CITES Urges India to Halt Wild Animal Imports: What's Behind the Recommendation?

CITES Calls for Temporary Import Suspension

In a significant move, a prominent global wildlife committee operating under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has advised India to temporarily suspend the importation of wild animals. This recommendation is aimed at allowing the country to enhance its permit and compliance protocols related to such imports.

This advisory comes after the committee's recent inspection of the Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is managed by the Reliance Foundation. The committee commended the facility for its outstanding care standards, advanced veterinary capabilities, and specialized rehabilitation methods. However, they also pointed out discrepancies in the recording and processing of India’s import permit codes, raising concerns about the clarity of documentation and adherence to regulatory standards.

CITES has stated that this temporary suspension should remain in effect until India can guarantee that all wildlife imports strictly adhere to international regulations outlined in the Convention, ensuring that no transactions occur in a manner that could breach global best practices.

Interestingly, this latest recommendation from CITES seems to diverge from earlier findings by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court, which had investigated Vantara’s animal acquisition processes and concluded that no legal irregularities were present.

The new advisory shifts the regulatory spotlight back onto India's systems and protocols, emphasizing the necessity for improved clarity, consistent documentation, and enhanced compliance across various agencies in a sector that is under intense global scrutiny.