Scientists at Abertay University, Scotland have discovered the most effective way to extract fingerprints from birds of prey eggs and feathers. Although there have been reports in the past that fingerprints were recovered from feathers using anecdotal evidence, this study by researchers says it is the best and most reliable method for birds of prey. Wildlife crime is on the rise, despite all birds being protected in Britain, including their eggs and nests. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reports that there have been two ,578 instances of bird crime involving wild birds of prey. These incidents occurred since 2006.. Trapping, poisoning and shooting are the most frequent crimes committed against birds of prey. The illegal collection of eggs from birds of prey has become less common, but it is still a widespread practice. According to the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (HOMAT), fingermarks continue to be used despite the advancements in DNA technology. Image: Abertay University. Researchers believe that fingerprints could be used to catch wildlife criminals. Dennis Gentles is a lecturer on forensic science and used to work as a scene of crime officer. He said that fingerprints can be recovered from both human skin and animal skin. That list included feathers. It had been reported that this was possible, so we wanted to find out if there were any other methods that could produce consistent results that could be used in investigations. “So we decided which fingerprint powders are most efficient at creating fingermarks on flight feathers from birds of prey. There was no way to know which fingerprint powder would be most effective. Also, it wasn’t clear if any fingerprint marks left behind on a bird of prey will show up if the police follow these guidelines. Abertay University. Gentles said that any fingermark that is visible on the bird’s skin indicates that it has been handled. This means that the animal was likely to have been discarded onto another person’s property as the criminal attempted to remove the carcass. Gentles said that even if the fingerprint is not identifiable, it means they can pinpoint the area to use to test for DNA. “We hope this will aid the police as they pursue wildlife crimes. They’ll now have more evidence – evidence that can potentially connect a suspect with the crime. RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations, Ian Thomson welcomed the research. He stated that 750 Scotland’s protected birds of prey had been victims to illegal shooting, trapping or poisoning in the country since 1994.. He said that this included many of the most endangered breeding species, such as red kitses, golden eagles, and hen harriers. Their populations are still under threat from illegal killing. Thomson stated that it was difficult for authorities to find the criminals in remote areas of Scotland’s country. Many cases can only be identified by government laboratory testing. Thomson stated that there had been an increase in illegal egg collection cases, but the practice continues to exist and evidence is emerging that some illegal egg collectors operate abroad. Researchers found that the best methods for recovering fingerprints from feathers are green and red magnetically fluorescent powders. The microscopic structure of a feather’s weave is very similar to that found in nylon and other weave fabrics. Red kite feathers have finer weaves. Buzzard feathers are the best. Black magnetic powder is the best for recovering fingermarks from eggs. Citation: Helen McMorris and Kevin Farrugia conducted an investigation to detect latent marks in feathers and eggs from birds of prey. Science & Justice. Accessible online January 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2014.12. 004.
