Page 94 - SMUGGLING IN INDIA REPORT FOR 2020-2021

48 2020-2021 SMUGGLING IN INDIA REPORT
Significant detections of illicitly traded wildlife and wildlife items by DRI
Elephant ivory
Elephants are one of the most poached mammals on the planet, primarily for their tusks, but also for their skin, meat and hair, resulting in large population declining in many Asian and African range states. For centuries people have regarded various forms of ivory, especially elephant ivory, as a luxury commodity, often associated with status and wealth. This is prominent in many Asian cultures and as such, Asia continues to be the main market destination for elephant ivory. India is home to between 50 and 60% of all of Asia’s wild elephants and about 20% of the domesticated elephants. As such, the country is of paramount importance for the survival of the species. DRI has been in the forefront in the counter trafficking efforts across borders.
In February 2021, the officers of DRI, Kolkata Zonal Unit seized 12.950 kg of elephant tusks valued at $ 1.30 Crores.
Turtles and Tortoises
The illegal trade in Testudines is arguably nowhere more prevalent than in Southeast Asia. Increasing affluence across this region is thought to be stimulating illegal activity, leading to steep declines in populations of a large number of species. Indian star tortoises rank amongst the top three species of freshwater turtles and tortoises most commonly seized in the region, often comprising high volumes. The IUCN-listed vulnerable species is native to India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and is protected in its range states but is subjected to significant levels of trafficking across South East Asia.