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Smuggling in India Report 2024-25 66
d. Leopard Skin
Leopard skin trafficking remains a serious wildlife
crime in India despite protection under the Wild-
life (Protection) Act, 1972, which lists leopards
in Schedule I, banning trade and possession
of their skins. Driven by demand in tradi-
tional medicine, fashion, and trophies,
traffickers operate covertly across
forest and border areas. The high
black-market value fuels poaching,
posing a significant threat to leop-
ard conservation. In FY 2024-25,
DRI booked 3 cases involving the
seizure of leopard skins.
Case 4: Leopard skin seized
in Maharashtra
In January 2025, DRI officers
intercepted three individuals
in a forest area near Akot,
Akola district, Maharashtra,
and recovered one leopard
skin (80.5" x 25").
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