Description
Book SynopsisThis book addresses the multidisciplinary challenges in biodiversity conservation with a focus on wildlife crime and how forensic tools can be applied to protect species and preserve ecosystems. Illustrated by numerous case studies covering different geographical regions and species the book introduces to the fundamentals of biodiversity conflicts, outlines the unique challenges of wildlife crime scenes and reviews latest techniques in environmental forensics, such as DNA metagenomics. In addition, the volume explores the socio-economic perspective of biodiversity protection and provides an overview of national and international conservation laws. The field of conservation medicine stresses the importance of recognizing that human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are inextricably interdependent and the book serves as important contribution towards achieving the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals, in particular SDG 15, Life on Land.
The book addresses graduate students, scientists and veterinary professionals working in wildlife research and conservation biology.
Trade Review“The authors do an admirable job of presenting an overview of the many and complex aspects of the field. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are case studies illustrating practical applications of the concepts discussed. … this book does a good job of introducing readers to a variety of topics … . This text would be more valuable as a reference and planning tool for those interested in wildlife conservation as it applies to forensic investigations and the One Health approach.” (Rebecca Kagan, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 97 (2), June, 2022)
Table of ContentsI. The Impact of Humans on Conservation
The Importance of Biodiversity
Conservation amidst Human-Wildlife Conflict
One Health Concerns
Wildlife Crime & Conservation
Placing Humans in the Ecological Equation
Wildlife Management and Ecotourism
II. Forensics & Conservation
The Intersection of Forensics and Conservation- (Intro to conservation forensics)
Processing the Wildlife Crime Scene
Evidence of Forensic Importance in Wildlife Cases
III. Tools & Techniques of Conservation Forensics
The Conservation of Threatened & Endangered Species
The Application of Forensic Entomology and Carrion Ecology
Wildlife Forensic Genetics
Wildlife Forensic Toxicology
Wildlife Forensic Pathology
Working Dogs in Conservation Forensics
IV. Special Topics:
Fish, Reptiles and Marine Mammals – Issues and Identification
Avian Species – Issues and Identification
Mammals – Issues and Identification
DNA Databases?
Isotopic Analysis
Cybercrime and Wildlife Products
Developments in Wildlife Forensic Standards
Wildlife Law and Legal Concerns
V. Case Studies
Saving Africa’s Elephants (include forensics)
Rhinos in Crisis (include forensics)
Mountain Gorillas, a conservation success story (may include forensics)
Few other case studies to represent multiple geographic regions, types of species, and how forensics has been utilized whether it be genetics, crime scene, database, pathology etc:
North America
Central/South America
Europe – birds of prey; bird hunting (Scotland)
Asia
Australia/NZ – 1080 poisonings
