Veterinary forensic sciences to solve a fatal case of predation on flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus).

• DOI: 10.12834/vetit.1360.7488.1
• Publication Date: 2018-06-30
• Authors: Silva Rubini; Stefania Barbieri; Rosa Maria Gaudio; G Govoni; Giulia Rasera Berna; Rosario Fico; Rita Lorenzini; Maria Cristina Fo...; R. Taddei; Massimo Tassinari; Paolo Frisoni; Enrica Guidi; Mauro Bergamini
• Keywords: Veterinary Medicine; Endangered Species; Forensic Sciences; Birds; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Dogs; Dog; Flaming; Forensic; Fox;; Italy; Predatory Behavior; Animals; Bites and Stings

The present case study concerns a of predation 4 individuals captive pink flamingo in Emilia Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy. (Phoenicopterus roseus) is species included the Red List Threatened Species established by International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) which lists danger extinction. During Winter 2013, flamingos (2 Comacchio area, and 2 from Argenta Codigoro oases - Ferrara province) were found dead some them headless, with their bodies severely bitten. At first, fox (Vulpes vulpes) was suspected to be predator responsible killing birds taken laboratory further investigations. investigations included: field observations, behaviour, necropsy examinations, assessment intercanine distance, genetic analysis on predator's traces. distance indicated that could not have been fox. salivary DNA samples enabled us establish fact dog. This highlights importance co-operation among various branches forensic sciences great usefulness roles filled other veterinary experts involved solving crime.