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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Karnataka Forest Department is set to operationalize its wildlife forensic lab in Bengaluru after two years of diligent work This facility is located at the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Madiwala and will play a crucial role in the speedy resolution of wildlife crimes and conflict cases in the state by providing rapid DNA test results.
In 2023, the government approved the establishment of the wildlife forensic lab at a cost of approximately Rs 3 crore. The lab has been a long-pending demand from the Forest Department and aims to bring wildlife-related cases to a logical conclusion. These cases are reported by the Forest Department, the Forest Cell of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.
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The Forest Department registers an average of about 400 cases of wildlife crimes annually in Karnataka. These cases range from the sale of animals as pets to the trade of wildlife parts for pendants, medicine, and other purposes. Despite the high number of cases the conviction rate has remained low and this new lab is expected to improve this situation significantly.
“Timely prosecution is a key element for an effective crackdown against wildlife offenses. DNA analysis plays a crucial role in determining a species and establishing evidence in court. Until now, we have depended on external agencies and labs for DNA results, which could take weeks to months due to their priorities. The new facility at Madiwala will help us get results within a few days,” said Kumar Pushkar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
While illegal possession, transportation, or sale of elephant tusks, tiger and leopard parts which included skin, claws, etc. are still detected, officials have observed that smaller mammals and reptiles account for a significant number of cases. Last year, TRAFFIC and the World Wildlife Fund reported that pangolin scales equivalent to 129 pangolins were seized in Karnataka between 2018 and 2022.
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The lab will also play a key role in resolving wildlife conflict cases. For instance, DNA analysis can determine whether officials have captured the correct animal from a conflict site. A senior official emphasized the need for training officers in handling samples for DNA analysis to prevent contamination.
The Forest Department needs to train its officers on handling DNA samples correctly. After a woman was mauled by a leopard in Nelamangala taluk, the department rescued three leopards, but the DNA tests did not match the sample from the conflict site. Contamination likely occurred due to about 200 people walking around the area. Proper training in cordoning off sites and collecting uncontaminated samples is essential.
The Forest Department and the Police are expected to launch the wildlife forensic lab within two months. This facility marks a significant advancement in wildlife crime resolution and conflict management, promising a more effective and timely prosecution of wildlife offenses in Karnataka.
