Abstract
The use of modern molecular techniques in human forensic genetics can identify individual humans using their DNA profile, yielding estimates of age and external body features, including eye color, hair and skin color, facial shape, and biogeographical origin. Such molecular techniques have been successfully introduced into forensic nonhuman DNA investigations almost as rapidly as into human forensics. This review describes the research methods currently used in the forensic diagnostics of domestic and wild animals and also discusses potential future applications and challenges specific to crime investigation requirements.