Wildlife smuggling cases are often detected at borders or ports, but officials say trains are also used to illegally transport live animals. According to the Hindustan Times, passenger routes can make it easier for criminals to hide in plain sight.
What happened?
Railway Protection Force officials said they recovered 102 live turtles from the Howrah-Dehradun Doon Express after checking five unclaimed bags found under the seats and bunks of a coach.
Inspector Banarsi Yadav said the train arrived at Gaya Junction around 10.30 pm while joint patrolling was underway as part of Operation Wilep. He said the turtles were protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and therefore transporting them was a criminal offence. Although no one was arrested, the animals were handed over to the forest department, which conducted a health check on the turtles.
“The bags were opened after no passengers claimed them. We found 102 live turtles in these bags,” Yadav told The Times.
Why is wildlife trafficking a concern?
Wildlife trafficking can damage ecosystems while undermining efforts to protect them. For example, moving animals from their natural habitats to new territories can weaken vulnerable wildlife populations by introducing the former as an invasive species, affecting breeding and eating habits. However, enforcing protection can be more difficult when trafficking routes overlap with human travel and trade ports.
It can also increase the chances of animals being injured or killed and increase wildlife-human interactions, leading to disasters. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that smugglers often transport illegally caught sea turtles in extremely cramped and inhumane conditions, which leads to outbreaks of deadly diseases in the animals. In one case, a trafficked eastern turtle was infected with ranavirus, which causes bleeding and fluid accumulation. There is currently no known treatment.
What work has been done to protect wildlife?
Operation Wilep focuses on patrols, inspections and coordination with other departments to intercept wildlife traffickers on rail lines, The Times reported.
If you wish to get involved in raising awareness about the illegal wildlife trade, it is important to note that, as with other major climate issues, public awareness and community engagement are key to solving this problem. A broader understanding of how smuggling affects ecosystems can influence the number of people who identify and report suspicious activity.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.