DNA , THE MOLECULE whose twists and turns help solve crimes against humanity, has many roles in the world of wildlife protection too. Just as all humans have many of the same gene sequences, which determine basic body parts such as eyes, hair, skin, and hearts, each animal within any species has most of its DNA in common with every other member of that species. It is the differences, many of them quite subtle, that make each individual member of a species unique. But in wildlife law, the value of DNA often extends beyond the individual animal. DNA helps keep track of entire populations of animals that are threatened by hunting, fishing, and a black market for their smuggled body parts. DNA is the genetic tattletale that helps scientists and governments around the world keep these populations healthy.

Cracking cases of egg smugglers

Fighting illegal...