THE NATURE AND LOCALIZATION OF INJURIES SUSTAINED BY WILD ANIMALS DURING POACHING IN NORTHERN KAZAKHSTAN

wild animals, poaching, gunshot wounds, place of wound, game animals.

Abstract

As a result of examining the nature and localization of wounds on the bodies of wild animals illegally hunted in Northern Kazakhstan, it was established that the species most frequently subjected to illegal shooting in the region is the Siberian roe deer (48%). The second most common species involved in forensic examinations were saiga antelope (12%) and wild boar (11%). Illegal shooting of foxes (6%) and wolves (5%) was recorded only during the first two years of the study. The highest number of criminal cases related to poaching was registered in 2021. By 2024, their number had decreased by 74.2%. On average, each illegally harvested animal had approximately three firearm wounds. The highest proportion of firearm wounds was found in wild boar (44.3%) and foxes (30.4%), which can be explained by the use of shot and buckshot during hunting, resulting in multiple injuries. The localization of wounds varied among animal species. In wild boar, 46% of firearm wounds were located in the thoracic region and 29% in the hind limbs. In foxes, firearm wounds were predominantly found in the hind limbs (27%) and thoracic limbs (37%). In wild boar, this pattern is explained by hunters targeting vital areas, whereas in foxes it reflects attempts to preserve the value of the fur. The results obtained may be applied in forensic biological examinations and in the environmental sector.