Illegal Wildlife Trade
Organised Transnational Crime
Understanding Wildlife Trafficking in India
India is home to a vast array of wildlife, including iconic species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. However, these animals are not only valued for their beauty and ecological importance but also for their products that are trafficked across domestic and international borders. Wildlife trafficking in India involves the illegal hunting, poaching, and smuggling of species, as well as the illegal trade of their derivatives. This illicit trade is driven by the high demand for exotic products in both domestic and international markets.
Commonly Trafficked Wildlife Products in India Include :
- Pangolin Meat and Scales: Pangolins, often referred to as “the most trafficked mammal in the world,” are hunted for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine, and their meat, which is considered a delicacy in certain cultures.
- Tiger and Leopard Parts: Tigers and leopards are poached for their skins, claws, bones, and whiskers, which are used in traditional medicine, clothing, and luxury items.
- Elephant Tusks: Illegally harvested ivory is highly sought after in international markets, particularly in East Asia, where it is carved into ornaments and jewelry.
- Rhino Horn: Rhino horns, valued for their supposed medicinal properties, are one of the most valuable wildlife products in the global market.
- Bear Bile: Harvested from live bears, this substance is used in traditional Chinese medicine, despite its cruelty.
- Shahtoosh Shawls: Made from the undercoat of the endangered Tibetan antelope, these luxurious shawls are highly prized in certain markets.
- Turtle Shells: Turtles are poached for their shells, which are used to make jewelry, combs, and ornaments.
- Birds and Exotic Pets: Species such as parakeets, mynas, and munias are captured and sold illegally for their exotic appeal.
Drivers of Wildlife Trafficking in India
Several factors drive the illegal wildlife trade in India:
- High Demand for Exotic Wildlife Products: There is a significant global demand for wildlife products, particularly in East Asia, where items like rhino horn, tiger parts, and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine, or as status symbols.
- Cultural Practices: In certain communities, wildlife products are seen as a symbol of status, wealth, or medicinal benefit. This contributes to a steady demand, especially for items like bear bile and tiger bone.
- Poverty and Livelihood Needs: In many rural and forest-adjacent communities, wildlife poaching provides an immediate source of income, even though it often comes at the expense of long-term ecological health.
- Weak Law Enforcement: Despite strict wildlife protection laws, enforcement remains a significant challenge due to inadequate resources, corruption, and a lack of coordinated efforts between local, state, and national authorities.
- Global Organized Crime Networks: Wildlife trafficking is often linked to organized crime syndicates that operate transnationally, utilizing international smuggling routes, fake documentation, and offshore shell companies to facilitate their operations.
The Impact of Wildlife Trafficking
- Threat to Biodiversity
- Economic Costs
- Ecological Imbalance
- Global Reputational Damage
International and Domestic Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
1. Global Cooperation: India works closely with international organizations such as INTERPOL, TRAFFIC, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to combat transnational wildlife trafficking. Operation Thunderbird, launched by INTERPOL, saw significant involvement from India in tracking and dismantling wildlife crime networks.
2. National Initiatives:
- Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992) have been instrumental in saving iconic species from extinction. These programs focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
- WCCB (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau): A dedicated agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the WCCB coordinates efforts between different government agencies and assists in intelligence-sharing to prevent and intercept wildlife trafficking.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: The Indian government, in partnership with NGOs, conducts awareness campaigns to reduce demand for wildlife products. These campaigns aim to educate the public about the impact of illegal wildlife trade and the importance of conservation.
Sources:
- TRAFFIC India (https://www.traffic.org/)
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) (https://wccb.gov.in/)
- INTERPOL’s Operation Thunderbird (https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Environmental-crime/Wildlife-crime)
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF) (https://www.wwfindia.org/)