Methods in herpetological forensic work — sampling and standard laboratory techniques

The taking and submission of samples from forensic cases for laboratory investigation necessitates the adoption of rigorous protocols and high standards of quality control. Reptiles and amphibians provide particular challenges, in part because of their biological features and also because, until recently, there have been few studies in these species on such subjects as determination of time of death. Herpetological medicine and pathology have made tremendous strides in recent years and this has contributed substantially to the establishment of databases and expertise that can be used in the investigation of legal cases.