Members of the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science are eligible to participate in the Wildlife DNA Forensic Proficiency Testing Program administered by the Society.
Currently the program offers a mammalian test whereby participants analyze samples to identify species, gender, and individual animals, prepared from four different taxa, including North American black bear, North American elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer. The program, which operates following a consensus reporting format, has been in operation since 2004 and has distributed over 200 tests to approximately 20 participants annually.
Wildlife laboratories accredited under the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board may use the Wildlife Forensic Proficiency Testing Program to meet accreditation requirements for proficiency testing.
The Society is currently developing additional proficiency test schemes for taxa outside of North America.
Individuals or agencies interested in becoming a participant in the program may contact the Ms Doina Voin (doina_voin@fws.gov).
Proficiency Director: Brian Hamlin
Forensic Scientist
USFWS
541 488-6506
541 482-4989 (fax)
brian_hamlin@fws.gov