondrial ribosomal RNA markers: The high
level of conservation in the 12S rDNA makes it
useful for studying genetic diversity at broader
taxonomic levels like phyla, while the more variable
16S rDNA is better suited for exploring relationships
at intermediate taxonomic levels such as families or
genera. This difference in variability allows
researchers to use each region effectively depending
on the level of resolution needed in their studies
(Gerber et al., 2001).
Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes: The global
GS precipitation isotope grids serve as a key resource
for future applications in wildlife and criminal
forensic analysis, particularly in utilizing stable
hydrogen and oxygen isotopes. These grids establish
geospatial patterns of precipitation sources, offering
valuable insights for various forensic investigations
worldwide.
Concussion
Each species of plants and animals plays key
character for maintaining Biodiversity. Loss of even
a single species can disrupt the delicate balance and
have far-reaching impacts on the entire ecosystem.
With integration of futuristic approaches such as
molecular techniques, Geolocation: DNA based
technique, Mitochondrial ribosomal RNA markers
and Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes etc.
technique we can reduce the loss of biodiversity.
Wildlife Forensic plays a key role in Biodiversity
Conservation by providing essential tools for
investigating crimes against wildlife, such as
poaching, illegal trade, and habitat destruction. With
DNA analysis, forensic scientists can identify
species, individuals, and even geographical origins
of confiscated wildlife products. This information is
important for law enforcement agencies to prosecute
offenders and trace the illegal wildlife trade
networks, ultimately contributing to the protection
and conservation of endangered species and their
habitats. Therefore, Wildlife Forensic science serves
as a powerful ally in the fight against biodiversity
loss and extinction.
References
Arif, I. A. and Khan, H. A., (2009). Molecular
markers for biodiversity analysis of wildlife
animals: a brief review. Animal Biodiversity
and Conservation, 32(1): 9-17.
Edgard, O., Espinoza, J., Esica, L., Espinoza, Pepper
W., Trail and Barry, W. Baker. (2012). The
Future of Wildlife Forensic Science, Wildlife
Forensics: Methods and Applications, First
Edition, C17: 343-358.
Gabriel, J., Bowen, Æ. and Leonard, I., Wassenaar
Keith and Hobson, A. (2005). Global
application of stable hydrogen and oxygen
isotopes to wildlife forensics. Oecologia,
143: 337-348.
Gupta, S. K., Singh, P. and Yellapu, S. (2021).
Molecular investigation of three leopards
79

5. E-ISSN: 2583-1755 Volume-3, Issue-6, February, 2024
death: A case of suspicious revenge killing.
Forensic Science International: Genetics, 51:
102425.
80