Database on Tiger Poaching, Trade & Wildlife Crimes
Our
initial investigations into the illegal wildlife trade in India, in the
early 1990s, revealed that poaching was occurring on an increasingly
organised scale. The same names turned up repeatedly in poaching cases
from distant parts of the country. We realised that careful and
thorough data collection from every poaching case was the key to
apprehending the perpetrators.
The WPSI Wildlife Crime Database currently has records of over 15,300
wildlife crimes involving more than 400 species that are targeted by
poachers and wildlife traders. Data is received and processed daily,
using specially developed computer software. After verification,
important leads are passed on to government enforcement authorities for
further action.
Our Database now has information on wildlife criminals and their
associates, inter-state wildlife traders, smuggling routes, new
poaching and trade methods, plus other relevant information. We have
identified the worst hit areas and important trading centres.
As a result, we have made well-researched recommendations to government
agencies about improving vigilance in vulnerable habitats and about
tackling wildlife crime. Both national and international agencies rely
on the Database for accurate information. Government organisations,
NGOs, the media and WPSI itself use the Database to help raise
awareness of wildlife crime and to lobby for support.
Our Database plays a critical role in exposing the extent of poaching
and trade. It has revealed the level of sophistication and organisation
reached by wildlife criminals. As a result, it has changed the
perception and knowledge of wildlife crime in India today.
Data is collected from the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar,
Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya,
Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh,
Rajasthan and Jharkhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Tripura and parts of Kerala.
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