The use of molecular sciences is growing in importance for in-depth ecological research and conservation of wildlife and their habitats. These approaches are integrated in IERC’s research from population and ecosystem health, to active monitoring of emerging disease threats, to wildlife forensic science. Through utilizing molecular approaches, IERC and collaborators incorporate pathogen screening, genetics, toxicological and health diagnostic testing into our current and future research projects. (Left : Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) photo of  bite wound samples collected from prey for our forensic investigation of predators project. Right: Positive serological molecular results for Distemper Virus in a fisher)