Wildlife Smuggling on the Rise in Mumbai

India's capital of wildlife trade, Mumbai, has seen a resurgence of exotic species smuggling in recent months, with nine cases unearthing since February. The city, once notorious for wildlife trafficking in the 1990s, is regaining its unsavory title. From Meerkats to Star Tortoises, various species are being smuggled into Mumbai, sparking concerns among wildlife activists and experts.

Key Takeaways:

• 9 cases of wildlife smuggling were unearthed at Mumbai Airport since February this year, with the most recent two seizures happening on July 10 and 11, where Meerkats, Sumatran Rabbits, Great-Billed Parrots, and Indo-Chinese Box Turtles were confiscated.
• The Customs department and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau have decided to immediately deport the smuggled animals after providing them with necessary medical care.
• In the 1990s, Mumbai was a prime centre for wildlife trade, with the forest department making huge hauls, including 3,000 Star Tortoises at one time.
• Former principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Nitin Kakodkar attributed the resurgence of wildlife trafficking to a lack of awareness among the public and the need for wider publicity to curb the issue.
• Deputy director Yogesh Warkad of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau highlighted the seriousness of the illegal trade, stating that smugglers often breed exotic animals and sell their offspring, while some trade on social media platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram.
• The smugglers prefer air travel as it is the quickest mode, as opposed to sea travel, which can lead to animal deaths due to food deprivation.
• Wildlife experts expressed concern about the pet trade of wildlife, which is highly injurious to global biodiversity, with up to 8 animals dying in the process of fulfilling one order.
• On most occasions, the Customs department calls animal welfare organizations, such as the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare, to handle the rescued animals.

Statistics:

• 9 cases of wildlife smuggling were uncovered at Mumbai Airport since February this year.
• 2 of the largest seizures happened on July 10 and 11, where a total of 10 wildlife species were confiscated.
• 3,000 Star Tortoises were seized by the forest department in the 1990s.
• 90% of the wildlife species are deported after being detained.

Sources:

• "Meerkats, Star Tortoises among many other species smuggled into Mumbai Airport" by HT Digital Content Services, Hindustan Times.