Abstract
This first edition of Wildlife Forensic Investigation: Principles and Practice contains useful information for those who are, or may become, involved in the investigation and/or prosecution of crimes involving animals. The book expands on the authors’ previous work, Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine. Although the focus is on the application of forensic principles to wildlife, the practices and procedures described could easily be extrapolated to domestic animal casework. Written by a veterinary pathologist (J.E.C.) and a solicitor (M.E.C.), the book is described in the foreword as being “aimed not at obtaining convictions, but at ensuring that information is collected in a scientifically sound and thorough manner, acceptable as evidence for investigations and prosecution.” This book will help even the most reluctant pathologist tackle a litigious necropsy with confidence.
The first several chapters provide an overview on what constitutes wildlife crime, ways in which wildlife can be involved in crimes, relevant legislation, and forensic applications. Although material on legislation is UK oriented, references are provided for countries in other areas of the world, and much of the information is general enough to be useful to those working elsewhere. Further chapters more specifically deal with crime scene investigation and field techniques, forensic entomology, working with live animals, necropsies, and other diagnostic tests. The necropsy “how to” is written to be also useful to the biologist, law enforcement officer, or other first responder. In my opinion, what is of value to those with more advanced pathology training is the information and recommendations specific to a forensic necropsy, including proper evidence handling, documentation, and diagnosing anthropogenic injury. Sections on postmortem interval and artifacts are also helpful, especially for those of us accustomed to fresh specimens. Histopathology is acknowledged as important but otherwise gets only a passing mention.
Chapters devoted to other diagnostic tests include discussions of collection methods, considerations when choosing a lab, and general information on tests that may not be commonly encountered in the diagnostic lab setting (such as hair sampling and stable isotope analysis). A “catch-all” chapter with a large number of contributing authors covers dentition, marine mammal investigations, coral, aircraft strikes, bats vs wind turbines, mountain gorillas, and more. One of the final chapters focuses on appearing in court as an expert witness. Discussed are the duties of an expert witness and helpful tips on questioning, report writing, and other court-related anxieties (What should you wear? How do you address the court? Where do you sit? When’s lunch?). As the pursuance of animal-related crimes becomes more common, veterinarians can expect increasing involvement. This book provides a valuable reference for those desirous of providing competent aid.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.