Module 04
Trauma, Decomposition & Advanced Scene Documentation

Knowing that an animal was killed is not enough. Proving it in court demands the ability to distinguish human-caused trauma from natural post-mortem change, to document a scene without disturbing it, and to reconstruct events from physical and environmental evidence alone.

University Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Location Enschede, NL
Dates 6–9 July 2027
Duration 3,5 dagen
Costs €750
Max. participants 16
Scheduled during warm-season conditions to support active decomposition study.
About this module
Not just looking at a scene. Reading it — completely and accurately.

This 3.5-day field and laboratory course at Saxion University places you in the role of a wildlife crime investigator working through a realistic case: the death of a protected animal species in a complex outdoor environment.

The course combines classical forensic observation with autonomous robotic documentation technology — equipping you with skills that go well beyond standard investigative training. This is not about looking at a scene. It is about reading it — completely, accurately, and in a way that stands up in court.

Quick facts
Realistic outdoor case study involving a protected animal species
Autonomous robotic platforms with environmental and spatial sensors
Classical forensic observation combined with advanced technology
Taphonomy and decomposition analysis in real field conditions
Integration of trauma, taphonomy, and sensor data in one reconstruction
Applicable in forests, wetlands, and remote areas
What you will learn
4 integrated areas of expertise. From field to final report.
Trauma Analysis & Pattern Recognition

Distinguish injuries caused by poaching, trapping, or illegal hunting from changes that occur during natural post-mortem decomposition. Identify evidence of human activity in wildlife remains.

Taphonomy & Decomposition Dynamics

Understand the biological, chemical, and environmental mechanisms that govern how animal remains change over time. Analyse the influence of temperature, soil composition, moisture, and scavenger activity on evidence preservation.

Robotic & Sensor-Based Scene Documentation

Deploy autonomous robotic platforms equipped with environmental and spatial sensors to document crime scenes systematically — without disturbing sensitive evidence in forests, wetlands, or remote areas. Interpret sensor data to support forensic reconstruction.

Evidence-Based Case Reconstruction

Integrate trauma analysis, taphonomic observations, and sensor data into a coherent, scientifically defensible account of the wildlife crime event.

Programme day by day
From introduction to full reconstruction in 3.5 days.
Day 1 — (half day)
Introduction to wildlife crime investigations · Trauma identification in wildlife remains · Taphonomic processes · Case briefing and investigation plan
Day 2 — Field investigation
Crime scene documentation · Decomposition stages · Trauma indicators · Environmental observation
Day 3 — Advanced documentation
Deployment of robotic platforms and sensors · Spatial and environmental data collection · Forensic scene recording
Day 4 — Data integration & reconstruction
Combining trauma analysis, taphonomic observations, and sensor data · Case reconstruction · Expert presentation of findings
Leeruitkomsten
Upon completion, you will be able to:
Identify trauma patterns in wildlife remains and distinguish them from post-mortem changes
Interpret taphonomic and decomposition processes affecting animal remains
Analyse environmental influences on decomposition and evidence preservation
Deploy robotic platforms and sensor technologies for advanced crime scene documentation
Integrate biological observations with environmental and sensor data
Present scientific interpretations of wildlife crime cases in a structured, evidence-based manner
Included
All field equipment and protective gear
Access to robotic platforms and sensor systems
Case study materials and documentation tools
Not included
Travel costs
Accommodation
Subsistence
Apply
The scene holds the answer. Learn to find it.

Spots are strictly limited to 16 participants. Selection is based on professional profile and motivation — not first-come, first-served.

Reserve Your Spot — Module 04 →

Deadline: 30 June 2026 · info@wildlifeforensic.com