• Wildlife forensics is the application of forensic science to the conservation and protection of non-domesticated animals, both in the wild and in captivity. Providing an in-depth introduction to this rapidly evolving field, Wildlife Forensic Investigation: Principles and Practice also chronicles aspects of the history of management, conservation, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on their global importance in the twenty-first century.

    The book examines the crucial role of wildlife forensic investigation with regard to live animals, dead animals and samples and covers national, regional, and international legislation. While the text particularly focuses on forensic science as it relates to wild animals, it also includes mention of plants and habitats because of their relevance to conservation. The book discusses animal welfare as well as the damage that can be inflicted on humans and property by wildlife.

    Offering access to sound evidence based on good science and obtained using the best available practices, the book is enhanced by case studies from experts who describe some of their own work. This resource is essential for those involved in a range of endeavours, including investigating wildlife crime, identifying animal remains, ascertaining the circumstances of death of wild species, and other legal proceedings and activities concerning wildlife.

    The forensic skills described in this book can be applied to a wide range of activities (not necessarily involving the legal process), including environmental impact assessments, insurance claims, governmental and other enquiries, checking of trading standards and the inspection of (for instance) pet-shops, animal boarding establishments, and zoological collections.

    The authors point out that one of the most important requirements of those persons involved in wildlife forensic work is to retain an open mind. Such personnel should also be conscious of new developments and evolving techniques and be able to anticipate situations where their investigative and scientific skills might be used to advantage—so-called "horizon scanning". Examples of these are given.

  • What Is Wildlife Forensics? John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Types of Wildlife Investigation; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Legislation; Margaret E. Cooper
    Application of Forensic Science to Wildlife Investigations; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    The Wildlife Crime Scene: An Introduction for First Responders; Edgard O. Espinoza, Michael D. Scanlan, Andrew D. Reinholz, and Barry W. Baker
    Forensic Entomology; Kate M. Barnes
    Field Techniques: At Home and Abroad; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Working with Live Animals; John E. Cooper
    Working with Dead Animals; John E. Cooper
    Dealing with Samples; John E. Cooper
    Genetic Methodologies in Wildlife Crime Investigations; Louise Anne Robinson
    Some Aspects of Laboratory Work; John E. Cooper, SallyAnn Harbison, and Jill Webb
    Special Considerations and Scenarios; John E. Cooper, Margaret E. Cooper,
    Norma G. Chapman, Alexandria Young, Regina Campbell-Malone, Andrea Bogomolni,
    Rebecca N. Johnson, Stuart Williamson, Jaime Samour, Madhulal Valliyatte, János Gál ,
    Míra Mándoki , Miklós Marosán , Maurice Alley, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka , and Chloe V. Long

    Collection and Submission of Evidence; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Writing Reports and Appearing in Court; Margaret E. Cooper and Charles Foster
    Conclusions and the Way Forward; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix A: Glossary; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix B: Facilities and Equipment Lists; John E. Cooper
    Appendix C: Standard Witness Statement (United Kingdom); John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix D: Specimen Forms – Wildlife Forensic Cases; John E. Cooper
    Appendix E: Sources of Information; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix F: Health and Safety: Zoonoses and Other Hazards; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix G: Preparation and Investigation of Material; Martyn Cook E, Andrew C. Kitchener, John E. Cooper, and Jill Webb
    Appendix H: Scientific Names of Species and Taxa of Animals Mentioned in Text, with Notes on Taxonomy; John E. Cooper and Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix I: Legal Aspects of Sample Movement in Wildlife Forensic Cases; Margaret E. Cooper
    Appendix J: Information and Intelligence Gathering in Wildlife Crime Investigation; Nevin Hunter
    Appendix K: Javan Rhino Examination Report
    References and Further Reading
    Index

  • John and Margaret Cooper are a husband and wife team from the United Kingdom.

    John E. Cooper trained as a veterinary surgeon and is now a specialist pathologist with particular interests in wildlife and exotic species, tropical diseases and comparative medicine. He has served widely as a consultant expert witness and teaches pathology and wildlife health at different levels.

    Margaret E. Cooper is a lawyer who trained originally as a British solicitor and has made the study of animal and conservation law her special interest. The Coopers have travelled widely and lectured together in many countries. They have spent nearly ten years living in Africa, including a period in Rwanda working with mountain gorillas. They continue to combine their medical and legal backgrounds in the promotion of an interdisciplinary approach to veterinary and biological education, wildlife conservation, and forensic science.

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