Crime Scene of the Wild, Unveiling the National Wildlife Forensics Lab

The video introduces a unique wildlife crime lab in Ashland, OR, led by Ken Goddard. The lab functions like a police crime lab but focuses on non-human animals, supporting wildlife laws like the Endangered Species Act. The lab tackles the massive illicit wildlife trade, valued at billions annually. Key personnel include Dr. Becky Kagan, a veterinary pathologist who performs animal autopsies; Johnny French, who manages a vast specimen collection; Dr. Mary Curtis, who leads the genetics team for species identification; and Dr. Pepper Trail, an ornithologist who identifies bird evidence. The lab's work is crucial in combating wildlife crime globally.

Describe the process used to prepare animal specimens for examination in the lab.

What challenges does the laboratory face in combating the illicit wildlife trade?