Table of Contents

What Is Wildlife Forensics? Types of Wildlife Investigation. Legislation. Application of Forensic Science to Wildlife Investigations. The Wildlife Crime Scene: An Introduction for First Responders. Forensic Entomology. Field Techniques: At Home and Abroad. Working with Live Animals. Working with Dead Animals. Dealing with Samples. Genetic Methodologies in Wildlife Crime Investigations. Some Aspects of Laboratory Work. Special Considerations and Scenarios. Collection and Submission of Evidence. Writing Reports and Appearing in Court. Conclusions and the Way Forward. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Facilities and Equipment Lists. Appendix C: Standard Witness Statement (United Kingdom). Appendix D: Specimen Forms – Wildlife Forensic Cases. Appendix E: Sources of Information. Appendix F: Health and Safety: Zoonoses and Other Hazards. Appendix G: Preparation and Investigation of Material. Appendix H: Scientific Names of Species and Taxa of Animals Mentioned in Text, with Notes on Taxonomy. Appendix I: Legal Aspects of Sample Movement in Wildlife Forensic Cases. Appendix J: Information and Intelligence Gathering in Wildlife Crime Investigation. Appendix K: Javan Rhino Examination Report. References and Further Reading. Index.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"This is very much a hands-on text based on many decades of experiences, and should be available to anyone faced with issues of crimes against or involving animals."
—David L. Hawksworth, in Biodiversity and Conservation"The Coopers’ background in veterinary medicine, animal care, international law, and developing countries combined with their knowledge of biology and natural history result in a powerful approach to compiling evidence to fight wildlife crime and related misdeeds. Their interdisciplinary and unique perspective on wildlife forensic investigation is what makes this book essential reading for those who are dedicated to righting the wrongs done to our natural world. "
—From the Foreword by Lee Durrell, MBE, BA, PhD, Honorary Director, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust " … provides a comprehensive and authoritative text on this multidisciplinary and increasingly important subject. The text references UK and EU law throughout, but draws on wildlife crime experiences throughout the world from the huge international experience of its authors. The book is nicely illustrated, including some colour plates … . As well as extensive clinical and pathological information, the book benefits from its use of case examples, provision of example case forms and other useful supporting material. Veterinarians, biologists, ecologists and those involved in wildlife law, will find this book interesting and essential reading."
— Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux BVM&S, DVM&S, CertSHP, MRCVS, Wildlife Veterinary Surgeon and Scientific Advisor to Secret World Wildlife Rescue"The content and scope are greatly enhanced by case studies from experts in diverse parts of the world. … The text has a practical ‘hands-on’ approach and is written by people who have experience working in the field, not just in the laboratory."
—Focusing on Wildlife
" … the practices and procedures described could easily be extrapolated to domestic animal case-work. … a valuable reference for those desirous of providing competent aid."
—Veterinary Pathology"The color photographs really add to the attractiveness of the volume, both in its appearance and understanding better the topics under discussion, and may be one of the most useful aspects of the volume … a comprehensive presentation of the whole field of forensic wildlife investigation techniques (it) will serve well as an introductory text for the field."
—Journal of Wildlife Diseases" … offers the reader a unique perspective on the expanding collection of wildlife forensic books on the market today. … would be an excellent addition to any practitioner’s library for them to better understand wildlife forensic science. … also would serve as an excellent lower level undergraduate course textbook (albeit regionally focused on terrestrial vertebrates in Africa), especially considering the void of such reference and educational materials."
—The Journal of Wildlife Management"The book is fascinating, enlivened by the Coopers' experiences obtained through their travels. They have worked extensively overseas, living in Africa for over a decade (including Rwanda during the genocide), as well as being based in the Caribbean, the Arabian desert and Europe. This brings a depth of understanding, perspective and realism to the book."
—David Alderton in Cage & Aviary Birds"Their unique flair is unmistakable, with ingenious tips aplenty … . Covering the scope of wildlife forensic investigation from legislation to courtroom, it serves as a useful reference for students and experienced practitioners alike."
—Tim Hopkins in Veterinary Record"Between them, the principal authors have many years’ experience in veterinary medicine and international law, but also a strong inter-disciplinary approach. This is reflected in the list of 26 additional contributors that come from a wide-range of disciplines. ... for a large number of researchers who might encounter wildlife crime, but especially government departments and investigators working in the field, this volume would be an important addition to their resources."
—Campbell Murn, in Vulture News, 66