In Burkina Faso, corpses discoveries are common especially in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso respectively the political and the economical capitals. These two towns are the most populous cities of this country. With a low rate of elucidation of criminal cases, legal entomology remains an asset for investigators if it is known. The purpose of the present study was to take stock of the knowledge of legal entomology among the main actors involved in the criminal investigations in Burkina Faso. To conduct this study, 192 actors in the judicial chain have been concerned. Among these actors, there was 107 policemen (55. 7%), 40 gendarmes (20.8%), 33 magistrates (17.2%) and 12 doctors (6.3%). After explaining the details of the survey, a series of questions was submitted to them. Of those responding, 86% recognized the importance of legal entomology and its introduction in their basic training.

Many human activities affect arthropod diversity and may threaten environmental health. Some insects may act as biological indicators based on their presence or absence in an ecosystem. The present study was conducted from 2006 to 2009 to evaluate changes in the diversity and abundance of ground Carabids following restoration activities conducted in three lowlands ecosystems that had previously experienced high levels of human pressure in Burkina Faso. Three micro-catchments were identified in the regions of Soum, Sanmatenga, and Kompienga, using a hydrographic chart of Burkina Faso. The diversity and abundance of carabids collected in pitfall traps at the beginning and end of the rainy season were compared using 2006 as a sampling reference year with restoration activities (abandonment of farming, forestation and scarification) occurring in 2007. Post-treatment surveys were conducted in the same seasons of 2008 and 2009. Forty-nine species of Carabids have been identified based on monitoring of 1800 pitfall traps. The number of species generally increased in 2008 and 2009, from 9 to 41 species in the three micro-catchments. Species richness and insect abundance definitely increased where human pressure decreased and restoration measures were successfully conducted. However, Carabid diversity increased only in Soum micro-catchment; this site seemed to be more affected by restoration. Carabids are likely to be good indicator species; reports can be prepared relatively quickly. The results are discussed in relation to the goal of developing ecologically sound tools based on bio-indicator insects that can be used for environmental management.