Wildlife Forensic Fund

🔍 Don't Look Away, Look Closer! Last week, the Wildlife Forensic Fund had the privilege of participating in the Tusnad EcoBear Conference in Romania, where we joined Claire Gwinnett's immersive "crime scene" investigation on bear poaching. What counts as valuable evidence, and what’s just trash? How do you secure a crime scene without contaminating it? How can you work effectively under tight time constraints? What resources are available to analyze the evidence? Every detail matters when it comes to building a solid case that will stand up in court. Convicting poachers requires precise forensic training, evidence management, and a keen eye for detail—skills that are essential in the fight against wildlife crime. Want to learn more? Visit us at wildlifeforensic.com #WildlifeCrime #ForensicScience #NatureConservation #humanwildlifeconflict Martin Spitholt 道 Sonja van Meerbeek

The Wildlife Forensic Fund was proud to be present at the #EANM24 in Hamburg to support The Rhisotope Project 🦏 On October 20th, Prof. James Larkin, the visionary behind this innovative conservation effort, shared his impactful research and fieldwork from South Africa. The Rhisotope Project uses nuclear science to combat rhino poaching by inserting measured quantities of radioisotopes into rhino horns, making them less desirable to traffickers and easier to detect in illegal trade. This non-lethal approach is a vital step in reducing demand and protecting rhinos from extinction. However, due to limited funding, progress between project phases has been slower than anticipated. 🔗 Learn more about the project and how you can support it here: https://lnkd.in/e6ess3RU #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #NuclearScience #StopPoaching #SaveTheRhinos #Rhisotope #WildlifeForensics #EANM24 #Biodiversity #RadiationProtectionCommittee #EANM Martin Spitholt 道 Sonja van Meerbeek

#WorldRhinoDay: A Spotlight on the Last Javan & Sumatran Rhinos 🦏 Yesterday, we recognised the critical status of some of the most endangered species on Earth – the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. With fewer than 60 Javan rhinos and less than 50 Sumatran rhinos remaining in the wild, their populations are on the brink of extinction. At the Wildlife Forensic Fund, our mission is to equip rangers and conservationists with the forensic tools they need to combat poaching, wildlife trafficking, and habitat loss – the biggest threats to these species. How You Can Help: - Donate to support our partners Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, who play a vital role in detecting wildlife crime and protecting rhinos in their natural habitats. - Spread awareness of these critically endangered species. Together, we can ensure that the last remaining Javan and Sumatran rhinos survive and thrive. Visit our website https://lnkd.in/eFVXyymQ to learn more and make a donation. #WorldRhinoDay #EndangeredSpecies #WildlifeConservation #ForensicAcademy #RhinoConservation #JavanRhino #SumatranRhino #SupportConservation

We're thrilled to announce our latest #podcast episode featuring a ranger in the heart of Zululand. Our guest, Lindani Buthelezi is a passionate nature reserve security manager and father who takes us on a journey through his experiences in #LawEnforcement, a forensics course at the Wildlife Forensic Academy, and day-to-day life managing a team of rangers. We also delve into topics like the importance of nurturing relationships with #LocalCommunities and the impact of African #CulturalBeliefs on conservation efforts. What does it take to become a field ranger? Who takes care of gathering evidence at a crime scene? And how does he define success? Find the answers in this inspiring episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ef23xTaC! Visit www.wildlifeforensic.com to support and learn more about us. Host: Mike Brewer Editor and Producer: Nalini Heinmüller #wildlifecrime #worldrangerday #conservation #conservationranger #naturereserve #fieldranger #conservationmanagement #animalscanttestify

Thank you for featuring us, Ubuntu Magazine! Check out the extensive interview with WFF's Executive Directors 道 Sonja van Meerbeek and Martin Spitholt about our work with the Wildlife Forensic Academy. What parts of the criminal justice chain are most problematic when it comes to wildlife crime? And what makes the wildlife forensic academy one of a kind? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eH2V-zHm #WildlifeForensicAcademy #WildlifeCrime #Conservation #UbuntuMagazine #animaljustice #lawenforcement #rhisotope

On July 31, we observed #WorldRangerDay, where we took a moment to honour and thank the incredible bravery of rangers worldwide who help protect our wildlife from poachers, hunters, and traffickers. The recently released documentary, Rhino Man, directed by John Jurko sheds light on the daily dangers these people face. The documentary commemorates Anton Mzimba, a South African ranger who tragically lost his life in the line of duty and brings home the perilous nature of this work. In support of all rangers, we submitted a grant proposal on July 31 to fund further training at the Wildlife Forensic Academy. Our various initiatives and your donation will equip more rangers with the skills and knowledge they need to combat wildlife crime effectively and safely. We would like to thank all rangers for their dedication and we do what we can to support their mission! Learn more: www.wildlifeforensic.com #WorldRangerDay #RhinoMan #ConservationHeroes #WildlifeProtection #AntonMzimba #RangerLife #EndWildlifeCrime #WildlifeForensicAcademy

How can we ensure well-trained rangers are positioned effectively? How do we measure conservation impact accurately? What role do "soft effects" and psychology play in the fight against poaching? Find out in our fourth podcast episode of Animals Can't Testify! We had the honour of speaking with Lawrence Ives, an ex-officer in the British Army, a trained game ranger, and now a senior conservation law enforcement consultant working on various projects in Africa and Asia. Tune in on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eY-qNiHC To learn more about Lawrence's current work, check out Protected Area Strategy Consulting: https://lnkd.in/eGwaTZtm #WildlifeConservation #RangerTraining #ConservationImpact #PoachingPrevention #PsychologyInConservation #LawEnforcement #ProtectedAreas #ConservationStrategies #WildlifeForensics #EnvironmentalProtection #AnimalsCantTestify #Podcast

Did you know Rhinos use their horns for several critical functions: 1. Defense: They use their horns to protect themselves from predators and to defend their territory from other rhinos. 2. Foraging: Rhinos use their horns to dig for water and break branches while foraging for food. 3. Social Interactions: Horns play a role in social interactions and dominance hierarchies within rhino populations, often used in displays of strength or during fights with other rhinos. 4. Maternal Care: Mother rhinos use their horns to guide and protect their calves from danger. The horns are essential tools for their survival and daily activities. #rhino #rhinohorn #wildlife #animals #funfact #nature #radioactive #tech #wits #RhinoConservation #InnovationInConservation #TheRhisotopeProject #Nuclear

🔍 What Does a First Responder at a Wildlife Crime Scene Do? Ever wondered what a first responder at a wildlife crime scene does? With these crimes usually happening in remote places without eyewitnesses, the quick action and expertise of first responders is crucial. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime offers a comprehensive guide for first responders on wildlife crime scenes. Request your copy at unodc-wlfc@un.org. Support first responders and their vital work today by donating to the Wildlife Forensic Foundation. Visit www.wildlifeforensic.com to learn more and contribute to this important cause. Together, we can make a difference in protecting our precious wildlife and stopping illegal (wildlife) trade. #WildlifeConservation #FirstResponders #StopWildlifeCrime #UNODC #SupportWildlifeForensics

🦏 Chasing dreams On behalf of the initiative we proudly support and represent, The Rhisotope Project, James Larkin, Jessica Babich, we want to thank the GIGA Foundation Ruud Nijs, Heleen Luyt, Tiffany Abati, Rolf Korsuize, Ferdinand Voskens, for their contribution to this wonderful project. And we wish GIGA Storage and InfraVia Capital Partners great success in scaling up their joint ventures! Martin Spitholt 道 Sonja van Meerbeek #WildlifeConservation #RhisotopeProject #SaveTheRhinos #InnovativeResearch