Exotic wildlife species caught in the web of illegal trade to and from India
Exotic animals, both trafficked from and to India range from birds to reptiles with ancient lineage, and mammals, undermining decades
Exotic animals, both trafficked from and to India range from birds to reptiles with ancient lineage, and mammals, undermining decades of conservation efforts.
African Spur Thighed Tortoise. India, with its abundant biodiversity and strategic geographic location, serves majorly as a destination and sometimes as a source for trafficked exotic species. (Photo by Neil D'Cruze)
2/12
Monitor Lizard (Varanus). According to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the period from 2011 to 2020 witnessed approximately 140 seizures of live exotic wildlife species. (Photo by Neil D'Cruze)
3/12
Monitor Lizard - Hatha Jodi. Exotic species are non-native animals or plants introduced into new environments, often causing ecological, economic, or health impacts on their adopted ecosystems.(Photo by Neil D'Cruze)
Star Tortoise. The smuggling of native species of India to other countries includes mostly turtles and tortoises, according to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). “The Indian Star Tortoise is notably the most trafficked species in this illegal trade," said HV Girisha, director, WCCB - India’s apex body to deal with wildlife crime.(Photo by Neil D'Cruze)
5/12
Star Tortoise (shell detail). (Photo by Neil D'Cruze)
9
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
10
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 133 cardinals are gathering on the second day of the conclave to elect a successor to late Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025 . (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
15
A damaged portion of Bilal Mosque is seen after it was hit by an Indian strike in Muzaffarabad. The selection of targets was done based on extensive intelligence, primarily due to Pakistan's changing strategies aimed at concealing terror camps.
