By David
Shukman, Science editor, BBC News
The latest
forensic science is being harnessed in a bid to combat the international crime
gangs killing and smuggling endangered species.
A new
laboratory in the Thai capital Bangkok
The move comes
as wildlife trading moves into the major league of lucrative international
criminal activities including the trafficking of drugs and weapons.
Rapidly
growing demand for animal parts believed to have cultural or medicinal value
has fuelled soaring prices and created greater incentives for poachers and
dealers.
The lab's aim
is to "prove the link between the victim and the suspect and support
prosecutions", according to the scientists running the facility.
Conservation
groups say the slaughter of elephant, rhino and tiger, along with other
threatened species, has reached alarming levels and that only a concerted and
sophisticated campaign will help.
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