Recently, six Blue or Hyacinth Macaws and two Capuchin monkeys were introduced to their new home in the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden in Guwahati. The animals’ arrival comes after a significant seizure of exotic wildlife made by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the area.
Provisions Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
Animals such as these are typically confiscated under Section 111 of the Indian Customs Act, 1962. This law is read alongside the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Foreign Trade Policy (Import-Export Policy) of India. Moreover, Sections 48 and 49 of the Wildlife Protection Act also strongly prohibit trade or commerce involving wild animals, animal articles, or trophies.
Concerns About Exotic Animal Trade
The smuggling of exotic species raises considerable concerns, especially regarding the potential spread of zoonotic diseases. Such risks have become increasingly globally relevant due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, illegal wildlife trade has been ranked as the fourth largest transnational organised crime in the world, following narcotics smuggling, counterfeit goods production, and human trafficking.
Certain areas, such as West Bengal and Northeast India, have proven particularly vulnerable to cross-border wildlife smuggling due to proximity to Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand borders. There are various illegal activities alongside wildlife crime happening in these areas, including drug smuggling, commercial goods smuggling, gun-running and illegal movement of foreign currency.
About Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
Established in 1957, the Guwahati Zoo is located in the Hengrabari Reserve Forest in the capital city of Guwahati. Due to its rich fauna, it is popularly known as the “Green Lung” of Guwahati city.
More About Blue Macaws
Also known by its scientific name, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, the Blue Macaw is a parrot native to central and eastern South America. With its one-meter length, it stands as the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot. Unfortunately, this species has been heavily impacted by habitat loss and wild bird trapping for the pet trade. Currently, it’s listed as Vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List and appears in Appendix I of CITES.
Meet the Capuchin Monkeys
Known scientifically as ‘Cebus,’ Capuchin Monkeys, or ‘sapajous,’ inhabit tropical forests from Nicaragua to Paraguay. Named for their unique “caps” of hair, which resemble the cowls of Capuchin monks, these monkeys currently hold a status of ‘Least Concerned’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
