Why in news? Karnataka is set to get its first wildlife forensic sciences laboratory in Bengaluru.

Highlights:

• Wildlife forensics plays a crucial role in investigating crimes and a dedicated laboratory will help improve the conviction rate
• Forensic Science Laboratory reports will act as strong evidence, especially in cases of many loose ends.
• It helps in determining the time of death, genetic sequencing and other analysis will help in better investigation
• The facility, will be equipped with modern equipment, will provide crucial analysis and reports to aid investigations

The centre will have two broad areas:

• DNA analysis and morphological analysis.
• DNA analysis– Provides details on the origin of the carcasses and the species by examining the samples (nail, hair, teeth, and other materials) confiscated,
• Morphological analysis – Helps in the identification of the animals by studying the texture and physical features,

Why there is  a need?

• At present, samples are being sent to either Dehradun or Hyderabad and this has slowed down investigation in many cases

Ex: Chennammanakere Achkat police seized close to 365 tiger nails in 2020, and even to this day, no action could be initiated owing to the delay

• In many other cases, people claim that seized items are cattle flesh, or bones and officials have no option but to wait for the FSL report to confirm the crime.
• Atleast 10 wildlife offences are reported in a month and hoped that the centre would be operational soon

The facility, which will be equipped with modern equipment, will provide crucial analysis and reports to aid investigations