Wildlife forensic science is the application of different scientific methods in legal cases involving wild animal and plant biological evidence. Wildlife crime cases can involve illegal wildlife trade, poaching and animal cruelty. Experts are commonly called upon to identify species, determine the cause of death, identify pesticides and poisons or link individual animals to wildlife crime activities. Forensic methods used in the investigation of such cases include methods in the area of morphology, genetics, veterinary pathology, radiocarbon dating, chemistry etc. These methods have to be applied in a manner that will withstand judicial scrutiny.

The conference will take place in the Patriotic Hall of the Carolinum (Ovocný trh 5, Prague 1 – map), the main seat of Charles University located at the heart of Prague’s Old Town. This historical building has been owned by the university since 1383 and was used to serve as a residence for teaching professors.

Objectives:

-Present new developments in the field of wildlife forensics, including current research projects in the EU and share best practices in this field.

-Discuss applications of forensics in wildlife crime cases.

-Bring together law enforcement agencies and forensic experts to share information and enhance cooperation between them to prevent, detect and combat illegal wildlife trade.

-Establish a networking platform for future cross border cooperation in the field of wildlife forensics within the EU.

-Contribute to the implementation of the EU Action Plan against wildlife trafficking (Objective 10 – urging the European Commission, Member States and other actors to organise cross-professional and cross-border training sessions including targeted training on better use of modern forensic methods).

Register here before July 31st: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgy8LvHX85KjBCrRaqG_pu1XesByeapffPIAQl-sciR5BFkg/viewform