Save Indian Wildlife from Poaching & Illegal Trade

Illegal wildlife trade in India has evolved into a well-defined, organized network that fuels a multi-billion-dollar industry. The buyers and sellers are merely the visible part of a much larger operation. At its core, this trade is driven by highly organized syndicates involving some of the most dangerous and elusive criminal gangs.

Unchecked, illegal wildlife trade can wreak havoc on ecosystems and decimate entire populations of species teetering on the brink of extinction. Through the relentless efforts of its Wildlife Crime Control Division (WCCD), WTI is committed to combating and dismantling this illicit trade. We understand that this battle is ongoing, and the trade is far from being absolutely eradicated. This is the harsh reality we face; our world is not ideal. However, instilling fear through regular monitoring and enforcement is crucial in deterring poachers and trade mafias from operating unchecked. WTI, as a relentless guardian, significantly disrupts this egregious and inhumane greed.

Your role in this fight is invaluable. As an NGO, we rely heavily on the support of our donors. Your contributions empower us, your generosity gives us the strength to continue our work and our fight. We know you have many worthy causes you could support, and we are profoundly grateful that you chose us. Our mission to protect wildlife attracts a unique and dedicated audience—an audience that cares deeply about nature, the planet, and believes that every living being deserves protection from exploitation, cruelty, and greed. Thank you so much for being a part of this extraordinary community, and for making a true difference.

During the reporting period, WCCD provided actionable intel and assisted in conducting 11 major enforcement operations across five states in India. A total of 19 arrests were made, involving individuals who facilitated or operated as kingpins in illegal trade networks across these states.

During one of the operations, the team, through an excellent, actionable tip, facilitated the arrest of a crafty criminal gang active in and around the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. The members of the gang were involved in trading parts of leopards and pangolins and had been on the run for some time. Their hunting modus operandi involved the use of live wires to hunt leopards and other wildlife around the tiger reserve. The enforcement operation led to the arrest of 7 members of the gang, successfully dismantling their group.

A sizeable contraband was seized during the operations, consisting of wildlife derivatives from 17 species. Of these, 10 are protected under Schedule I and 7 under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

1. Leopard Parts: During the enforcement operations, 2.5 kilograms of leopard bones, two leopard paws, five leopard canines, a leopard tail, and a nail were seized. The Indian leopard is accorded the highest level of protection in the country under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The species is also listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity, and falls under Appendix I of CITES, a convention involving various countries to prevent international trade in wildlife.
2. Pangolin Scales: Seven kilograms of Indian pangolin scales were seized. Pangolins, also referred to as ‘scaly anteaters’ due to their diet consisting mostly of ants, are the world’s most trafficked mammals. Their meat is considered a delicacy, while their scales, which are made of keratin like human fingernails, are used in traditional medicines and are allegedly believed to treat a range of ailments.
3. Elephant Tusks: 11.7 kilograms of Asian elephant tusks were seized. The highly endangered elephant, the largest mammal on earth, is brutally killed for its highly-priced tusks or ivory. Known as “white gold,” ivory has been one of the most prominent global commodities in human history, fueling some of the oldest trade networks in the world.
4. Monitor Lizard Parts: One 'hatha jodi,' the reproductive part of the male monitor lizard, was seized. Monitor lizards are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act in India, with their population declining globally due to rampant hunting for trade in their body parts. They are hunted for their meat, and their skin is used to make percussion instruments and fashion apparel. They are also used in traditional medicines, and their oil is used for body massage. Even their blood is consumed as it is considered an aphrodisiac. The male reproductive organ is sold under the guise of a plant root as an amulet, claimed to bring “prosperity”.
5. Live Animals: The team also seized and returned to the wild the following live birds: 22 Alexandrine parakeets, 36 rose-ringed parakeets, 52 scale-breasted munias, 33 green munias, 4 tri-coloured munias, 1 barn owl, 3 red avadavats. 1 live Indian roofed turtle and 22 live star tortoises were also seized.

WTI is one of the pioneers in the fight against illegal wildlife crime in India. At a time when few advocated for wildlife protection through stricter laws, WTI worked to plug loopholes and advocated for effective wildlife law implementation. Over the years, we have dealt significant blows to major wildlife trade networks in India. While parts of this trade have been curtailed, pockets of resistance remain. They will hear from us soon.

This concludes today's updates. We sincerely appreciate your continued support. Stay tuned for further updates soon, as we strive to protect wildlife together.