Wildlife Forensics Training Programme was held for Frontline Forest Staff of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh (September 28-30, 2022).
WCT is working towards developing the capacity of frontline forest staff in areas prone to wildlife crime through the Combatting Wildlife Crime (CWC) programme. WCT organised a wildlife forensics training programme for the frontline forest staff of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh. The staff of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve work very closely with the officers of SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) in the investigation of illegal wildlife trade, and staff members from both forces attended this training.
Through sessions that were a mix of theory, case studies, role play exercises, and mock crime scene activities, staff were introduced to the correct ways to process various wildlife crime scenes and how to correctly record, collect, and document evidence at each of such crime scenes. They were taught how to have the evidence analysed by the right authorities and thereafter, how to use them to support the investigation of varying offences under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. All trainees were given evidence collection tool kits that have been custom-made to help them collect evidence in a more legally sound and scientifically reliable manner.
Through this event, WCT was able to impact nearly 100 members of frontline forest staff from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and more than 30 officers of the SSB. WCT is grateful for the support from DSP Investment Managers in bringing such programmes to life.