A newly-discovered method of recovering fingerprints from feathers and eggs could help catch those guilty of wildlife crime, according to scientists.

Researchers at Abertay University, based in Dundee, have established which fingerprint powders are most effective at developing fingermarks on the feathers and eggs of birds of prey.

The discovery means that police can establish whether a bird or egg has been handled by a human.It is hoped the research findings will help crack down on wildlife crime.

Six species of bird of prey feathers (kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard, red kite, golden eagle and white-tailed eagle) and seven species of bird of prey eggs (kestrel, sparrowhawk, golden eagle, goshawk, tawny owl, barn owl and long-eared owl) were examined in the research.

Previously it had not been established which of the many different fingerprint powders available would work and there was always a risk of damaging the evidence.

The results of the latest study showed that red and green magnetic fluorescent powders were the most successful at recovering fingerprints from feathers. Black magnetic powder was the most successful at recovering fingermarks from eggs.