Rhino Poaching Funding Terrorism in North-East India

In recent discussions, Assam Police revealed a troubling link between insurgent groups in North-East India and rhino poaching. These groups are reportedly supplying marksmen and weapons in exchange for a share of the profits from illegal rhino horn sales. This illicit trade not only threatens wildlife but also funds terrorism and arms accumulation.

Background on Rhino Poaching

Rhino poaching has escalated due to high demand for rhino horns in the black market. An Indian rhino’s horn weighs between 0.4 and 3 kg, fetching up to USD 20,000 per kg. This trade was banned internationally in 1977 under CITES. Despite the ban, poaching continues, driven by lucrative profits.

Insurgent Groups Involvement

Insurgent groups from Manipur and Nagaland are allegedly involved in rhino poaching. They provide arms and skilled shooters to facilitate the poaching process. In return, they receive a portion of the profits. This arrangement creates a vicious cycle where poaching fuels terrorism.

Funding Terrorism

The funds generated from rhino horn sales are reportedly used to support terrorist activities. Assam Police identified rhino poaching as one of six key sources of terror funding. Other sources include narco-trafficking, timber and liquor smuggling, and arms trafficking. The intertwining of wildlife crime and terrorism poses threat to security.

Government Response

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is actively addressing this issue. An anti-rhino poaching task force has been established, coordinating with various agencies to combat poaching and related crimes. The MHA has also extended the ban on the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) for its secessionist agenda and connections to other insurgent groups.

Global Context

According to the United Nations World Wildlife Crime Report 2024, rhino horn trade accounted for 29% of wildlife trade from 2015 to 2021. The annual illicit income from rhino horns was estimated at $230 million globally between 2016 and 2018. This marks the scale of the problem and the urgent need for international cooperation to combat wildlife crime.

Conservation Efforts

Conservationists are working to protect rhinos from poaching. Strategies include anti-poaching patrols, community education, and legal reforms. Strengthening laws and increasing penalties for poaching are essential steps in deterring this crime. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is crucial for success.

Public Awareness

Raising public awareness about the impacts of rhino poaching is vital. Campaigns can educate people on the importance of rhinos in ecosystems and the consequences of their decline. Support for conservation initiatives can also encourage community involvement in protecting wildlife.

International Cooperation

Combating rhino poaching requires global collaboration. Countries must work together to enforce laws against wildlife trafficking. Sharing intelligence and resources can enhance efforts to dismantle poaching networks. International partnerships are essential to protect endangered species.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the role of insurgent groups in wildlife crime and its implications for national security.
2. Discuss the impact of illegal wildlife trade on global biodiversity and conservation efforts.
3. Explain the significance of international treaties like CITES in combating wildlife trafficking.
4. What measures can be implemented to strengthen anti-poaching efforts in India? Discuss with examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the role of insurgent groups in wildlife crime and its implications for national security.

1. Insurgent groups in North-East India are actively involved in rhino poaching, supplying arms and marksmen.
2. They receive a share of the profits from illegal horn sales, linking wildlife crime to funding terrorism.
3. This relationship undermines national security by creating a cycle of violence and crime.
4. Government agencies, like Assam Police, have identified rhino poaching as a key source of terror funding.
5. Efforts to combat this issue are essential to safeguard both wildlife and national stability.

2. Discuss the impact of illegal wildlife trade on global biodiversity and conservation efforts.

1. Illegal wildlife trade leads to declines in endangered species populations, disrupting ecosystems.
2. It undermines conservation efforts by diverting resources away from legitimate protection initiatives.
3. High demand for products like rhino horns exacerbates poaching and habitat destruction.
4. Global biodiversity is threatened as species face extinction due to unsustainable exploitation.
5. International awareness and action are crucial for preserving biodiversity and promoting conservation.

3. Explain the significance of international treaties like CITES in combating wildlife trafficking.

1. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) aims to regulate and monitor international wildlife trade.
2. The treaty provides a legal framework to protect endangered species from over-exploitation.
3. CITES helps countries collaborate on enforcement and share intelligence against wildlife trafficking.
4. It raises global awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation.
5. Compliance with CITES can lead to stronger national laws and increased penalties for wildlife crimes.

4. What measures can be implemented to strengthen anti-poaching efforts in India? Discuss with examples.

1. Enhancing anti-poaching patrols and employing technology like drones for surveillance can improve monitoring.
2. Community engagement programs can educate locals about the importance of wildlife conservation.
3. Strengthening legal frameworks and increasing penalties for poaching acts as a deterrent.
4. Collaboration with NGOs and international organizations can provide resources and expertise for conservation.
5. Successful examples include the Kaziranga National Park’s integrated approach to combine enforcement and community involvement.