The PAW Pack

Forensics working group

Summary of work to date

The application of modern technology to combat wildlife crime has been a rapid growth area. The use of DNA and forensic techniques are increasingly being applied and are often essential in proving beyond reasonable doubt that particular offences were, or were not committed. The PAW Forensics Working Group aims to harness this technology and apply it for use in countering wildlife crime in the UK. It keeps abreast of developments in this area of rapid progress and works to provide tools to assist enforcers in their investigations and advises on how forensic techniques used in other situations might be applied to wildlife investigations.

The FWG has been in existence since 1996 and its membership is made up of representatives from UK government departments, the Police, HM Revenue and Customs, forensic laboratories and non governmental organisations.

Since its inception, the FWG has produced a number of guides and tools to assist enforcers in the fight against wildlife crime, and FWG members have also carried out numerous research projects in this field.

Guides and Tools produced by the FWG

• Directory of Forensic Expertise - contact directory that documents areas of expertise of UK laboratories and forensic experts
• Using DNA Forensic Evidence – detailed information and advice on the steps to be taken by police and others who plan to use DNA evidences as part of an investigation
• DNA avian sampling kit and advice - procedures and laws on taking DNA samples for law enforcement purposes
• PAW roadshow poster on the use of forensic techniques to investigate wildlife crime
• A guide to the use of forensic and specialist techniques (pdf) in the investigation of wildlife crime
• Wildlife DNA sampling kit and accompanying guide on its use - toolkit for taking blood samples and ensuring chain of evidence
• Spreadsheet of enforcement cases that have involved DNA and forensics

Research projects carried out by FWG members

• Forensic DNA profiling for raptor protection: a two and a half year project funded by Defra and undertaken by WDNAS to develop microsatellite-based DNA profiling systems for the individual identification of golden eagles, goshawks, merlins, peregrine falcons, gyr falcons and sake falcons. The results will be used to allow family relationships between birds to be verified based on genetic analysis of moulted feathers.
• Forensic DNA profiling for badger baiting: this project is funded by the RSPCA and was undertaken by WDNAS. The project developed a microsatellite DNA profiling system to allow evidence items to be linked to a specific badger.
• Tiger bone protocol project: this project was funded by Defra and developed a tiger bone DNA test to identify powdered tiger bone in Traditional Asian Medicines
• A Review of Current Wildlife Species Genetic Research: this project, funded by Defra and undertaken by TRAFFIC and LGC identified a priority list of wildlife species in trade, where DNA research could assist law enforcement
• DNA test for shahtoosh: Defra funded the development of a shahtoosh DNA test to identify wool and fibres from Tibetan antelope
• Forensic identification of illegal wild meat entering the UK: this project funded by Defra and IFAW and carried out in conjunction with HMRC by WDNAS tested unidentified meat products entering the UK to determine the source species using DNA techniques
• Immunological detection of bear products in traditional Asian medicines: this project was funded by WSPA and undertaken by WDNAS. It developed an immunological assay for the detection of illegally traded bear products in South-East Asia. The assay is incorporated into a field based testing kit so allowing on the spot detection of products containing bear
• Genetic technique development for the forensic identification of CITES listed timber and wood products: this project is being funded by Defra and undertaken by WDNAS and RBG Kew. Its aim is to provide proof of concept for the development of DNA-based timber identification techniques, and will include all the necessary stages in the production of a validated forensic test for ramin in the first instance.

The FWG also plays a role in providing valuable guidance to the government on legislative and regulatory matters, including reviews of the Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 4 Registration Scheme, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Members of the FWG have given many presentations at conferences and training seminars for example at Police and Customs Wildlife Enforcers National Conferences and PAW Open Seminars, as well as running workshops on scenes of crime, taking samples and forensics, and running sessions on wildlife forensics for the Police National Wildlife Crime Foundation Training Course and the joint Police and Customs CITES Training course.