Save Indian Wildlife from Poaching & Illegal Trade

Among the many drivers that fuel illegal wildlife trade and the killing of countless wild animals, myths and superstitions remain among the most perplexing.

Wild animals are ruthlessly killed or sacrificed in the name of black magic and superstition. Their body parts are falsely claimed to hold magical properties or serve as charms for luck and fortune. It is heartbreaking to see India’s already dwindling biodiversity fall victim to such baseless beliefs—often a mirage, a false promise propagated for profit.

At Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), we remain steadfast in our fight against the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) through a multi-pronged approach. We actively gather intelligence and share it with enforcement agencies, facilitate raids and seizures, provide legal assistance to ensure offenders are brought to book, and train frontline enforcement personnel to strengthen protection efforts.

In a recent operation, three fledglings of rock eagle owl (also known as Indian eagle owl) were seized from illegal possession in Tijara, Alwar district of Rajasthan—rescued just in time from a horrifying ritual sacrifice. Based on digital surveillance and intelligence gathered by WTI, the rescue was carried out in coordination with the Tijara Forest Division. Three individuals were arrested and charged under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These majestic birds are often targeted for sorcery due to deeply entrenched superstitions that misguide people into thinking they can ward off misfortune.

Thankfully, the rescued owlets were found to be in stable condition, with only minor injuries. They are now under rehabilitation at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur and will eventually be released back into the wild—the home they were never meant to leave.

While our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to protect wildlife, it is your support that makes these interventions possible. As we often say, without funds, conservation is just conversation. Your donations truly keep the wheels turning—and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Together, we can break the chains of ignorance and superstition that threaten our wild species. Every act of support, every donation, brings us one step closer to a safer, more compassionate world for our planet’s wildlife. Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,

Team WTI