FAST READ
- DRI reported six pan-India wildlife-trafficking operations over ten days, with 13 arrests.
- Seizures included 2 leopard pelts, 180 live Indian star tortoises, 12 live tokay geckos, about 24 kg pangolin scales and 500 g of tiger bones.
- The cases show how wildlife crime intersects biodiversity loss, organised trafficking, customs enforcement and international conservation obligations.
WHY IN NEWS
- Wildlife trafficking increasingly uses inter-State and cross-border networks, making intelligence-led coordination essential.
- The mix of live reptiles and body parts in the seizures illustrates that illegal trade targets both the exotic-pet market and wildlife derivatives.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- DRI conducted 6 significant operations.
- The operations occurred across different locations in India.
- 13 persons were arrested.
- 2 leopard pelts were seized.
- 180 live Indian star tortoises were seized.
- 12 live tokay geckos were seized.
- About 24 kg of pangolin scales were seized.
- About 500 grams of tiger bones were seized.
- One operation took place in Jeypore, Koraput district, Odisha.
- Indian star tortoise is targeted in the illegal pet trade.
- Pangolins are heavily trafficked for scales and meat in illegal markets.
- Leopards and tigers are protected wild species under Indian law.
- CITES regulates international trade in listed wild fauna and flora.
- DRI is an intelligence and enforcement agency under the Department of Revenue.
- Wildlife crime often requires cooperation among customs, forest, police and international enforcement agencies.
PRELIMS
- DRI functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
- CITES regulates international trade in listed species; it does not replace domestic wildlife law.
- Indian star tortoise is a reptile.
- Pangolins are mammals.
- Wildlife trafficking may involve both live animals and animal derivatives.
- Enforcement at borders and within domestic transport networks are both relevant to wildlife crime.
QUICK REVISION
- Operations: 6.
- Arrests: 13.
- Star tortoises: 180; tokay geckos: 12.
- Pangolin scales: ~24 kg; tiger bones: ~500 g.