The Delhi High Court has recently instructed the Centre to deliberate on formulating rules that will extend protection to exotic animals not currently covered by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This directive followed a petition by animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, concerning a rescued male hippopotamus from the Asiad Circus in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to this, in June 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change disseminated an advisory to streamline and standardize the import process of live exotic animals.
Understanding Exotic Animals
While the term ‘exotic’ lacks an established definition, it is commonly employed to describe unusual, rare or wild animals, distinguishing them from regular domestic pets like cats or dogs. Exotic species typically are not indigenous to a particular region and have been introduced into the local ecosystem by humans.
Laws Governing Illegal Animal Trade
Section 111 of the Customs Act, 1962, in conjunction with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and India’s Import-Export Policy, is used to confiscate illegally traded exotic animals. CITES is a global agreement between governments aimed at preventing international trade of wild animal and plant specimens that could risk the survival of these species. India is among the nations that are signatories to this agreement. Moreover, Sections 48 and 49 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, forbid the trade or commerce in wild animals, animal articles or trophies.
Focus on Hippopotamus
Known also as a hippo or water horse, the hippopotamus is an amphibious African ungulate mammal and ranks second after the elephant in terms of size among the land animals. These creatures are well adapted to aquatic environments, with their ears, eyes and nostrils situated high on their heads allowing their bodies to remain submerged in water. Hippopotamuses were extinct in northern Africa by 1800 and south of Natal and the Transvaal by 1900. Today, while they are still fairly common in East Africa, their numbers continue to dwindle across the continent. Their scientific name is Hippopotamus amphibius.
Threats to Hippopotamuses
Hippopotamuses face threats from human-wildlife conflict and habitat encroachment. Often, these animals are killled for their meat under the pretext of safeguarding people. Besides meat, they are hunted for their ivory canine teeth and their fat.
Protection Status of Hippopotamuses
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized the hippopotamus as “Vulnerable”. As per CITES, it falls under Appendix III.
Source: DTE
