Interpol says the trade in illegal wildlife products is worth some US$12 billion a year. India, as home to some of the most charismatic animals on the planet, is now a major source market for this trade. Most of the demand for wildlife products comes from outside the country - unfortunately, it is our wildlife heritage that is plundered to supply external demand.

WPSI has established a large network of undercover agents and informers to gather intelligence on the growing illegal trade in endangered species. Despite increased awareness and vigilance, WPSI’s Wildlife Crime Database shows a continuing increase in wildlife poaching and smuggling.

Analysis of WPSI data reveals an alarming scenario. Although some poaching incidents are one-off events, many are part of large organised networks of poachers, traders and smugglers - all controlled by city-based businessmen who are seldom linked directly to the illicit goods.

WPSI's informers and agents are active in:

Northern India, particularly, the States of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh Central India, which is one of our most active areas, in the States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh Southern India in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Eastern India, mainly in the Sundarbans area Various locations in the north-east.

Our senior field investigators also maintain contact with personnel in lower courts, which is where most wildlife offences are tried. They liaise continuously with informers, forest officials and the police.

This information network is a powerful tool for us. We use the inputs provided by our field staff to assist enforcement authorities to bring about the seizure of wildlife products and the arrest and prosecution of offenders. We work closely with the central and State Governments, and various enforcement authorities including State Forest Departments, State Police, the CBI, Customs and Excise and Interpol.