Wildlife forensic kit has been developed jointly by TRAFFIC India and Forensic Cell, Wildlife Institute of India. This kit helps forest staff to collect samples in a standardized manner, analysis of which will lead to accurate investigation of the crime scene.
Capacity Building
‘Capacity Building’ is a significant component of TRAFFIC India’s overall strategy to help curb illegal wildlife trade in India. Under this programme, TRAFFIC provides training and inputs to a diverse group of officials working on wildlife enforcement and other related issues. The programme aims to improve understanding amongst the enforcement agencies about wildlife laws and their implementation.
The key objectives of this programme are:
The key objectives of this programme are:
- To enhance awareness in order to mitigate illegal trade and poaching of wildlife.
- To promote improved co-ordination and co-operation for combating wildlife crime.
- To overcome the impediments to effective law enforcement.
Key Audiences for Capacity Building programme:
- Forest department, police, customs, and other similar law enforcement agencies: The training programmes and modules are tailor-made keeping in mind the needs of diverse target groups, though common subjects include wildlife forensics; role of CITES; evaluating scene of wildlife crime; setting up and handling information networks; conducting search and seizure; developing documentation that leads to successful prosecution in a court of law and more. These programmes also enable TRAFFIC India to share knowledge about the new tools and technology that is required to combat poaching gangs and to break the wildlife trade nexus across regions.
- Judiciary: TRAFFIC India also conducts specialized orientation programme on wildlife conservation for the Judiciary across the country. The main purpose of this is to generate interest and enhance knowledge of the Judiciary on wildlife trade related issues.
- Enforcement agencies in bordering countries: Since illegal wildlife trade is a threat that transcends borders, it is necessary to secure active co-operation of the neighbouring countries to curb this trade. TRAFFIC, through its transborder training programmes brings together such agencies of different countries with a view to help them enhance their skills required to respond adequately to wildlife crime and trade related issues.
Enforcement training workshops
TRAFFIC India also conducts specialized orientation programme on wildlife conservation for the Judiciary across the country.
Wildlife forensic kit
Deep search metal detectors are being used for patrolling in many tiger reserves across the country
TRAFFIC India is encouraging tiger reserves and national parks across the country to use deep search metal detectors to locate snares set up by poachers to trap Tigers and other wild animals. The detectors can also be used during post-mortem examinations to see if snared animals have bullet wounds. This helps strengthen legal follow-up that leads to more effective prosecutions for poaching.
TRAFFIC India also conducts specialized training on the use of these detectors for the officials in the field.
TRAFFIC India also conducts specialized training on the use of these detectors for the officials in the field.
Sniffer dog in training
For the first time in India, sniffer dogs are being used to track illegal wildlife products. TRAFFIC India has been organizing training of these dogs that are then sent to the State Forest Department for use during wildlife raids and seizures. So far 7 seven dogs have been trained across India and have been deployed by the Forest Departments of Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. Read more...
Handbook on wildlife law enforcement
TRAFFIC India’s Handbook on Wildlife Law Enforcement in India is a comprehensive and detailed publication on wildlife trade and crime and aims to support efforts of various enforcement agencies. The handbook was launched in February 2010 by Shri Jairam Ramesh Hon. Minister of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
Important Aspects of Investigation in Wildlife Offences
TRAFFIC India with support from Advocate Saurabh Sharma has developed a booklet on Important Aspects of Investigation in Wildlife Offences. The booklet attempts to pull together various aspects of investigation into wildlife offences as per the legal procedures prevalent in India.