NCJ Number
246512
Journal
Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 10 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 1-11
Date Published
May 2014
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the current and future directions of DNA analysis in the field of wildlife forensic sciences.
Abstract
Wildlife forensic science is a relatively new sub-discipline of forensic science in which a variety of crimes can involve a broad range of sample types. This article examines the current state of wildlife forensic sciences and discusses the need for developing a set of standards aimed at ensuring good quality wildlife DNA testing. The authors present a brief overview of both international and national regulations and legislation that has been enacted to combat and minimize wildlife crime. This is followed by information on the types of DNA-based tests used in wildlife forensic sciences, such as STR (short tandem repeat) loci, Allelic ladders, Allele databases, Mitochondrial DNA typing, data analysis - species identification, and data analysis - individualization and population assignment. The article also highlights new DNA-based technologies for use in wildlife forensic sciences, such as mass parallel sequencing and recent improvements to new synthetic DNA polymerases. In addition, the article discusses recent accreditation and certification efforts at both the international and national levels. 4 figures and 122 references