Illegal Wildlife Trade: Marine Life at Risk

GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

Marine creatures such as seahorses, whales, and sharks are increasingly falling prey to illegal wildlife trade, with enforcement agencies noting a sharp rise in marine life smuggling over the past four years, culminating in particularly alarming seizures in Karnataka in 2024.

Recent Seizures in Karnataka

  • One of the most notable cases occurred in August 2024, when two passengers from TamilNadu were apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. They were attempting to smuggle 6,626 dried seahorses to Singapore.
  • This incident highlights the demand for seahorses in Southeast Asian markets, driven by their use in traditional medicine, gourmet cuisine, and as ornamental species for aquariums.
  • In another significant operation in November 2022, Chitradurga forest officials seized a variety of illegally traded wildlife, including blackbuck skins, pangolin scales, and a live blackbuck.
  • The enforcement agencies have conducted 66 operations across Karnataka from 2023 to July 2024, recovering a wide range of animal parts and live animals, including tiger nails, python skins, elephant tusks, and more.

Marine Life Smuggling Takes Flight

  • The smuggling of marine life is not limited to the land. In May 2024, a bus conductor's vigilance thwarted an attempt to smuggle 218 endangered star tortoises. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of additional star turtles from a Bengaluru businessman.
  • Despite increased enforcement, a significant portion of marine life smuggling goes undetected.
  • A lack of monitoring mechanisms allows fishermen to capture and sell prohibited species, often feeding into international smuggling networks.

Impact of Illegal Wildlife Trade

  • Illegal wildlife trade not only threatens biodiversity but also endangers the livelihoods of fishing communities that depend on these species.
  • Reports from various organizations have documented alarming statistics, such as the seizure of over 1,900 kg of pangolin scales in northeastern India between 2012 and 2024.
  • Marine species like sea cucumbers, seahorses, seashells, and rays are also frequently trafficked.

The Growing Trade in Exotic Wildlife

  • The illegal trade in exotic wildlife has seen a notable increase, driven by factors like online trends and gaps in legislation
  • The pandemic exacerbated this trend, as many individuals resorted to hunting and trade to sustain themselves.
  • The rise in the popularity of exotic pets during this period further fueled the industry, leading to the establishment of unauthorized breeding and selling operations.

Challenges in Enforcement and Rehabilitation

  • The rapid evolution of illegal wildlife trade, aided by digital tools and social media, presents significant challenges for enforcement agencies.
  • The primary law enforcement agency, the State Forest Department, is often overstretched, handling various responsibilities in addition to combating illegal trade.
  • A key challenge is the lack of dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centers for animals rescued from the trade.
  • Most of these animals are currently housed in zoos, which are not equipped to handle the unique needs of trafficked wildlife.
  • There is also a need for a centralized wildlife crime database to track and prosecute repeat offenders more effectively.

Public Involvement in Combating Wildlife Trade

  • Curbing illegal wildlife trade requires a collective public effort. 
  • Demand for wildlife as pets, status symbols, or for superstitious beliefs drives the market
  • Many well-meaning individuals may unknowingly perpetuate the trade by purchasing wildlife as pets, not realizing the complexities involved in their care and the potential impact on wild populations.
  • Supporting conservation efforts that protect wildlife in their natural habitats is a more effective way to show love for these creatures, ensuring they continue to play vital roles in maintaining the balance of nature.

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