Wildlife crimes are a major cause for biodiversity loss around the world. Cruelty cases of poisoning and poaching are still a problem in 2025, however with the help of a study written by Dr. Kahila Bar-Gal from Hebrew University's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, a solution seems to be approaching.
Bar-Gal introduces a forensic approach, using advanced genetic tools can assist local conservation authorities by accessing their data bases. Their research plan points out the quantity and quality of the DNA that has been extracted from the crime scene are mostly limited because of the lack of preservation. This is why a thorough plan is crucial before laboratory work and all marker and methodological choices should prioritize the case's solving.
This particular study focuses on the poisoning of the critically endangered Eurasian griffon vulture and poaching of mountain gazelles in Israel. Each instance required multi-layered molecular genetic analysis such as identification of the species at hand, assignment of population, and comparing the DNA to the local and global databases.
This research is incredibly important for the preservation of critically endangered species and biodiversity as a whole. Dr. Bar-Gal's method can help authorities and environmental lawsuits worldwide as undeniable proof wildlife crime was committed.
Sources:
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-genetic-forensics-method-complex-wildlife.html
https://international.huji.ac.il/news/cracking-case-new-methods-solve-complex-wildlife-crimes
Solving wildlife crimes is important. Finding those who hurt animals helps paint the message that others who want to do the same can't get away with it. Matching blood, hair or tissue can be used to point out a specific individual. Preserving the wildlife is important to our ecosystem and is especially important for species that are endangered. The more people caught and for hurting these animals the less likely others will do the same.
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