“THE threat of wildlife trafficking in Vidarbha is on rise and the smuggling of lesser known endangered species and their body parts is also increasing in the region,” revealed a study published in International Journal of Criminal, Common and Statutory Law recently. The study named “Uncovering wildlife trafficking, poaching methods and law enforcement strategies in Vidarbha region of Central India: A comprehensive analysis” was done by Narendra Chandewar, Divisional Forest Officer, Maharashtra Ecotourism Board and his team.

 

During the period of wildlife protection work for July 2021 to July 2023, 33 cases of wildlife trafficking were uncovered, and 163 accused were nabbed by the Forest Department, stated the report. The raids were conducted by the Nagpur Forest Division at various locations in Vidarbha. It also stated that the poachers mainly used methods such as electrocution, poisoning, snare and trap, shooting bygun, spear etc. Out of 33 cases of wildlifetrafficking between July 2021and July 2023, 12 cases of tigerpoaching, five cases each of leopard and pangolin, 2 casesof birds, one cases each of startortoise, sperm whale, and redsand boa were reported. Sixcases of trafficking of otherspecies were also reported during that period. In these 33 cases, the poachers killed 28 endangeredspecies in which Forest Department seized body partsof these animals whereas it seized six live animals.

 

“Along with conservation of carnivores like tiger and leopard, there is an utmost need toconcentrate on lesser knownSchedule-I animals like pangolin, red sand boa, star tortoise etc also as the trafficking of these animals is also on rise in Vidarbha region,” Narendra Chandewar told ‘The Hitavada’. “12 cases of tiger poaching were reported during the study period and majority of poaching of tigers out of these 12 cases took place during the time of COVID-19 period (2019-2021),” claimed Chandewar. “Forest Department got success in recovering body parts of 12 different tigers in these cases after the COVID19 period but the department failed to gather information that 12 tigers were missing. It was a failure and it happened because during the pandemic the wildlife monitoring was relaxed by the department concentrated to avoid the spread of the disease among wildlife,” claimed the DFO. According to the study, the reasons behind the poaching of wildlife is traditional medicine, pet trade, cultural beliefs, financial gain, accessories, decoration and fashion, and wild food.

 

The study said, “The seizure of live pangolin and star tortoise is also alarming, as these animals are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended, 2022) of India.” This highlights the need for better enforcement of wildlife protection laws and stricter penalties for those who engage in wildlife trafficking and poaching. The study also suggested preventive strategies to curb such trafficking. “Strengthening law enforcement, community engagement and awareness, utilisation of technology, strengthening border controls, and economic alternatives are the measures that should be taken by the department,” stated the study