Illegal wildlife trade in India

Over the years illegal wildlife trade has emerged as a form of organised crime which has threatened the very existence of wildlife in India. Though India has an adequate Wildlife Protection Act in place yet it is treated as a low priority crime by the enforcement authorities, resulting in lax implementation. Most wildlife crimes go unreported. The criminals have a free run in the wildlife parks and sanctuaries. The rampant encroachments and the presence of tribals inside the forest helps the criminals in poaching and hunting. Often bribery and threat of violence deters the locals from reporting wildlife crimes.

Sansar Chand a notorious tiger poacher admitted to selling 400 tiger and 2130 Leopard skins during his run as a wildlife criminal.

The Wildlife Protection Act 1972, is the umbrella legislation in the Country for wildlife crime enforcement. State Forest and Police departments are the primary enforcement agencies with regards to Wildlife crimes. Customs department also play a significant role in preventing smuggling of animal parts at airports and other  exit and entry points.

Over the years several government and non government organisations have been involved in the conservation of wildlife in India, such as:-

1) Project Tiger, a scheme centrally sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This scheme covers 47 tiger reserves and keeps close watch on the number of tigers and the condition of their habitat.

2) Project Elephant:- The main objective of  the scheme is to conserve elephants and look after the welfare of domestic elephants.

3) Crocodile Conservation Project:- The main objective of this project is to protect the three species of crocodiles (fresh water, salt water crocodile and gharials).

4) Sea Turtle Project:- This project works to protect sea turtles in India.

5) Vulture Conservation:- This project was setup to arrest the decline in the population of vultures in India.

6) Indian Rhino Vision:- is a project for the conservation of Rhinos in India.

7) The Corbett Foundation:- is an organisation which helps to protect wildlife and conserves various ecosystem:

8) Wildlife Institute of India:- It was established in Dehradun in 1982, to provide training and courses, and promote wildlife research and management.

9) Wildlife Protection Society of India:- (WPSI) works to manage the wildlife crisis in India. It’s main aim is to inform the government about poaching and wildlife trade.

10) Wildlife SOS India:- works against animal violation and resolves human animal conflicts.

11) WWF India:- is the largest voluntary organisation in India which promotes various academic and field projects for bio diversity and wildlife preservation and spreads awareness about eveno-legal actions. Through strategic alliance with TRAFFIC India, helps State governments and agencies to stop illicit wildlife trade.