Nagpur :-A two day training was organized by Wildlife Research and Training Centre, Nagpur in association with Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur and Forest Development Co-operation of Maharashtra Ltd., Nagpur on 20/07/2023 & 21/07/2023 on Wildlife Forensics. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr. Nitin Kurkure, Director of Research, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur. S.S. Bhagwat, Divisional Manager, was the guest of Honour. Dr. A.P. Somkuwar was also present at the inauguration. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kurkure emphasized on the need of a specialized and well equipped laboratory in the region for wildlife forensics.
He also reiterated the need for speedy and accurate disposal of the samples submitted to the laboratory. Dr. V.M. Dhoot, Deputy Director, WRTC, Nagpur mentioned the importance of Wildlife Forensics in dealing with wildlife crimes. A total of eighteen participants comprising of students from Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur and staff of Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Nagpur took part in the training program.
The trainees were given first-hand knowledge on the need of wildlife forensics and its role in counteracting illegal wildlife trade, poaching etc. Dr. Sujit Kolangath, Subject Matter Specialist (BTY), WRTC delivered lectures on various aspects on wildlife forensics. Furthermore, demonstration along with short talk on high end equipments was given by Thermo Fischer Scientific and Himedia scientists. Hands on training on DNA isolation, species ID, Sex ID of wildlife were undertaken by Dr. Sujit Kolangath, Priyanka Mulmule, Dr. A.S. Shalini, Dr. M.D. Pawshe and Dr. B.K. Bhadane. Dr. S.V. Upadhye, Director, emphasized the need to train important stakeholders in wildlife forensics for better law enforcement. The event was concluded with brief valedictory function followed by distribution of certificates to the participants.
