Beyond Tigers: The Wildlife Trade Fuelled by Pets and Myths

Wildlife trafficking has shifted from physical markets to online platforms, impacting lesser-known species like shikras and slow lorises.

A 2020 study of Facebook groups in Thailand recorded 396 raptors and owls offered for sale, including nine shikras, with evidence of wild-caught birds.

A joint operation by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered 53 protected animals, including 15 slow lorises, two binturongs, 28 star tortoises, six Egyptian vultures, and two shikras.

The operation uncovered an alleged interstate wildlife-trafficking syndicate, with six people arrested in Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Demand for exotic pets and traditional beliefs fuels the illegal wildlife trade, often overlooked compared to tiger skin or elephant ivory trafficking.