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AUTHORS: Amy Lynne Weber, Purdue University - Department of Forestry and Natural Resources; Maria S. Sepulveda, Purdue University - Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Forensic methods used to solve crimes for human victims have been widely researched and documented. Application of these methods to other victims such as wildlife, has not been widely studied to date. Specifically, methods to assist conservation officers to determine species of unknown animal remains and its recent habitat. Species determination will be tested by using undigested tissue in maggot crops and using Cytochrome B to amplify mtDNA. The animals tested will include known species carcasses of Racoon (Procyon lotor), Coyote (Canis latrans), Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), Beaver (Castor canadensis), and Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) to confirm the efficacy of this method for use in protected animal poaching events. These animal carcasses will also have their fur or feathers tested with isotope analysis to determine the extent of variation between locations that the animals were recovered from. Analysis of insect activity through the decay process will be gathered and collected to compare to previous human studies.
