Forensic Investigation of Crimes Against the Amur Tiger and Other Animals: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

The late 20^th century saw the development of a new special framework for the conservation of large mammals – both tigers and their prey, mostly ungulates, – along with their habitats in the Far East of Russia. Tightening controls on poaching, illicit trafficking and trade in wild animals and their parts, as well as enforcement of adequate penalties for these crimes rely on effective crime detection procedures and quality forensic investigation, which provides important grounds for prosecution. There are currently only four organizations conducting such forensic investigations within the geographic range of the Amur tiger.

Efforts to facilitate forensic assistance have included production of the monograph “The Basics of Wildlife Forensics”, establishment of a veterinary treatment and diagnostic center for post-mortem examinations and a carcass storage facility for preservation of forensic evidence, and ongoing work to create biorepositories.

However, there is still no streamlined system for state-supported forensic investigation of crimes against wildlife and forensic examinations of wild animals, their parts and derivatives.

Such examinations should be conducted by specialized centers under designated conservation authorities of the constituent subjects of the Russian Federation, similar to the forensic bureaus of the Ministry of the Interior.