Overview of current practices in data analysis for wood identification
Abstract
Today we have five types of timber tracking tools available. Each has its own strengths and limitations (see the Timber Tracking Tool Infogram), but together they offer a broad range of methods that can assist us in identifying the botanical as well as the geographic origin (provenance) of most kinds of timber samples, even those smaller than 1 cm3.
With this guide we want to provide an overview of the current best-practice methods used to analyse data derived from different wood identification methods, while presenting their respective strengths and limitations. We give advice on data analysis, from the development of reference data, through to the verification of identity and provenance of unknown samples against the reference database. We end with an expert view on combining methods for wood identification and discuss how timber identification possibilities could expand in the future.
The guide is meant for all researchers doing identification work to support regular law enforcement measures, initiatives for transparent supply chains, and continued scientific research. Undertaking forensic casework is qualitatively different from undertaking scientific research (UNODC 2016)1. To support court cases, the chain of custody of evidence material must be tracked and reference material must be valid. How to fulfil all requirements for forensic timber identification will not be discussed here. Instead, we refer to the best practice guide of the UNODC (2016) and the standards and guidelines of the Society for Wildlife Forensic Sciences.
We hope that this guide will be a first step towards the harmonisation of data analysis procedures within the global network of wood identification experts; and will facilitate collaborations, further innovations, and ensure reliable timber tracking methods. Show more
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Global Timber Tracking Network (GTTN)Organisational unit
03706 - Widmer, Alexander / Widmer, Alexander
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