ABSTRACT
Forensic entomology is well established in police investigations and has become mainstream over the last few years; however, it is vastly underused in wildlife forensic investigations. The application of forensic entomology in wildlife cases can be problematic for the forensic entomologist due to the large number of potential species involved. Larval blow flies require high quality protein for survival, yet 1st instar larvae are too delicate to break dry adult skin; therefore, they require liquid protein or open wounds to feed. The greatest barrier to the use of forensic entomology in wildlife crime is simply the lack of knowledge of the field among conservation and wildlife enforcement officers and agencies. Another major problem in wildlife crime investigation is the lack of resources available, in comparison with that seen in human cases. Overall, conservation and wildlife enforcement officers receive little to no training in any area of forensic science.
