Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): A recent elephant poaching case in Pennagaram taluk, Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, has raised fresh concerns about the illegal trade in wildlife products, the WCCB recently highlighted.

• About: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory body established by the Government of India to combat organized wildlife crime.

o Constituted through an amendment to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

o Mandate under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Collect and disseminate intelligence on organized wildlife crime to enforcement agencies.

o Assist foreign authorities and international organizations for coordinated global action against wildlife crime.

o Build capacity of wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation.

o Assist State Governments in ensuring successful prosecutions in wildlife crime cases.

o Advise Government of India on national/international wildlife crime issues, laws, and policies.

• Technological Initiative: Developed an online Wildlife Crime Database Management System for real-time data, crime trend analysis, and preventive action.

o Enabled successful operations like Operation SAVE KURMA, THUNDERBIRD, WILDNET, LESKNOW, BIRBIL, THUNDERSTORM, LESKNOW-II.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Assist Customs authorities in inspection of consignments of flora and fauna under Wild Life Act, CITES, and EXIM Policy.