India Experiences A Dramatic Drop In Incidents Of Wildlife Crime

IANS data shows that there was a decrease of 127% in the number of wildlife crimes this year compared to 2020.

According to data from WCCB provided by police and state forests, there were 281 cases of wildlife crimes this year.They were 601 in 2020 and 805 the year prior.

A major factor in the decrease in these incidents was also the second round of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau took several measures to stop illegal trafficking in endangered wildlife and species of wildlife and preserve the country’s flora, fauna and habitats.

The department plans, coordinates, and sometimes designs statewide’species-specific operations’ such as Save Kurma and Turtshield.It focuses on coordinated actions against transnational wildlife crimes, particularly near the border of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.

WCCB and state enforcement agencies have been working together to capture criminals who are involved in wildlife smuggling.Up to 16 specific species operations were conducted in cooperation with Interpol or other enforcement agencies.

The WCCB has conducted 717 joint operations in 7 years, 2014-2021.This resulted in the arrest and profile of 228 wildlife criminals.

Large quantities of ivory, rhino hairs, tiger skins/body pieces/bones, leopard skins/pangolins and turtles were confiscated.