The application of forensic geomorphology in rhinoceros poaching investigations in Africa

Abstract

South Africa experienced since 2008 high escalations in rhinoceros poaching. It is essential to protect southern Africa’s heritage by developing/adapting new research methods and techniques that can assist prosecutors to improve their successes in achieving convictions. The paper aimed to investigate the use of forensic geomorphology in the context of a poached rhino to assist in the prosecution of suspected poachers in the absence of any DNA linkages. Two experimental study sites mimicked the aspects of the landscape in which rhinoceros normally occur. Trace evidence was removed from the suspects that moved through the landscape in order to verify if any significant similarities could be identified against control samples collected at poaching sites and at locations based on the terrain utilized by the poachers during the simulated poaching incident. The paper concluded that a linkage could be recognized between the selected landscape and the collected trace evidence. The results indicate that the first experimental study site illustrated a definite linkage between the suspects and the poaching site, whereas the second experimental study site suggested that there was a possibility that a linkage could be made. This study only used inorganic material such as sand grains to link suspects to scenes.