Wildlife under threat: Uniting forensic science and conservation practice to safeguard biodiversity

The illegal wildlife trade significantly threatens global biodiversity, driving many species toward extinction and disrupting ecosystems. This transnational crime is fueled by high demand for wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horns, and pangolin scales and is exacerbated by weak enforcement and global trade networks. Conservation efforts aim to mitigate this crisis through habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. In recent years, wildlife forensic science has become an important tool in addressing wildlife crimes. By leveraging techniques such as DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating, and histopathology, forensic science aids in species identification, origin tracing, and criminal prosecution. This paper explores the intersection of illegal wildlife trade, conservation strategies, and forensic science, highlighting their synergistic potential to curb wildlife trafficking. Case studies illustrate how forensic evidence has been instrumental in dismantling smuggling operations and informing conservation policies. The paper also addresses challenges such as resource limitations and the need for international collaboration. Strengthening the integration of conservation efforts and forensic science is imperative to protect endangered species and promote biodiversity conservation.