Fingerprints 'breakthrough' for wildlife crime investigators

Scientists say they've made a forensic breakthrough in the fight against bird crime.

A team in Scotland has been able to recover fingerprints from the feathers of birds of prey, which are under threat from illegal poisoning, shooting and trapping.

Helen McMorris, a forensic scientist and lead researcher, told Today: "I hope that we've managed to create that vital link between the individual who's committed the crime and the bird."

"The authorities are aware of it so hopefully ...the people already in wildlife forensics and fighting against wildlife crime will think about taking it on board as a potential new method."