Wildlife CSI
Outside the South African city of Cape Town lies a unique institution dedicated to combatting wildlife crime. Launched in 2022, the Wildlife Forensic Academy, which is the first of its kind in the world, aims to equip rangers and other environmental law enforcement officers with the skills to collect the crucial forensic evidence required to successfully prosecute poachers. Globally, the illegal trade in wildlife is worth as much as $20 billion per year according to Interpol. South Africa alone has lost more than 8000 rhinos to poachers in the past decade. Yet only a tiny fraction of poaching cases ever make it to court, usually due to the lack of a suspect or the lack of usable evidence. Using ultra-realistic immersive practical exercises, the Wildlife Forensic Academy is determined to change that.
Outside the South African city of Cape Town lies a unique institution dedicated to combatting wildlife crime. Launched in 2022, the Wildlife Forensic Academy, which is the first of its kind in the world, aims to equip rangers and other environmental law enforcement officers with the skills to collect the crucial forensic evidence required to successfully prosecute poachers. Globally, the illegal trade in wildlife is worth as much as $20 billion per year according to Interpol. South Africa alone has lost more than 8000 rhinos to poachers in the past decade. Yet only a tiny fraction of poaching cases ever make it to court, usually due to the lack of a suspect or the lack of usable evidence. Using ultra-realistic immersive practical exercises, the Wildlife Forensic Academy is determined to change that.