New Delhi, 5th July 2024: A recent major seizure has exposed a disturbing reality that jeopardises not only the sanctity of Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Sikhism but also undermines wildlife conservation efforts in the state.  Renowned for the Golden Temple, a beacon of peace, devotion, and humanity, this sacred city harbours a grim secret. Recent investigations have exposed a worrying underground network dealing in the illegal trade of prohibited wildlife products. Sharing an international border with Pakistan, the state of Punjab is especially vulnerable to illegal trade, not only of wildlife articles but also of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, posing a grave threat to national security.

Suspicions had been brewing since January 2020, when the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and enforcement agencies investigated a case in Jammu and Kashmir involving leopard skins, musk pods, and bear bile. Through close surveillance, our team gathered actionable information through cross-checking targeted shops and uncovering the sale of lesser-known wildlife articles. Equipped with further compelling pieces of evidence, WTI relayed the information to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Northern Region.

The WCCB team conducted additional reconnaissance operations, validating the intelligence and zeroed in on two shops in Majeeth Mandi, Amritsar’s import-export hub for wildlife articles. On July 4, 2024, a coalition of WCCB, the forest department, and the Amritsar police department, aided by WTI, formed a joint task force. The enforcement operation launched at dawn on July 5, targeting the two shops simultaneously. Interrogations of the arrested suspects revealed that the exotic wildlife articles were funnelled through Delhi, with supplies sourced from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. The successful operation resulted in the confiscation of at least 137 hatha Jodi, 38 bear biles, 69 sea fans, 1.4 kg of organ pipe corals, and 4.814 kg of gorgonian species corals—articles derived from animals listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Several articles derived from animals listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 were seized.

Unlike the highly publicised illegal trade in charismatic species, the surreptitious trade of articles derived from lesser-known species such as musk deer, monitor lizards, mongooses, otters, turtles, and various avian species often slip under the radar. These items, frequently camouflaged as plant roots or synthetic materials, evade detection due to their relatively recent emergence in the illegal market. This operation highlights the rampant poaching and trading of lesser-known wildlife species and the articles derived from them. The illegal trade in these species is accelerating due to two main factors: heightened security for charismatic species and a general lack of awareness regarding lesser-known species. The presence of fake wildlife articles further complicates identification, making it nearly impossible for law enforcement agencies to register cases without concrete evidence. The operation also uncovered the sale of dried exotic sandfish skinks and Eurasian beaver bile for medicinal purposes, smuggled through illicit channels.

Since January 2024, WTI has collaborated with enforcement agencies in 22 operations across India. During these operations, a staggering 128 kgs of pangolin scales were seized. On average, 1 kg of scales can be extracted from one Indian pangolin, and 500-600 grams from one Chinese pangolin, highlighting the extensive poaching of pangolins in the country. Another frequently trafficked item is hatha jodi, the hemipenis of the monitor lizard. In the last eight months, 590 hatha jodi were confiscated, revealing the rampant illegal trade of monitor lizards across India. Additionally, other lesser-known items in the trade include sea fans, mongoose hair brushes, turtle carapaces, and live birds along with their eggs—all protected under Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

There is clearly a long way to go in curbing the illegal trade of wildlife species, especially the lesser-known ones. What’s crucial at present is heightened vigilance among enforcement officials and not just the Forest Departments. Tackling these issues demands increased vigilance and community awareness along with regular training and upgrading of frontline staff. Additionally, the emergence of wildlife forensics has been a blessing, aiding in the identification of highly modified wildlife articles, and their ecological origins, and tracking down hotspots of illegal wildlife trade. Only through these measures can we hope to protect these vulnerable species and preserve the natural heritage of regions like Amritsar, ensuring that their sanctity and rich biodiversity are not eroded by illegal trade and exploitation.