WildLife Group
of the SAVA
Forensic Post Mortem of a Poached
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis):
The Role of the Wildlife Veterinarian
By: Dr Luca Mendes (BVSc, MVetSci Cons. Med.)
Case Summary
During April 2016, a reserve in the Eastern Cape of
South Africa requested the assistance of a veterinarian
to perform a forensic post mortem examination of a
poached sub-adult black rhino male (Diceros bicornis).
The site was initially secured and inspected for
trace evidence by the South African Police Services
(SAPS) after which the veterinarian was allowed to
approach the scene. Two bullet entry points were
established, however, only one bullet was recovered.
This b