Most of the arrests are made under India’s criminal law.
The Wildlife Centre, just outside Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, is a refuge for endangered species that have been smuggled into the country and domesticated. Lee Hoagland / The National
Al Ain Zoo became the new home for cheetah cubs that were smuggled into Dubai in 2010. Ten of the 15 died. Sammy Dallal / The National
This bird was greeted each day by its care giver with the phrase 'Asalam Alaikum'. It now repeats the Muslim greeting. Lee Hoagland / The National
Ball Python eggs are popular with animal traffickers and smugglers. EPA
A surprising number of snakes are smuggled in and out of countries each year. EPA
In Thailand, animal lovers are able to meet exotic beasts such as lions, frogs, birds and snakes at a yearly event. EPA
A member of the Cheetah Conservation Fund feeds a baby cheetah. AFP
Every year an estimated 300 cheetah cubs are trafficked through Somaliland to wealthy buyers seeking exotic pets. AFP
Cheetah cubs that survive being snatched from their mothers, and shipped out of Africa to wartorn Yemen and onwards to the Gulf can fetch up to $15,000 on the black market. AFP
India has reported a surge in the smuggling of exotic birds including cockatoos and macaws, as well as other rare species such as tortoises, civets and snakes from South-East Asian countries. All remaining photos: Indian Police
Wildlife experts say the reason for the sharp increase in smuggling is the high demand for rare animals as pets.
Combined with major legal loopholes, this has driven up the illegal trade in India.
Smugglers usually use land routes along India's north-eastern region that borders Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, but many fly the animals into country, with airport authorities thwarting many attempts.
There is no legislation in the country's Wildlife Act that covers their arrest or prosecution for possessing and smuggling exotic animals and birds.
Most of the arrests are made under India’s criminal law.
The Wildlife Centre, just outside Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, is a refuge for endangered species that have been smuggled into the country and domesticated. Lee Hoagland / The National
Al Ain Zoo became the new home for cheetah cubs that were smuggled into Dubai in 2010. Ten of the 15 died. Sammy Dallal / The National
This bird was greeted each day by its care giver with the phrase 'Asalam Alaikum'. It now repeats the Muslim greeting. Lee Hoagland / The National
Ball Python eggs are popular with animal traffickers and smugglers. EPA
A surprising number of snakes are smuggled in and out of countries each year. EPA
In Thailand, animal lovers are able to meet exotic beasts such as lions, frogs, birds and snakes at a yearly event. EPA
A member of the Cheetah Conservation Fund feeds a baby cheetah. AFP
Every year an estimated 300 cheetah cubs are trafficked through Somaliland to wealthy buyers seeking exotic pets. AFP
Cheetah cubs that survive being snatched from their mothers, and shipped out of Africa to wartorn Yemen and onwards to the Gulf can fetch up to $15,000 on the black market. AFP
India has reported a surge in the smuggling of exotic birds including cockatoos and macaws, as well as other rare species such as tortoises, civets and snakes from South-East Asian countries. All remaining photos: Indian Police
Wildlife experts say the reason for the sharp increase in smuggling is the high demand for rare animals as pets.
Combined with major legal loopholes, this has driven up the illegal trade in India.
Smugglers usually use land routes along India's north-eastern region that borders Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, but many fly the animals into country, with airport authorities thwarting many attempts.
There is no legislation in the country's Wildlife Act that covers their arrest or prosecution for possessing and smuggling exotic animals and birds.
Most of the arrests are made under India’s criminal law.
