TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF ILLEGAL WILDLIFE HUNTING AND TRADING IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Wildlife trade, poaching and its use is characterized as wildlife crime, also it has become a global problem. The illegal wildlife trade is a increasing problem driven by the number of factors (e.g. alternative medicine, accessories and subsistence). High demand for illicit wildlife products is threatening the existence of many of the most of d species. Enquiring and investigating crime hotspots include analyzing the enforcement of law and seizure data, highlighting areas with high biodiversity has been studied here. In this present study, we have analyzed wildlife crime hotspot in different districts/ divisions of Uttar Pradesh, India from 2012 to 2021.Basically, we have extracted the data which include information on trafficking, illegal possessions, breaking hunting and poaching laws and exploitation, illegal scientific collections, and information from mass media. In results, study support the understanding that the reports of illegal trade are underestimates. This research helps to gain the understanding the exact reason to the problem. This study also supports to inform policies and strategies to combat the poaching and hunting activities that affect wildlife in regions with high biodiversity. Moreover, this also provides the first detailed state of assessment on illegal trade and hunting in Uttar Pradesh. The analysis done suggests trade in wildlife in protected areas of 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh and hike in trade of mammalian species, like Indian Pangolin, and leopard. In addition, the seizure reported more often in different districts and areas bordering Nepal, China, and gulf countries. This states that well-organized illegal wildlife trade and associations taking place in Uttar Pradesh and gulf countries act as both a source and a transit country.