Human and wildlife forensics both use science to link a suspect to a crime scene and victim. Yet while human forensic scientists deal with just one species of victim — homo sapiens — wildlife forensic scientists deal with thousands.
Using real life stories from around the world, Dr. Laurel Neme, author of Animal Investigators: How the World’s First Forensic Lab Is Solving Crimes & Saving Endangered Species, will explain how innovative science uses a variety of techniques — from genetic analysis to morphology — to solve crimes against wildlife and reduce the scale of wildlife trafficking. Her two free presentations take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, March 3, as part of the 2017 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series at J.N. “Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Neme and her “CSI for wildlife” has been featured on ABC News Nightline, C-SPAN, and NPR’s Science Friday. She is a contributor to National Geographic and hosts “The WildLife,” a podcast that explores the mysteries of the animal world through interviews with scientists and other wildlife investigators.
Following her lecture, Neme will be signing copies of her book, which are available for purchase in the Refuge Nature Store, proceeds from which benefit wildlife and education at “Ding” Darling.
Seating for the lectures in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center Auditorium is limited and available on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save one seat each and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.
As usual, Wildlife Drive closes on Friday, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the center, Indigo Trail, and recreational opportunities at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official recreation concession located at its Tarpon Bay Recreation Area.
For more information, call 1-239-472-1100 ext. 241 or log on to dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-and-film-series.
