Trade of Endangered Animals in India and its Critical Analysis
Authors: Raja P. R. Abhimanyu Karthikeya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The trade of endangered animals in India poses a significant threat to the biodiversity and ecological balance. Despite having stringent laws and international conventions, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the illegal trade persists, driven by factors including demand for traditional medicine, luxury goods, and exotic pets. This abstract provides a critical analysis of the trade of endangered animals in India, focusing on its drivers, impacts, and the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures. In India, the trafficking of endangered animals is propelled by a number of variables, such as customs, beliefs, and financial incentives. For example, the demand for animal parts is still fueled by the traditional Chinese medicine, which contributes to the poaching and trafficking of animals like tigers, rhinos, and pangolins. Comparably, the capture and smuggling of rare species is fueled by the exotic pet trade, which furthers the species' decline in the wild1 . The trade affects entire ecosystems in addition to the targeted species. Ecological balance is upset by the extinction of keystone species, which has a domino effect on other plants and animals. In addition, the illicit trade frequently employs techniques like poisoning and indiscriminate trapping, which harms non-target species and their habitats. Enforcement is still difficult in spite of legislative attempts like the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and its ensuing amendments. The efficacy of law enforcement agencies is compromised by the insufficient penalties, corruption, and scarce resources. Furthermore, it is challenging to detect and prosecute these crimes due to the porous borders and well-organized criminal networks. Addressing the transnational aspect of trade requires international cooperation. Even though India has bilateral agreements with its neighbours and is a signatory to CITES, more coordinated efforts are required to combat cross-border trafficking. Working together with destination nations, where there is a strong market for endangered species, is essential to reducing the demand side of the trade. Conservation programmes that prioritise habitat preservation and community involvement are essential, in addition to law enforcement. For communities that depend on wildlife, sustainable livelihood options can lessen their dependency on illicit activities. Additionally, encouraging ethical consumer behaviour and increasing the awareness can aid in lowering the demand for goods made from endangered animals. In conclusion, the trade in endangered animals in India is a complex issue with wide-ranging effects. A comprehensive strategy including strict legal enforcement, international cooperation, community involvement, and demand reduction tactics is needed to address this problem. India can lessen the risks to its rich biodiversity and support international conservation efforts by tackling the underlying issues that fuel the trade and implementing a thorough conservation strategy.