Forensic science provides a diverse toolkit for investigating wildlife crimes, including DNA analysis, isotopic fingerprinting, morphological assessment, and chemical profiling. These approaches enable species identification, geographic origin determination, supply chain traceability, and the establishment of links to criminal activity. By delving into key concepts such as forensic techniques, challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions, this paper sheds light on the complexities of wildlife crime investigations and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in conservation enforcement. Challenges in wildlife forensic investigations include sample preservation, inadequate databases for species identification, a lack of defined techniques, and the requirement for specialized knowledge. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates investment in research, technology, and capacity building within law enforcement and conservation organizations. The future of animal forensics depends on technological improvements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and more international cooperation. Portable forensic tools, big data analytics, genetic databases, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications show promise for boosting detection capabilities and prosecution rates. Additionally, creating relationships among scientists, law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, and communities is critical for long-term conservation success.

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Funding

Below is the link to the supplementary material.