Wildlife Crime and Protection Laws in India

Introduction

The natural habitat of wildlife, including flora and fauna, is crucial for maintaining Earth's ecological balance and preserving biodiversity. The creation of apparel, medical supplies, experimental models, and scientific inquiry have all benefited from wildlife since ancient times. People have dressed in animal skins and fur and continue to be icons of style today. The development of humanity has also benefited from medical progress. Animals are an essential component of traditional Chinese medicine, serving as both raw materials and secretions, and are crucial to the survival of Chinese descendants. Unauthorized and illegal hunting of wild animals, especially by poachers, poses a danger to ecology and biodiversity.

The illegal use of natural resources, such as the poaching of elephants, the uprooting of endangered orchids, or the unauthorized logging of forests, is known as wildlife crime. Illegal wildlife trade includes capturing, moving, and selling animals and wildlife-related items. Mongoose hair, snake skins, rhino horn, tiger and leopard claws, bones, skins, and whiskers, elephant tusks, deer antlers, shahtoosh shawl, turtle shells, musk pods, bear bile, medicinal plants, timber, and caged birds like parakeets, mynas, and munias are only some of the products that are utilized in the illicit commerce in wildlife.

India is a highly diverse country with a large range of animal species. The illicit wildlife trade, which has become a danger to numerous species, is another problem the nation must deal with. Various causes contribute to India's illicit wildlife trade, including the demand for unusual pets, clothing, and traditional remedies, lax law enforcement, corruption, and a lack of public knowledge. 

There are approximately 522 distinct media reports about wildlife trading and poaching in India in 2020. Of these, 468 media stories detailed instances involving hunting or illicit trading involving a single species or group of species, while 54 cases detailed several taxonomic groups in the same incident. 89 ungulate incidents have been reported overall, with big cats accounting for 82 of them, pangolins accounting for 72, tortoises and freshwater turtles accounting for 61, elephants for 57, red sandalwood accounting for 52, other reptiles accounting for 49, birds for 37, marine wildlife accounting for 35, other mammals accounting for 34, uncategorized, non-native wildlife accounting for 13 incidents, and rhinos accounting for 9 incidents coming in second and third, respectively.

The NCRB report (NCR Bureau 2014–2021), which contains statistics on wildlife crime, indicates that during the past 8 years, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are the seven Indian states with the highest number of wildlife crime cases reported.

Status of Illegal Wildlife Trade in India

The presence of both flora and fauna in wildlife’s natural habitat is essential for biodiversity and the ecological balance of the planet. The current trend of wildlife crimes is being attributed to several factors, including the recent pandemic COVID-19, related job loss and rising unemployment, traditional medicine, mythological beliefs (sorcery and totem), a lack of patience, an increase in man-animal territorial conflicts as a result of rising human population, international socioeconomic disparities, and even the rush of adrenaline.

About half of the world’s tigers are in Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. With more than 1500 tigers worldwide, India has the greatest number. However, tiger poaching is a regular occurrence, with particularly high rates in the northeastern border regions, Mumbai, and the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.

The need for uncommon species with attractive components and medicinal characteristics is causing the wildlife trade to increase. Turtles and tortoises, pangolins, sea horses, tokay geckos, sea cucumber, parrots, myna and munias skins, wild boar, tiger and leopard bones, ivory, bear bile, deer and one-horned rhinoceros horns and mongoose hair are some of the wildlife species whose parts are traded.

In different poaching instances from 2012 to 2018, 10 around 9253 poachers were captured in India, according to data from the WCCB and related police authorities. Even still, the data on animal crime during the preceding eight years showed that the conviction rate was a mere 2%.

For the past years (2018, 2019, 2020), India has seen more than 2,000 reports of wild animal killings or trafficking, which has resulted in the arrest of almost 4,000 persons for different wildlife-related offenses. The number of incidents reported and people detained in the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively, was 648:1099, 805:1506, and 601:1231, which shows that either wildlife crime is done by a lone individual or by a small organized group.

Between 2014 and 2021, the WCCB conducted 717 collaborative operations that led to the expulsion of 3248 wildlife offenders and the arrest of 1488 wildlife criminals.

For detailed data on specific regions of India see below.

Laws to Tackle Wildlife Trade in India

India's laws about animals have a lengthy history. The first known codified law dates to the third century BC, when Emperor Ashoka passed legislation on the protection of the environment and wildlife. The British passed the Wild Bird Protection Act, of 1887, which was the first codified law.

Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972 was created to protect the nation's wide variety of plants and animals. Its extensive framework covers many topics, including the creation of protected areas, hunting and trading regulations, habitat protection, and wildlife conservation.

Depending on their level of conservation, wildlife is categorized by the WPA into various schedules. While species in Schedules II to IV enjoy varied degrees of legal shielding, Schedule I lists severely endangered species and offers them the maximum level of protection. The WPA places a strong emphasis on preserving the habitats that are essential to wildlife existence. It permits the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected places to maintain ecosystems and give animals a safe home.

The WPA tightly controls the taking, trading, and hunting of the wildlife species it lists in its schedules. It restricts the sale, acquisition, and ownership of wildlife trophies, byproducts, and goods, and outlaws the hunting of designated species. To adequately implement its provisions, the WPA creates authorities at the federal and state levels. These include the State Wildlife Advisory Boards and the National Board for Wildlife, which advise the government on issues on wildlife and develop conservation plans.

It lays out harsh punishments for crimes including commerce, poaching, hunting, or possessing wildlife that is protected. Depending on how serious the offense was, there may be fines, jail time, or both as punishments. The WPA has undergone several revisions over time to reinforce wildlife protection policies and solve new conservation challenges. Changes have expanded the protection of endangered plant species in addition to wildlife.

India's efforts to conserve its wildlife have been greatly aided by the Wildlife Protection Act. It has aided in the establishment and administration of protected areas, the recovery of numerous endangered species, and the raising of public awareness of and participation in wildlife conservation initiatives. The WPA emphasizes how crucial it is to strike a balance between human activity and biodiversity preservation. Since it acknowledges the inherent worth of ecosystems and species, it promotes sustainable development strategies that put conservation first for the benefit of both the current and future generations.

Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2022

India has demonstrated its commitment to upholding its commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through the recently enacted Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 in the Rajya Sabha. The bill amends current laws and handles various important issues of wildlife conservation, with the main goal being to strengthen the protection of endangered species.

The Bill's primary goal is to stop activities that risk the existence of endangered species by stiffening the penalties for the illicit wildlife trade. Additionally, it seeks to implement policies that would improve the management of protected areas by allowing some activities like cattle grazing and local populations' appropriate use of water, thereby balancing conservation efforts with the rights of the indigenous people who reside in these places.

The suggested revisions cover several important wildlife conservation issues. To bring local law into compliance with international standards, it proposes a new schedule for species included in the CITES Appendices. Sections 6, 43, and 49E amendments make it possible to create committees and agencies in charge of management, oversight, and scientific advice related to wildlife protection. Yet, there were some worries expressed by professionals and stakeholders that have drawn attention to the Bill. There have been concerns regarding the possible exploitation of elephants for commercial trade due to the Bill's ambiguous use of the phrase “any other purpose.” Important elements influencing the conservation of wildlife include unresolved problems with eco-sensitive zone laws and human-animal conflict.

A further issue is the lack of scientific knowledge in the field, which means that more scientists, botanists, and biologists should be involved to hasten the process of precisely listing every species of wildlife that currently exists. This would strengthen scientific knowledge in wildlife conservation efforts in addition to improving the accuracy of species listings. Essentially, even though the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022, brings about significant changes to bolster the conservation of wildlife, it is critical to attend to the issues raised and guarantee that all-encompassing and efficient procedures are put in place to protect India's rich biodiversity.

The Indian Forest Act of 1927

An important piece of law that mainly addresses the management and conservation of Indian forests is the Indian Forest Act (IFA) of 1927. Although it does not have animal conservation as its primary goal, it does have rules that protect wildlife in forested regions. It is a vital part of the nation's larger framework for wildlife conservation initiatives.

The IFA establishes guidelines for the preservation and management of forests, which are vital habitats for a variety of wildlife species. It offers the structure required by law for the creation and upkeep of protected areas and forest reserves. The IFA controls the taking of forest products out of wooded regions, including non-timber resources and timber. The habitats and nourishment of wildlife are indirectly impacted by the managed management of such resources.

The IFA contains measures for crimes against forests, which tangentially support the preservation of species. Wildlife habitats can be impacted by actions like unpermitted tree cutting, forest damage, and encroachment, which are punishable under the IFA. The IFA gives forest authorities the authority to manage and preserve forests, which obliquely protects habitats for wildlife. It provides guidelines for preventing forest fires, conserving water and soil, and managing forest ecosystems in a way that is generally sustainable — all of which are essential for the survival of animals.

The Indian Forest Act has a major impact on wildlife conservation efforts even though its primary focus is on the management and regulation of forests and forest products. It does this by offering legal mechanisms to protect forested habitats, which are essential for wildlife survival and allow for the creation of protected areas, sanctuaries, and reserves within forested landscapes. Limiting human activity in forested areas obliquely aids in the conservation of wildlife habitats.

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and other specialized laws are in effect in conjunction with the Indian Forest Act of 1927. The Indian Forest Act is a supplementary law that indirectly supports wildlife conservation through the preservation and management of wildlife habitats found in forested areas, whereas the latter focuses directly on the conservation and protection of wildlife.

The Forest Conservation Act 1980

An important piece of law in India that aims to preserve forests and their ecosystems is the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA) of 1980. Its provisions are vital in indirectly supporting attempts to conserve wildlife, even if its main focus is on forest conservation.

The FCA controls the use of forest land for uses other than forests. This covers operations such as mining, manufacturing, building infrastructure, and other initiatives using forest land. It protects wildlife habitats and their ecosystems indirectly by limiting forest diversion. The FCA requires that any forest area that is to be used for non-forest uses must first receive central government consent. To alleviate the loss of forest cover, compensatory afforestation strategies are recommended, and the ecological impact is evaluated through a thorough evaluation process. This assessment takes biodiversity and wildlife habitats into account.

The FCA requires afforestation or reforestation in non-forest or degraded regions as a means of making up for the loss of forest land. Through the provision of alternative habitats, this effort helps to restore ecological balance and support wildlife populations that may have been impacted by the diversion of forest land. Indirectly, the FCA safeguards important wildlife habitats by prohibiting the indiscriminate conversion of forest land for non-forest activities. Preserving natural environments that are home to a variety of plants and animals contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.

Diverse ecosystems are maintained by the FCA's emphasis on preserving forest cover and requiring compensatory afforestation. As a result, different species are supported in forested areas, and wildlife habitats are preserved. The FCA supports the preservation of ecological balance, which is necessary for the survival and well-being of wildlife species, by guaranteeing the sustainable use and protection of forests. Moreover, the FCA ensures that decisions regarding the diversion of forest land and compensatory afforestation take into account the ecological implications for wildlife habitats.

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and other legislation on wildlife are in cooperation with the Forest (Conservation) Act, even though its primary objective is to protect forests. By maintaining their habitats and limiting human activities that could negatively impact them, these laws work together to conserve wildlife species and forest cover.

The Environment Protection Act

India has extensive laws aimed at preserving and enhancing the environment, including the Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986. Despite not having wildlife conservation as its major goal, the EPA's regulations have a big influence on protecting species and their habitats.

The EPA gives the federal government the authority to safeguard the environment through corrective and preventive actions. These actions include stopping environmental deterioration and pollution, which have an unintended negative effect on species and their habitats. The EPA makes it possible to regulate businesses, procedures, and activities that can pollute the environment. These kinds of laws are essential for preserving the ecosystems and habitats that sustain wildlife populations. To track and regulate pollution levels, the EPA creates Pollution Control Boards. By focusing on preventing and regulating pollution, the EPA helps to protect ecosystems and habitats that are home to a variety of wildlife species. Furthermore, the EPA indirectly contributes to minimizing disruptions to wildlife habitats, reducing fragmentation, and mitigating habitat loss by controlling industrial and developmental operations.

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and other particular wildlife conservation legislation are enhanced by the EPA, even though it was not created with wildlife protection in mind alone. Together, these laws address a variety of issues that affect wildlife and their habitats, which advances a comprehensive approach to conservation.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA)

To stop animal abuse, India passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) of 1960. Its regulations include safeguards for certain wildlife species that are either captive or under human control, even if its main concentration is on household animals.

The PCA works to stop the mistreatment of captive animals. This covers animals housed in circuses, zoos, or any other type of business. It establishes guidelines for their housing, care, and treatment to guarantee their well-being, which has an indirect effect on some animal species that are under human care. The PCA governs the handling and transportation of animals, including wildlife. It establishes standards to defend against mistreatment when wildlife is being transported, protecting its welfare for a variety of reasons, including conservation initiatives or wildlife translocation. The use of animals, including wildlife species, for entertainment, is governed under PCA regulations. It indirectly helps to protect wildlife employed in such situations by outlawing specific behaviors or performances that could endanger or injure animals.

By guaranteeing humane treatment and care for certain species kept in captivity, the PCA's recommendations for the care and management of captive animals indirectly support the protection of nature. The PCA's guidelines for handling and transporting animals, especially wildlife, serve to safeguard species under human control by reducing stress and other negative effects during these operations.

The PCA protects wildlife employed in entertainment settings indirectly by outlawing specific behaviors that could lead to cruelty and controlling the employment of animals for such purposes.

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and other laws that specifically protect wildlife are enhanced by the provisions of the PCA, even though its main goal is to prevent cruelty to animals, in various situations, these regulations together contribute to the general welfare and protection of wildlife.

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a thorough criminal code that covers a wide range of offenses and punishments that are relevant throughout India. The IPC addresses crimes on hunting, poaching, and trafficking of protected wildlife species, making certain of its parts pertinent to wildlife conservation even if they encompass a broad range of offenses.

Section 9: Hunting of Wild Animals: Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, any wild animal that is listed on a Schedule may not be hunted. Offenders may be fined, imprisoned for up to 3 years, or subject to both.

Penalties under Section 51: Mischief by Injury to Public Road, Bridge, River or Channel, or Navigation: This section deals with offenses involving the destruction of any public or private property designated to protect the environment or animals. Such acts of destruction or harm may result in fines or jail time.

Section 379: Theft: This section may be relevant in situations where there has been theft of wildlife, including when it comes to taking illegal possession of or stealing protected animals, their parts, or items made from them.

Sections 428 and 429: Mischief by the death or maiming of animals of any value or any animal valued at fifty rupees, or the killing or maiming of livestock, etc. The crimes of killing, maiming, or hurting animals are covered in these sections. These sections may apply to situations involving the death or harm of protected species in the context of wildlife.

Section 447: Penalties for Trespassing Illegally: This clause may apply when someone trespasses into forests, reserves, or protected places that have been set aside for the conservation of animals and face consequences, including jail time.

The IPC's inclusion of certain sections on offenses against wildlife serves as a deterrence by imposing legal penalties on actions that cause harm or exploitation of wildlife. These parts contribute to the protection of endangered species and their ecosystems by offering a legal framework for punishing those who engage in unlawful hunting, poaching, trafficking, or damage to animal habitats. The IPC adds to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which is the main piece of legislation for wildlife conservation, by targeting illegal activity that endangers wildlife and so giving conservation efforts more legal backing.

The Customs Act of India

The Indian Customs Act, of 1962, regulates the import and export of products, including wildlife and products derived from it. The Customs Act controls the unlawful trade in endangered animals and their products, which is vital for wildlife conservation even if its main goals are commerce regulation and smuggling prevention.

The Customs Act gives customs officials the authority to control and forbid the import and export of particular products. This covers live animals, trophies, animal parts, and goods made from wildlife species that are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The Customs Act gives customs officers the authority to seize products that are exported or imported illegally and allows for the confiscation of wildlife and its products if they are being trafficked or smuggled.

Penalties for acts on illicit imports or exports, including wildlife trafficking, are stipulated in the Customs Act. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, offenders may be subject to fines, jail time, or both. Enforcing regulations on the import and export of wildlife and their products falls under the purview of customs officers. They collaborate with other law enforcement organizations to stop the unlawful trade and smuggling of threatened and endangered animals.

By controlling the import and export of wildlife and its byproducts, the Customs Act serves as an essential line of defense against the illicit traffic of these goods. This aids in reducing practices that imperil the existence of endangered species, such as smuggling. The Customs Act also provides enforcement measures to stop the international trade of protected species, which is a supplement to legislation pertaining specifically to wildlife, such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

CITES

An important international agreement designed to make sure that trade in wild plants and animals does not endanger these species' survival is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). India is compliant with the CITES and has ratified its treaties.

By classifying endangered species under three appendices according to the degree of protection necessary, CITES oversees and controls the worldwide trade in these species. India is a CITES signatory and uses the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 to carry out its restrictions. The WPA safeguards species listed in CITES appendices and contains CITES requirements. The import, export, and trade of species included in CITES appendices are restricted by Indian legislation unless appropriate permits are obtained and international requirements are followed.

CITES provides international cooperation and a legal framework to govern the trade in endangered species, which is important for the conservation of endangered species in India. It assists in stopping the overexploitation and illicit trading of animals like rhinos, tigers, elephants, and numerous medicinal plants.

By granting permits for international trade, keeping an eye on trade routes, and working with other CITES member nations to stop the illegal trafficking of endangered species, India, through its appointed authorities, enforces the laws set forth by CITES. Countries are encouraged by CITES to implement conservation efforts for species that are included in its appendices. In line with the goals of CITES, India undertakes conservation projects and programs to save endangered species.

CITES works to regulate the international trade in these species to protect endangered species from exploitation and to ensure their sustainable conservation. Membership in CITES encourages cross-border collaboration, information exchange, and group efforts to conserve species and stop the illegal wildlife trade. India's legal framework for wildlife protection is strengthened by CITES compliance, which incorporates international norms into domestic laws.

Conclusion

Increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement is essential to stop organized wildlife crime syndicates. This entails providing cutting-edge instruction, equipment, and resources to specialist organizations, such as wildlife crime control bureaus. Enhancing inter-agency cooperation and coordination is necessary to find, capture, and prosecute wildlife offenders. Preventing illicit operations can be made easier with the use of modern instruments like drones and satellite monitoring, as well as enhanced surveillance and informants. Furthermore, enforcing strict punishments serves as a deterrence against wildlife crimes, discouraging potential offenders from perpetrating unlawful acts.

Involving the community is essential to reducing confrontations between people and wildlife. Education initiatives that emphasize the value of sustainable practices and the conservation of wildlife can help people feel more accountable and responsible for safeguarding wildlife habitats. Putting into practice sustainable livelihood projects — like eco-tourism endeavors or skill-building programs centered around conservation — not only lessens reliance on natural resources but also generates revenue streams that support the goals of wildlife conservation. Giving communities the tools they need to take care of animals can greatly reduce conflict and improve conservation efforts.

Given the transnational character of the illegal wildlife trade, cooperation between nations is essential. Encouraging alliances with other nations, exchanging intelligence, and coordinating laws and enforcement tactics can all help to disrupt the international network of wildlife trafficking. Coordinated law enforcement actions, developing local capacity in impacted areas, and promoting more robust international treaties and accords are examples of joint activities. Moreover, holding diplomatic discussions and making use of international venues might help to coordinate efforts to address the supply and demand sides of illegal wildlife trafficking globally.

A multidisciplinary strategy incorporating different domains like biology, ecology, society, economics, law, and technology is required for wildlife conservation. To comprehend wildlife behavior, ecology, and the effects of human activity on ecosystems, scientists and researchers are essential. Economists and sociologists make contributions by researching the relationships between people and wildlife, evaluating the socioeconomic benefits of conservation, and formulating plans for community engagement. Strong laws and policies are created and amended with the help of legal specialists. Furthermore, technological developments like DNA analysis, remote sensing, and GIS (Geographic Information System) make it easier to monitor and manage species and habitats. A comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation that addresses ecological, social, economic, and legal factors for sustainable biodiversity preservation is ensured by a coordinated effort among these varied disciplines.

India is committed to preserving its rich biodiversity, as seen by its efforts in wildlife conservation and protection legislation. Nevertheless, obstacles still exist, necessitating a multifaceted strategy that includes strict enforcement, community involvement, habitat preservation, and international cooperation to effectively combat wildlife crime.

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This article is authored by Shaariq Ashar, a student of the online course of Animal Law Fundamentals taught and supervised by Lu Shegay. The course was generously sponsored by the Food System Innovations.