DNA bid over wildlife crime

A DNA breakthrough is set to help boost conviction rates for wildlife crime.

Researchers have found human DNA can be recovered from traps outside for at least 10 days.

It can also be traced from rabbit baits and bird carcasses at crime scenes for at least 24 hours.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said it is hoped the discovery will give a new way to track wildlife criminals adding: “It could play a crucial role in helping secure convictions.”