New Delhi: Wildlife crime cases registered across India have declined significantly over the past decade, but the number of cases pending before courts has increased more than threefold, highlighting challenges in the prosecution and disposal of wildlife-related offences.
According to the data provided, cases registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 declined from 7,529 in 2014 to 497 in 2024. However, pending cases before courts increased from 1,274 in 2014 to 4,196 in 2024.
The contrasting trends point to a growing gap between the registration of wildlife crime cases and their disposal through the judicial process.
Wildlife Crime Cases Decline Over the Decade
The number of wildlife crime cases registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act has fallen considerably between 2014 and 2024.
The key figures include:
- 2014: 7,529 cases registered
- 2024: 497 cases registered
- 2024: 839 cases were under investigation
- Cases registered during the decade show a significant decline.
Despite the reduction in registered cases, the increasing number of pending trials remains a concern for the enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
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Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Account for Over Half of Cases
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan accounted for more than half of the wildlife crime cases highlighted in the data.
The figures show:
- Uttar Pradesh: 2,112 cases
- Rajasthan: 1,998 cases
- Combined: 4,110 cases
- Share of total: 54.6%
The concentration of cases in these two states makes them significant in the overall picture of wildlife crime enforcement in the country.
Court Pendency Rises More Than Threefold
While registered wildlife crime cases have declined, the number of cases pending trial has moved in the opposite direction.
Pending cases increased from 1,274 in 2014 to 4,196 in 2024, representing an increase of more than three times over the decade.
The rise in pendency indicates that a substantial number of wildlife crime cases continue to remain unresolved in courts, even as the number of newly registered cases has fallen.
Wildlife Trafficking Involving Foreign Species
The data also highlights cases involving the trafficking of live exotic wildlife into India.
Between April and December 2025, 51 cases related to the trafficking of live foreign wildlife were reported. The animals were reportedly being brought into India mainly from Southeast Asian countries.
The recent discovery of five orangutans in an Odisha forest has also drawn attention to the possibility of illegal wildlife trafficking and the movement of exotic species over long distances.
The case has renewed focus on the challenges involved in preventing the illegal movement and trade of wildlife.
Conviction Rate Improves to 75.1%
Despite the increase in pending cases, the conviction rate in wildlife crime cases has improved.
The conviction rate stood at:
- 2020: 48.7%
- 2024: 75.1%
The increase indicates a higher proportion of convictions among cases reaching the relevant stage of judicial proceedings. However, the large number of pending cases remains a separate challenge for the timely disposal of wildlife crime cases.
Wildlife Protection Faces Enforcement and Judicial Challenges
The data presents two contrasting trends in India’s fight against wildlife crime. On one hand, the number of registered cases has fallen sharply over the decade. On the other, the number of cases pending before courts has increased substantially.
The figures underline the importance of effective investigation, prosecution and timely judicial disposal alongside measures to prevent wildlife trafficking and illegal wildlife trade.
Correct the inconsistent case figuresClarify the 35% decline calculation
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