Establishing a forensic taphonomy facility at the University of KwaZulu-Natal: Experiences and challenges

Forensic taphonomy facilities play an important role in decomposition research by providing controlled environments to investigate decomposition rates, patterns, and the influence of environmental factors on post-mortem interval estimations. Furthermore, establishing such facilities in different geographical locations is important for region-specific research. This paper outlines the experiences and challenges encountered in establishing a forensic taphonomy facility at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, based on guidelines obtained from existing literature. The establishment process involved extensive planning, including securing appropriate land, navigating complex ethical approval processes, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Financial and security measures also added to the aforementioned challenges. This facility was established with the aim of conducting animal decomposition research to investigate the effects of the humid-subtropical climate on post-mortem interval estimations and to contribute to the broader body of forensic decomposition research in South Africa. The experiences documented in this paper provide insights and guidance for future facility development in South Africa, with the potential to expand access to animal or human decomposition research and training opportunities. • Overcoming challenges in establishing SA’s humid subtropical taphonomy facility. • Difficult ethical, land and permit requirements. • Animal research for post-mortem interval estimations. • Humid subtropical region-specific data for PMI estimations.