CPTU students got the chance to step into the role of forensic investigators at the Wildlife Forensics Academy, where they analysed mock crime scenes, gathered evidence, and applied real-world forensic techniques. From tracking footprints to uncovering clues, these students took on the challenge of protecting wildlife like never before - channelling their inner Sherlock Holmes for a cause that could help save endangered species.

We are thrilled to announce that we are launching Animals Can’t Testify, the podcast that speaks up for the animal kingdom and brings attention to the critical issue of wildlife crime.

Meet Carl, a dedicated park ranger stationed in the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve. His daily mission involves combatting poaching activities and safeguarding South Africa’s rich biodiversity. Read the full interview to gain insights into the realities of wildlife conservation and the battle against wildlife crime in the field.

Understanding crime convergence is crucial for investigating wildlife crime, especially in comparison to other criminal activities. While wildlife smuggling may not always be perceived as a severe crime, it intersects with various illicit enterprises, presenting unique challenges for law enforcement and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach.

Wildlife crime can take an immeasurable number of forms: rhino horn trade, orchid smuggling, illegal fishing, or pet cheetah trafficking. This latter criminal activity is the main cause of the extinction threat that hangs over cheetahs all around the world. According to the IUCN Red List, cheetahs are “vulnerable” in Africa, and the few remaining animals on the high plateaus of Iran even reached the “critically endangered” status. Over the last hundred years, the cheetah population in the wild has plummeted by 93%, from 100.000 specimens in the early 20th century to only 7.000 today.

Thesis Defence Ceremony: Dr. Wouter van der Bruggen's Ph.D. defence at the University of Twente showcased a unique gift suggestion. Instead of conventional presents, he urged support for the Rhisotope Project. His groundbreaking research in advanced imaging techniques, emphasizing nuclear medicine for non-cancerous bone and joint issues, formed the focal point.

Wildlife Forensic Fund (WFF) secures the CSI for Wildlife Grant from DierenPark Amersfoort, empowering 10 rangers with a 3-day forensic training at the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa. Learn more about this impactful initiative and support our mission to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.

WFF had the honour to be part of a royal wedding where wedding guests had the option to donate to our cause. Thanks to this campaign, we were able to send 10 rangers to the Wildlife Forensic Academy.

As the holiday season approaches, many tourists are planning trips to explore nature. While planning itineraries and booking accommodations seem to be obvious routine tasks, getting to know how to treat the natural environment is less frequent on the to-do lists.

EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

This event is presented by The Global Ecosystem Foundation based in the Netherlands, in association with VIVIDPRIVÉ a South African based luxury marketing and events specialist company with a global network.

Innocent Buthelezi, a Section Ranger at a private nature reserve in Limpopo, who has applied for a scholarship to study at the Wildlife Forensic Academy.

Rhinos once roamed throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, and were depicted in early European cave paintings. At the beginning of the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed Africa and Asia, but by 1970, rhino numbers dropped to 70,000, and today only about 27,000 remain in the wild.

Sturgeons are an ancient migratory fish that have outlasted the dinosaurs. Danube sturgeons are arguably a keystone species, which are defined as species that are so important to a particular ecosystem, that their removal would cause drastic and harmful changes.

A new weapon in the form of a specialised wildlife forensic academy has been launched in the Western Cape to help in the fight against wildlife crime.

Lunch with Pippa Hudson

Guest: Andro Vos | Founder and CEO of the Wildlife Forensic Academy

A forensic academy in the Western Cape will make it easier to catch and prosecute poachers and other perpetrators of crimes against wildlife.

In the first six months of 2022, 259 rhinos were known to have been poached in South Africa for their horns — 10 more than the 249 slain in the same period last year.

De Nederlandse oud-NFI-medewerker Andro Vos heeft een forensische academie geopend in Zuid-Afrika om stropers aan te pakken.

Carcasses found in four provinces, including one pregnant female, with nine arrests made.