2.7K Views 3 years ago

Inside the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory That’s Solving Wildlife Crimes

In the quiet town of Ashland, Oregon, an elite team is hard at work solving crime, but their cases are far from ordinary. Founded in 1988, the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory is a unique establishment in the United States, dedicated exclusively to criminal investigations involving crimes against wildlife. Correspondent for CBS News, Conor Knighton, takes us on a journey into this fascinating world, where forensic scientists use familiar tools to solve crimes committed against the earth’s most precious creatures.

Source: CBS Sunday Morning/YouTube

Wildlife crime is a grave concern, focusing on crimes committed by humans against animals. These crimes encompass a wide range of activities, from the illegal trade in animal products like fur coats, purses, and ivory sculptures to poaching and trafficking of endangered species. The National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues, assisting more than 200 special agents in the US and 150 countries.

Operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the lab receives evidence from across the globe. When agents at ports of entry or shipping facilities identify suspicious shipments, the evidence is sent to Ashland for analysis. These seemingly innocuous packages can contain a hidden world of illegal animal products, such as smuggled sea turtle skins and shells disguised as blue plastics for recycling, as one intriguing case highlights.

At the core of the lab’s work lies the ability to analyze evidence meticulously. They use tools and techniques similar to those found in conventional crime labs. However, their focus on wildlife crimes brings a unique set of challenges. The lab boasts a vast warehouse filled with specimens, some seized and others donated, which serve as crucial references during active investigations. These specimens help identify poachers, track illegal trade routes, and build cases against wildlife criminals.

The illegal wildlife trade is a booming industry, estimated to be worth a staggering twenty billion dollars annually. This thriving black market poses a severe threat to biodiversity, pushing numerous species to the brink of extinction. The work done at the lab is instrumental in curbing this illicit trade and protecting our planet’s precious wildlife heritage for future generations.

Working at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory is not for the faint of heart. The nature of their work exposes scientists to the grim realities of wildlife crime, which can take a toll on their emotional well-being. Yet, the reward lies in their ability to make a difference. They are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensuring that justice is served for the countless animals subjected to the horrors of wildlife crime.

Sign this petition to stop wildlife crimes!