Advances in molecular wildlife forensics for species identification, geographic origin assignment, and individualization

Wildlife and veterinary forensic investigations increasingly rely on molecular genetics to address three core legal questions: species identification, geographic or population origin, and individual attribution. This review evaluates traditional and contemporary molecular approaches used in wildlife forensics. Recent advances in rapid DNA extraction, portable sequencing, isothermal amplification, CRISPR-based diagnostics, and high-throughput sequencing are synthesized with emphasis on forensic readiness rather than technological innovation. In all methods, evidentiary strength depends on species-specific validation, known error rates, inter-laboratory reproducibility, representative reference databases, and compliance with accredited forensic practice. Comparative analysis highlights that no single technique is sufficient for all forensic questions. In contrast, defensible casework relies on sequential workflows in which rapid screening narrows the investigative scope, while validated genetic markers are reserved for court-admissible determinations. Unresolved limitations include insufficient reference database reporting, sensitivity to DNA degradation and inhibitors, contamination risk, and variability in standardization and legal admissibility across jurisdictions. Future progress in wildlife forensic genetics will depend on coordinated validation frameworks, expanded population reference resources, and integration of complementary molecular tools to support effective, reproducible, and legally defensible enforcement outcomes.