No definite trend in wildlife poaching: report

According to a latest government report, the poaching of tiger and elephant doesn’t indicate any undesirable rise during the last three years (2004-07). The legal steps taken by the respective State administration against offenders prosecuted by the enforcement agencies for poaching have facilitated the protection of wildlife in India.

As per official report, during the year 2004-05 a total of 4 tigers and 18 elephants were slaughtered illegally, while the figure counted as 2 & 16, and 4 & 23 during 2005-06 and 2006-07 respectively.

Various legal steps have been brought into force, including amendment of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 enabling provisions to protect listed species and other endangered species with the constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Crime Control Bureau.

To keep poaching in check, the amended Act also penalizes for any equipment, vehicle and weapons that has been used for committing any wildlife offences. Also, the punishment in cases of offences within a tiger reserve has been enhanced.

Furthermore, the central government has offered 100% assistance to 17 tiger reserves with deployment of anti-poaching squads and strengthening of communication facilities. With the establishment of National Tiger Conservation Authority, specific conservation plan has been laid down including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, constituting State level Steering Committees and annual audit report before Parliament.

The opening of a wildlife crime control bureau – came into force on June 6, 2007 – which consists of experts from multiple disciplines including Police, Forest, Customs and other enforcement agencies, has further deterred poachers with better enforcement of law and order.