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In a bid to enhance wildlife protection and curb the illegal trafficking of exotic species, the Union Environment Ministry has issued the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024. Effective February 28, these regulations mandate the registration of exotic pets with the state wildlife department. Exotic pets such as macaws, cockatoos, and various soft-shell turtles fall under the purview of these rules, which are aligned with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). According to the notification shared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the rules aim to ensure accountability for the possession and transfer of listed animal species.
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 introduced Section 49 M, necessitating the registration of possession, transfer, and reporting of birth and death of scheduled animal species listed in CITES appendices and Schedule IV of the Act. This measure aims to enforce CITES regulations, as India is a signatory to the Convention. Debadityo Sinha, head of climate & ecosystems at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, highlights the significance of monitoring exotic species to prevent harm to native biodiversity. With invasive alien species posing threats to ecosystems, the registration requirement intends to address accidental escapes and establish accountability for both owners and authorities.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the enforcement of these rules on the ground. Praveen Bhargav, Trustee of Wildlife First, raises doubts about the efficacy of monitoring due to inadequate veterinary infrastructure and trained personnel in forest departments. He suggests that the recent rules may inadvertently legalize the previously illegal pet trade, potentially impacting indigenous wildlife negatively. Under the new regulations, individuals possessing exotic species must apply for registration within six months of the rules' commencement. Any subsequent possession, transfer, birth, or death of such species must be reported to the concerned State Chief Wildlife Warden through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.
Furthermore, the Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023, notified by the Union Environment Ministry, allow the breeding of exotic species listed in Appendix 1 of Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 2022. This move aims to regulate the breeding and trade of endangered exotic animals, tightening import rules for such species. The Wildlife Protection Act 2022 aims to better implement CITES provisions and rationalize wildlife species lists to ensure improved care and disposal of seized wildlife parts and products. However, wildlife experts express concerns that the recent rules might normalize the illegal acquisition of exotic species, perpetuating the demand for wild animals in the pet trade.
Despite efforts to regulate the pet trade, reports indicate significant trafficking of both native and exotic species. An amnesty program introduced by the MoEFCC saw over 32,000 individuals voluntarily declare possession of exotic and native species, indicating the scale of the issue.
In conclusion, while the new central rule marks a significant step towards wildlife protection, effective implementation and enforcement remain crucial to combat illegal trafficking and preserve biodiversity.
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