Transnational Wildlife Trafficking: Combating Challenges in India

The illegal trade of wildlife animals and their products has emerged as a critical transnational crime, undermining biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation efforts globally. India, with its unique and diverse wildlife, plays a significant role in this illicit trade, acting as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficked species. From tigers and elephants to lesser-known species like pangolins, India faces immense challenges in combating this highly organized crime syndicate. The poaching and trafficking of wild species in the lure of money as well as fashion has wiped out a range of wildlife species that call for critical attention to tackle this menace. This paper aims to explore the transnational dimensions of wildlife trafficking in India, analyzing the intricate networks of poachers, intermediaries, and international markets that fuel this illegal activity. It highlights key drivers, such as demand from foreign markets for exotic pets, animal parts, and traditional medicines, and the use of technology and organized crime syndicates in smuggling operations. Despite India’s robust legal framework, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and its active participation in international conventions like CITES, enforcement gaps, border security vulnerabilities, and the growing sophistication of criminal networks continue to fuel the illegal trade. This paper explores India’s ongoing efforts, including the role of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), advancements in technology, and community-based initiatives, while recommending enhanced international cooperation and stricter enforcement protocols to disrupt trafficking networks. By collaborating on a global level, India can strengthen its internal capabilities, disrupt trafficking networks, and contribute to broader conservation efforts. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the protection of India’s wildlife heritage and global biodiversity conservation.