Protect the voiceless

THE alarming increase in wildlife crime in northern India is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between conservation efforts and illegal activities. Over the past five years, a staggering 683 wildlife crime cases have been reported across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chandigarh. This data, obtained from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), reveals the grim reality facing our nation’s biodiversity. Uttar Pradesh, with 425 cases, and Uttarakhand, with 152, are the epicentres of these crimes, highlighting the severe threats to local wildlife. These cases include poaching, forest fires, encroachments and the smuggling of animal body parts. Notably, Himachal reported cases involving the trafficking of snow leopard skins and bear gall bladders, underscoring the diverse and valuable wildlife targeted by poachers.

While the WCCB’s efforts, including cyber-patrolling and training enforcement officers, are commendable, they are not enough. The decline in cases in UP from 158 in 2019 to 19 in 2023 may suggest some progress, but it is also an indicator of the work that remains. The data points to the fact that while some states have seen a reduction, others continue to struggle, and emerging trends like the trafficking of exotic species at airports show that poachers are adapting and finding new ways to circumvent the law.

The urgency to address wildlife crime cannot be overstated. Protecting our wildlife is not just about preserving individual species; it’s about maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring a sustainable future for all. This fight requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns and robust international cooperation. If investigative and enforcement methods do not evolve and stay ahead of poaching syndicates, India’s richly diverse ecosystems will suffer the consequences. We must safeguard the natural heritage for future generations.