Abstract
Wildlife DNA forensics is a relatively new field emerging to tackle challenges in wildlife crime investigation. It is an applied field which is a combination of conservation genetics and forensic genetics. DNA evidences are crucial and hold great evidential value in human identification. DNA evidence analysis techniques have been in focus since years. The present technological advantage is achieved through years of research and development in molecular techniques. The process of evidence analysis and reporting in DNA-based evidence in human identification is not much different than wildlife forensic analysis. There may be difference in case assessment and evaluation of scientific data, but the fundamental principles of forensic investigation remain same.
The nature of wildlife crimes is different, and the laws controlling it are as well. The legality of any act is decided by a number of factors, such as the species involved, geographic location, source, and age. DNA evidence analysis helps wildlife law enforcement to answer important case-related questions, which are based on the above factors. Wildlife DNA profiling is essential to meet the increasing need of investigative tools in wildlife crime investigation.
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Gondhali, U., Mishra, A. (2021). Wildlife DNA Profiling and Its Forensic Relevance. In: Dash, H.R., Shrivastava, P., Lorente, J.A. (eds) Handbook of DNA Profiling. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9364-2_41-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9364-2_41-1
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