European Wildlife Forensic Network

Building a platform of wildlife forensic professionals to facilitate collaboration, training and elevate wildlife forensics to the next level across Europe.

status: network buildling

quick facts

members-only access

Building a members-only portal and application

knowledge exchange

Open to collaboration with stakeholders who would like both to learn and share knowledge

a unique network of experts

Attracting private and public actors with up-to-date knowledge and skills in forensics

partner with us

Would you like to join us in building the network? Let us know!

problem

60% of all wildlife crime complaints in the EU do not result in court cases. Policy-makers and legal experts are unaware of wildlife forensics benefits, while first responders lack the skills to gather evidence.

solution

A pan-European member organisation with exclusive access for members to the most recent forensic knowledge, unique expert network, and training.

project overview

  • Wildlife crime is a major threat to biodiversity, with poachers and illegal traders targeting endangered species for profit. Even with advanced forensic tools, many criminals remain undetected or unprosecuted: in the EU, on average, 60% of wildlife crime complaints did not lead to court proceedings in 2016-2020. Since these crimes cross borders, better international cooperation and stronger wildlife forensics are needed.

  • We are developing a pan-European member organisation uniting stakeholders within wildlife forensics. It will provide access to a members-only web portal and application to store and share the most up-to-date information. We are partnering with universities, NGOs, research institutions, government agencies, technology providers, legal experts, etc.

expected outcomes

  • A network of European experts in wildlife forensics

  • Online tools for easy access and sharing of up-to-date knowledge and skills in forensics

  • Unique databases of information about wildlife forensics, which can be used by researchers and policy-makers

  • Basis for collaborations and development of other European projects