GLOBAL BLACK MARKETS AND BLOOD RED FOREST FLOORS – AN EXPANDING CANVAS FOR THE ART OF FORENSIC SCIENCE”
AUTHOR – JENI BN* & SUGITH KUMAR**
* STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
** PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
BEST CITATION – JENI BN & SUGITH KUMAR, GLOBAL BLACK MARKETS AND BLOOD RED FOREST FLOORS – AN EXPANDING CANVAS FOR THE ART OF FORENSIC SCIENCE”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (2) OF 2026, PG. 945-964, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
“I suffer whenever I see the wilting plant” – Vallalar Ramalingar
The escalating crisis of wildlife crime presents a profound threat to global biodiversity, with illegal poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction undermining conservation efforts and legal enforcement frameworks. This paper explores the critical role of forensic science in transforming wildlife crime investigations, particularly within the Indian context. By examining key forensic methodologies—such as DNA analysis, toxicology, veterinary pathology, and ballistic evidence—the study evaluates how scientific advancements have enhanced the accuracy and legal admissibility of wildlife crime evidence. It also interrogates the systemic and logistical challenges posed by remote crime scenes, lack of specialized training, and fragmented legal jurisdictions. A comparative analysis with human crime scene investigations reveals significant procedural and ecological differences that influence evidence collection and case outcomes. Despite the robust potential of forensic tools, the research identifies limitations in current enforcement mechanisms and calls for legal reforms, improved inter-agency coordination, and the establishment of dedicated wildlife forensic laboratories. Through case studies and policy evaluation, this study positions wildlife forensics not as an auxiliary tool, but as a foundational pillar in the fight against ecological crime and the preservation of endangered species.
Key Words : Wildlife Forensics, Ballistics, Toxicology. Veterinary Pathology, etc.