The forensic traces that can help catch poachers — July’s best science images0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• August 2, 2026

Pursuing poachers: These striking images show the forensic evidence left by the illegal wildlife trade — a handprint on a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and fingerprints on an elephant tusk; both confiscated at London Heathrow Airport, UK. The photographs earned Britta Jaschinski first prize in the 2026 Earth Photo Award. Jaschinski worked with border-force operations and