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Review
. 2025 Apr;56(2):e70005.
doi: 10.1111/age.70005.

Standards in wildlife forensic science, with a focus on non-human DNA analysis

Greta J Frankham  1 , Rob Ogden  2   3 , Barry W Baker  4 , Kyle M Ewart  1   2 , Rebecca N Johnson  5 , Irene Kuiper  6 , Christina D Lindquist  7 , M Katherine Moore  8 , Arame Ndiaye  9 , Lucy M I Webster  10
Affiliations
Review

Standards in wildlife forensic science, with a focus on non-human DNA analysis

Greta J Frankham et al. Anim Genet. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

For genetic data to be used in forensic casework, it has to be produced within a controlled environment that follows strict quality standards. However, recent reviews have suggested that wildlife forensic laboratories are behind in the development and adherence to appropriate standards for casework. This paper will address these concerns by documenting the standards that have been produced, highlighting the systems of assessment and competency testing available, and reviewing the status of validated reference genetic databases. Networks of dedicated wildlife forensic scientists across the globe, represented in part by the author list for this paper, illustrate the strides taken to build capacity in this field, and an ongoing commitment to present quality wildlife forensic evidence in court.

Keywords: Society for Wildlife Forensic Science; accreditation; forensic standards; non‐human DNA; proficiency; quality assurance; wildlife forensic science.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

References

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    1. Alacs, E.A. , Georges, A. , FitzSimmons, N.N. & Robertson, J. (2010) DNA detective: a review of molecular approaches to wildlife forensics. Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 6, 180–194. - PubMed
    1. Amorim, A. (2019) Nonhuman forensic genetics. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, 7(1), 44–46.
    1. ANSI/ANAB . (2023) Accreditation Requirements for Forensic Testing and Calibration, AR 3125.
    1. ANSI/ASB Standard 180 . (2024) Standard for the Selection and Evaluation of GenBank® Results for Taxonomic Assignment of Wildlife, 1st Edition.

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