Wildlife Trafficking in India

Routes and Networks

• Tiger Mafia Routes: Historically, the shortest routes to China for tiger poaching were through Nepal and Tibet.
• Northeastern Route: Initially used by rhino horn traders from Assam, the route is now used for other wildlife contraband, including pangolin scales. Tiger trading realigned to this route before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Myanmar Route: Became a key channel for wildlife parts to China, through Vietnam and possibly Laos, especially post-pandemic.

Challenges in Wildlife Crime Prevention

• Lack of Coordination: Agencies like the NTCA, WCCB, and CBI work independently with little inter-agency collaboration.
• Staff Shortages: WCCB is understaffed with 24% vacancies, including critical wildlife inspector positions.
• Paramilitary Deputation: WCCB inspectors often lack wildlife domain expertise, being on deputation from paramilitary forces for only three years.
• Political Will: There is insufficient political commitment to address wildlife crimes effectively.

Enforcement and Legal Framework

• Conviction Challenges: Low conviction rates and repeat offenses by poachers who return to the trade post-release.
• NGO Role: NGOs have struggled to maintain anti-poaching activities, partly due to complacency from rising tiger populations.
• Need for Political Backing: Strong political support is necessary for effective enforcement and breaking the cycle of poaching.

Case Studies and Historical Context

• Sariska Reserve: The complete loss of tigers by 2005 led to reforms such as the establishment of the NTCA and WCCB in 2007.
• Investigative Efforts: Successful linking of poaching cases in Assam and Maharashtra shows potential for improved state collaboration.
• Historical Investigations: Between the early 1990s and mid-2000s, very few convictions were recorded despite tracking over 1400 individuals involved in wildlife trade.

Potential Solutions

• Improved Coordination: Enhance collaboration between state and national agencies.
• Staff Enhancement: Address vacancies and improve domain expertise in wildlife crime agencies.
• Continuous Vigil: Maintain constant surveillance and improve legal frameworks to prevent poachers from re-entering the trade.

The text sheds light on the intricate networks of wildlife trafficking in India and highlights the systemic challenges in combating these crimes, underscoring the urgent need for improved coordination, staffing, and political backing to disrupt these illegal trade networks effectively.