The recent Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have acted as a catalyst for a surge in poaching activities across the country, according to a report by TRAFFIC, an international wildlife trade monitoring network. The analysis, titled “Indian wildlife amidst Covid-19 crisis: An analysis of poaching and illegal wildlife trade trends,” compared data from six weeks before lockdown (February 10 to March 22) and six weeks during the lockdown (March 23 to May 3).
Increased Poaching and Illegal Trade
The report highlighted an alarming increase in incidents of poaching during the lockdown period. There was double the number of poaching cases compared to the pre-lockout period, with the rise primarily seen in ungulates – large hooved mammals hunted mostly for their meat. The report also noted an uptick in the hunting of small mammals like hares, pangolins, giant squirrels, civets, monkeys, and smaller wild cats.
Poaching of Big Cats and Protected Species
Leopards were significantly targeted during the lockdown, with nine reported kills compared to four in the pre-lockdown period. In addition, Chinkaras (Gazella bennettii), a protected species under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, were reportedly poached in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, despite being linked to the Covid-19 crisis, Pangolins were still targeted by poachers.
Impact of Transportation Restrictions on Poaching
Interestingly, the lockdown restrictions affected some forms of poaching. For instance, due to the lack of transportation, there was no poaching of species like tortoises and big cats, which require the transport of trafficked parts. Similarly, seizure of wild pet-birds dwindled due to the absence of transportation and markets.
Consequences of Unchecked Poaching
If the poaching of ungulates and smaller animals continues unabated, it could result in significant ecological damage. Notably, it could deplete the prey base for big cats like tigers and leopards, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts. The resultant disturbances would threaten India’s notable achievements in wildlife conservation.
About TRAFFIC
TRAFFIC, a joint initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a global non-governmental organisation focusing on trade in wild animals and plants. Established in 1976, it aims at promoting both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. TRAFFIC primarily focuses on urgent species trade issues such as tiger parts, elephant ivory, and rhino horn.
World Wildlife Fund’s Role
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, collaborates with individuals worldwide to develop innovative solutions protecting communities, wildlife, and their habitats. It operates in over 100 countries, striving to conserve nature and address threats to life’s diversity on Earth.
