Recently, authorities in India have heightened their efforts to clamp down on factories manufacturing paint brushes using mongoose hair. This comes due to the illegal nature of this trade, considering the protected status of the animal. This increased scrutiny highlights the often-overlooked connection between art supplies and wildlife conservation.
The Appeal of Mongoose Hair Brushes
Artists have a distinct preference for brushes made from mongoose hair due to their superior ability to retain colour. This property is unique to mongoose hair and has hence resulted in an unfortunate demand for the animal’s fur in the production of high-quality painting brushes.
The Legality: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
The mongoose is listed in Schedule II Part 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India. Under this law, it’s illegal to smuggle or even possess any part of a mongoose, including its fur, with these offences being non-bailable. This legal protection is extended owing to the ecological importance of the mongoose as a species.
Risk Status and International Regulations
Despite being listed as ‘Least Concerned’ on the IUCN Red List, all six mongoose species found in India are placed on CITES Appendix III. This listing is accompanied by a zero quota for commercial trade, making it illegal to sell or buy mongoose parts internationally.
| Species of Mongoose in India | Note |
|---|---|
| Indian Grey Mongoose | The most commonly found and most heavily hunted. |
| Small Indian Mongoose | |
| Ruddy Mongoose | |
| Crab-Eating Mongoose | |
| Stripe-Necked Mongoose | |
| Brown Mongoose |
Operation Clean Art: A Step Towards Wildlife Conservation
Amid rising concerns, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) initiated Operation Clean Art – the first pan India operation targeting the illicit mongoose hair trade. The goal of this operation is to bring an end to this unlawful activity and protect these valuable creatures from extinction.
