Exotic Wildlife Trade in India

Context

The CITES rules state that orangutans cannot be kept as pets or traded in wildlife markets.The CITES rules prohibit the domestication of orangutans and their trade in wildlife markets.

Key Highlights

The rescue of five baby orangutans from a forested area in the Balasore district of Odisha has generated concerns about the trafficking of exotic animals, illegal pet trade and the process of repatriating animals seized by the police.

Why are Orangutans in Odisha?

• Orangutans are not indigenous to India. The rescue of the two in the Indian state of Odisha has thus brought into question the route through which they came into the country and if they were trafficked illegally.
• The case also has reinvigorated the debate on the exotic-pet industry in India, which has been expanding in recent years. 
• Wildlife experts have blamed the growing demand for rare and exotic animals, saying they are being smuggled in from other countries through the international airports and also through land ports in the north-east of India.
• Unlike traditional wildlife trafficking where the parts of the body of animals are traded (skins, horns or ivory), the exotic-pet trade entails exotic animals being transported and kept alive, increasing the risk of their welfare and disease conditions.

What does CITES say?

• International trade in wild animals, plants and their derivatives is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 
  • It came into force in 1975 and India joined in 1976.
• Species are grouped into three appendices in CITES, based on the degree of protection that is needed. 
  • The appendix I species are those that are threatened with extinction and are subject to international commercial trade that is generally banned with specific exceptions and very specific permit requirements.
• Orangutan species are restricted in international trade with the three species listed in Appendix I.
• The overall principle of CITES is to provide a system of permits and controls to prevent international trade from jeopardizing the survival of species in the wild.

India’s Legal Framework

• In 2022, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended and now better aligns India with its CITES commitments. 
• It outlines the provisions for the amended law, regarding the movement of specimens and dealing with those listed in the CITES.
• When wildlife is seized as a result of illegal importation, the problem of its welfare and disposition also needs to be resolved. 
• This may include discussion with the country of export/import or origin and decision on the feasibility and scientific acceptability of returning the animal.

Why is Repatriation Difficult?

• The process of repatriation is more than just taking an animal to another country. 
• Authorities need to find out its real source, the readiness of the receiving country, and its health and suitability for transfer.
• However, the country of origin might not be the exact location where the animal was captured, which makes release into the wild a particularly complex process. 
• The skills necessary for survival may not be present in animals that have been in captivity for long periods.
• If repatriation/release is not possible, an appropriate rescue centre, recognised zoo or other suitable facility may be available. 
  • Therefore, repatriation does not necessarily mean “putting back” into the wild.

Exotic Pet Trade and Disease Risks

• Smuggling or breeding animals may cause significant stress and injuries to the animal and conditions for transport may be very poor. 
  • It can also help to spread pathogens between areas.
• The other problem is separating true captive-bred animals from animals that have been obtained from the wild and have been falsely documented. 
  • This can enable the entry of illegally sourced animals to seemingly legal markets.

Way Ahead

• A robust system for traceability, documentation and monitoring of exotic wildlife, especially CITES listed species is needed in India. 
• Coordinate more extensively at airports, ports and international borders among Customs authorities, forest departments, police and wildlife-crime agencies.
• Specialised veterinary and rehabilitation centres must be increased in number so as to receive confiscated animals. 
• The basis for repatriation must be the animal’s welfare, conservation science, genetic reasons and the receiving country’s ability.
• Finally, the Odisha orangutan case also points towards the need to shift the enforcement paradigm from seizure to a comprehensive system that includes prevention, traceability, rehabilitation and responsible repatriation of trafficked wildlife in India.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)

Download as PDF