Global Illegal Trade in Wild Animals and its Impact on Conservation in India

There is no denying that brisk illegal trade in wildlife and its products is on despite ban, fetching fabulous returns to the smugglers and traders involved in it. The National Wildlife Action Plan has identified priority areas and a two-pronged strategy of strengthening enforcement machinery and securing the borders of the countries who are its consumers. The buyers in these countries are the rich elite, willing to pay anything to satisfy their lust for such products. Committees at Central, State and Protected Area level, having close coordination among enforcement agencies, i.e. forest, police, revenue intelligence and Intelligence Bureau should be formed and hold meetings at regular intervals to curb this crime. However, there is also need for diplomatic activity to develop a common platform by building public opinion against use of wildlife in medicine, perfumes and beauty products in these consumer countries. It will make poaching unattractive in India. This issue should also be taken up with China, etc. and MoUs worked out.