Institute of Physiology CAS (IPHYS) has become a co-investigator in the new five-year project ForWild2, which succeeded in the public competition of the Czech Ministry of the Interior under the IMPAKT 2 programme. Adam Eckhardt from the Laboratory of Translational Metabolism, together with other experts in proteomic analysis, will develop a unique methodology for identifying protected animal species in smuggled ultra-processed products, such as tiger broth. Thanks to its unique methodological infrastructure and know-how in proteomics, IPHYS will actively contribute to nature conservation and the fight against illegal trade in endangered species. The project “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Forensic Tools Used in the Investigation of Wildlife Crime” (VL01010039, ForWild2) builds on the previous successful ForWild project and expands the consortium to include specialized institutions, including IPHYS.
What is “wildlife crime”
Wildlife crime, the criminal activity targeting endangered species of animals and plants, is globally regarded as a serious form of crime and ranks among the most profitable illegal activities. It negatively affects the economy, security, public health, biodiversity, and the environment. It also poses significant security threats and carries the risk of spreading dangerous zoonotic diseases transmissible to humans, for example, through the consumption of wildlife products.
Proteomics as a new tool in wildlife forensic science
The IPHYS research team will focus on applying proteomic analyses in cases where DNA can no longer be detected, particularly in heavily heat- or chemically processed materials derived from endangered animal species (e.g., traditional medicine products or concentrated broths). Using mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), they will identify and validate so-called taxon-specific peptides and proteins that persist even in heat-degraded samples and enable reliable species identification. The project will result in a methodology for proteomic identification of taxon-specific peptides/proteins in selected animal species, available in both Czech and English in open-access format. In parallel, an open database of species-specific peptides and proteins of endangered species will be created.
Relevance for law enforcement and practice
The main goal of the project is to develop new, modern forensic tools for detecting serious wildlife crime. Proteomic methodologies have the potential to significantly improve evidence in cases where it is currently impossible to determine the origin of smuggled biological material. These new techniques will expand the capabilities of police, customs authorities, and other agencies (not only in the Czech Republic) to prove the use of critically endangered species in illegal trade products, thereby enhancing the protection of public health and biodiversity.
