Challenges and Opportunities in the Application of Forensic Science in Wildlife Crime Investigations and Conservation Efforts.
Submission: 05 January 2026 | Acceptance: 20 February 2026 | Publication: 28 March 2026
1Waqar Manzoor, 2Huraira Ajmad, 3Amin Raja, 4Umair Babar, 5Hira Batool, 6Dr Mahwish Zeb
1RIC Rawalpindi
2PIMS Islamabad
3THQ Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi
4THQ Sagri, Rawalpindi
5PIMS Islamabad
6Assistant Professor, Department of forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
Corresponding: Dr Mahwish Zeb, Assistant Professor, Department of forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad.
Abstract
Background: Wildlife crime, including illegal poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction, has emerged as a major global concern threatening biodiversity and ecological stability. Forensic science has become an essential tool in wildlife crime investigations by enabling species identification, geographic origin tracing, and evidence authentication.
Objective
To evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with the application of forensic science in wildlife crime investigations and conservation efforts.
Methods: A narrative review and analytical study were conducted using published literature, forensic case reports, and conservation data from international wildlife protection organizations. Key areas analyzed included DNA profiling, toxicology, ballistics, digital forensics, and legal frameworks associated with wildlife forensic investigations.
Results: Wildlife forensic science has significantly improved the identification of illegally traded species and strengthened prosecution processes. DNA-based methods demonstrated high accuracy in species identification and geographic tracing. However, major challenges include inadequate laboratory infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, limited funding, and inconsistent international legal cooperation. Emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence present promising opportunities for enhancing wildlife conservation efforts.
Conclusion: Forensic science plays a critical role in combating wildlife crime and supporting conservation initiatives. Strengthening forensic infrastructure, international collaboration, and technological innovation is essential for improving the effectiveness of wildlife crime investigations.
Keywords: Wildlife forensics, Conservation biology, DNA analysis, Wildlife trafficking, Environmental crime, Biodiversity protection