Poaching in India rises by 151% amid lockdown

Poaching in India rises by 151% amid lockdown

Jun 04, 2020 09:47 IST

Wildlife poaching has doubled in India, and increased by almost 151% amid the Covid-19 lockdown, analysis by global wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC has found. As funding dries up and fewer people are on ground, rescue efforts have been minimal during this period. The new report compares the period of six weeks before the lockdown with six weeks in lockdown. Cases of poaching went up from 35 to 88, not restricted to any one particular geographical area. The report found that endangered animals under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, were targeted the most. The report shares that most of the wildlife poaching has been done for local trade and meat consumption.