Wildlife crime scene visits

Abstract

Forensic work relating to reptiles and amphibians often necessitates a visit to the scene of an alleged crime in order to assess the site and to gather evidence. This may be part of law enforcement investigation or in order to assist, whether called by prosecution or defence, in a court case. When wildlife crime is suspected, fieldwork may be needed; this can present particular challenges and may necessitate the use of portable equipment and the performance of clinical, post-mortem and laboratory investigations under improvised conditions.