Wildlife in Forensic Science
Scientific methods to investigate wildlife crime—combating poaching, illegal trade, and habitat destruction while strengthening conservation law enforcement.
Multi‑discipline
DNA • Toxicology • Morphology
Court‑ready
Validated, documented evidence
Rapid Turnaround
Optimized case workflow
Conservation Impact
Supports endangered species
Division & Subject Head :
Shri Ashwin Gedam
Designation :
Deputy Director
Email :
ashwin.gedam12@gov.in
Phone :
91 9423342000
Key Areas of Wildlife Forensics
Species Identification
DNA profiling, morphology, and skeletal markers used to identify species from skins, bones, ivory, tusks, fur, feathers, or meat.
Poaching Investigations
Links seized traps, firearms, snares, or poisons to incidents; determines cause of death and timeframe at the scene.
Illegal Trade & Trafficking
Authenticates and traces wildlife products (e.g., rhino horn, tiger bone, pangolin scales, exotic birds, reptiles) to geographic origin.
Habitat & Environmental Damage
Assesses deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction that impact protected species and ecosystems.
Endangered Species Protection
Provides scientific evidence for prosecution under national laws and CITES to deter trafficking networks.
Digital Market Surveillance
Monitors online marketplaces and social platforms for illegal wildlife listings, using digital forensics and open‑source intel.
Techniques & Toolkits
DNA Sequencing & Barcoding
Species and individual identification, sexing, and kinship using validated mitochondrial and nuclear markers.
Forensic Toxicology
Detection of poisons, veterinary tranquilizers, and contaminants in carcasses, baits, or water/soil matrices.
Morphology & Osteology
Microscopic hair/feather analysis and skeletal comparisons to classify taxa and age/sex where applicable.
Stable Isotope Analysis
Determines geographic origin and movement patterns of seized wildlife products through isotopic signatures.
Digital Forensics
OSINT, darknet monitoring, metadata, and device forensics to map trafficking networks and sellers.
Reporting & Chain‑of‑Custody
Accredited documentation, evidence seals, and courtroom‑ready statements ensuring admissibility.
Typical Cases Handled
Poaching & Poisoning
Carcass examination, toxicant screens, and scene reconstruction for tigers, leopards, deer, and protected birds.
Ivory, Horn & Feathers
Authentication and microstructure analysis of elephant ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and protected plumage.
Exotic Pet Trade
Seizures of parrots, tortoises, snakes, and primates; species ID and origin to support repatriation and prosecution.
Stable Isotope Analysis
Determines geographic origin and movement patterns of seized wildlife products through isotopic signatures.
Digital Forensics
OSINT, darknet monitoring, metadata, and device forensics to map trafficking networks and sellers.
Reporting & Chain‑of‑Custody
Accredited documentation, evidence seals, and courtroom‑ready statements ensuring admissibility.
Workflow at a Glance
Evidence Intake
Chain‑of‑custody, documentation, and secure storage from field seizure to lab bench.
Analysis & Review
Multi‑disciplinary testing (DNA, tox, morphology), peer review, and result correlation.
Reporting & Testimony
Accredited reports, expert affidavits, and court testimony in alignment with applicable statutes.