Internationally, an estimated $8 to $10 billion every year is generated through wildlife trafficking, the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. Monetarily, wildlife crimes are second only to narcotics crimes.

A large quantity and variety of wildlife products are smuggled from India to international markets. This includes live animals, birds and reptiles, along with skins, bones and other body parts from poached animals.

In addition, sloth bear cubs are poached from the wild for use in the dancing bear trade within India.

Forest Watch is our undercover team, dedicated to stopping the poaching and trade of wildlife in India. The team works closely with the forest department and police in various states across the country.

It gathers intelligence about wildlife crime with the help of informants who were once involved in poaching or trade themselves.

Any information whatsoever may be sent to us from any part of India, and we often depend on ordinary people who feel strongly about the protection of wildlife and environment to inform us.

Thanks to Forest Watch, we have rescued hundreds of live animals, as well as recovered animal skins and ivory, from poachers and traders in numerous Indian states. All seizures and raids are conducted with the help of the enforcement authorities, and our legal cell ensures that the maximum punishment is awarded to the offenders.

Thank you to our partners, One Voice Association (France) and Hauser Bears (UK) for their invaluable support in running this dedicated anti-poaching unit.