Orangutans in Odisha: The laws governing animal trade and repatriation, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• Five critically endangered baby orangutans were rescued by the Odisha Forest Department in Balasore district.
• Orangutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia, suggesting illegal smuggling and India's growing demand for exotic pets.
• All three orangutan species are listed under Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), strictly restricting their trade.
• India became a party to CITES in 1976, and its Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, was amended in 2022 to align with the convention.
• Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has contacted Indian authorities to discuss potential repatriation if the orangutans' origin is confirmed.

Orangutan Rescue.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The incident underscores India's shift from merely a transit route to a significant demand market for exotic wildlife.
• CITES employs a licensing system and categorizes species into three appendices to regulate international trade and ensure sustainability.
• Appendix-I species, like orangutans, face extinction and are permitted for trade only for non-commercial purposes such as research or conservation.
• The 2022 amendment to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, incorporated a schedule for CITES-listed species, enhancing domestic legal enforcement.
• Repatriation of trafficked animals is not obligatory under CITES, with primary focus placed on the welfare and survival of the confiscated animals.
• Decisions regarding repatriation involve consultations with scientific and management authorities, and the animal's country of origin.
• Challenges in repatriation include verifying the exact origin, navigating legal complexities, and ensuring the health of the confiscated animals.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued guidelines in July 2023 for immediate return of seized animals at airports.
• The rescue of orangutans from a forested area in Odisha is an unusual case, as most wildlife seizures occur at ports or borders.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): An international treaty regulating cross-border trade in wild animals and plants to prevent overexploitation.
• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Indian legislation providing for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, amended to align with CITES.
• CITES Appendix-I: Lists species most endangered, allowing trade only under exceptional non-commercial circumstances for conservation.