The Wild Life (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024: A Detailed Overview.

[YAGAY andSUN]

NOTIFICATION

G.S.R. 47(E) DTD.16th January, 2024.

The Wild Life (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024 is a set of regulations aimed at controlling and regulating the transactions involving wildlife products and the taxidermy process in India. These rules have been introduced to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity, promote conservation, and prevent illegal wildlife trade, while simultaneously allowing for the regulated and sustainable use of wildlife products for scientific and educational purposes.

These rules come under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, a key piece of legislation aimed at protecting wild animals and birds and their habitats. The Wildlife Protection Act has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts in wildlife conservation and plays a vital role in preserving the flora and fauna of the country. The new rules, effective in 2024, address the growing concerns about the unregulated trade and the increasing practice of taxidermy.

Objectives of the Wildlife (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024

The primary objectives of the Wild Life (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024 are as follows:

1. Regulate Transactions of Wildlife Products: The new rules aim to establish guidelines for the legal and regulated trade of wildlife products, ensuring that transactions are done for legitimate and conservation-oriented purposes such as scientific research, education, and sustainable use of wildlife.

2. Control the Practice of Taxidermy: Taxidermy is the practice of preserving animal bodies by stuffing or mounting them for display or study. While this practice can have scientific merit, unregulated taxidermy can contribute to wildlife exploitation. The rules regulate this process to ensure it is only carried out under stringent conditions.

3. Prevent Illegal Wildlife Trade: Illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. The rules seek to reduce illegal transactions of wildlife products by introducing a clear framework for legal trading and imposing penalties on illegal wildlife transactions.

4. Conservation and Education: By regulating the taxidermy of endangered species, the rules provide a way for these species to be studied, displayed, and appreciated in a scientific context without encouraging poaching or exploitation.

5. Promote Ethical Standards: The rules set out ethical guidelines that need to be adhered to by individuals or institutions involved in transactions of wildlife products or taxidermy practices. This ensures that the process is carried out with respect to animal welfare and conservation principles.

Key Provisions of the Rules

1. Definition and Scope

The rules define several terms related to the transaction of wildlife products and taxidermy, such as:

• Taxidermy: The practice of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins or bodies of animals.
• Wildlife Products: Products derived from wildlife, including skins, pelts, feathers, tusks, horns, bones, and other animal parts.
• Taxidermist: A licensed individual or entity that practices taxidermy.

2. Regulation of Transactions Involving Wildlife Products

The rules specify which wildlife products can be traded and under what circumstances. The transactions are permitted only for specific purposes:

• Scientific research.
• Education.
• Conservation.
• Cultural or religious purposes (under strict regulations).

For the trade of endangered species, there are stricter conditions that must be adhered to, such as:

• Obtaining explicit permission from the National Wildlife Board.
• Ensuring the trade does not threaten the survival of the species.
• Documentation of the legal origin of the wildlife products.

3. Licensing and Registration of Taxidermists

To carry out taxidermy, individuals or institutions must apply for a license from the Wildlife Department. The application process includes:

• Providing details of the qualifications and experience of the taxidermist.
• A review of the premises where the taxidermy will take place.
• Demonstrating compliance with ethical standards and animal welfare guidelines.
• Maintaining records of any animals used for taxidermy.

Taxidermists are required to provide proof of the legal acquisition of any animal or parts thereof used in the process. Failure to do so can result in the suspension or revocation of their license.

4. Permitted Wildlife Products for Trade

The rules clearly outline which wildlife products are permissible for trade and their intended uses. Some of the products may include:

• Fur, skin, and pelts.
• Antlers and horns.
• Bones, claws, and teeth.
• Feathers, scales, and other parts of certain species.

For most species, the use and trade of their products must be consistent with international agreements such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and India's Wild Life Protection Act.

5. Prohibited Practices and Penalties

The rules clearly state that any activities that result in the illegal killing of animals or poaching will result in severe penalties. These include:

• Fines: For illegal transactions, including trafficking in wildlife products or carrying out unauthorized taxidermy.
• Imprisonment: Individuals or entities found guilty of violating the rules can face imprisonment in addition to fines.
• Confiscation of Goods: Wildlife products or taxidermy specimens obtained illegally will be confiscated.

Prohibited practices under the new rules include:

• The trade in wildlife products from animals that are not legally sourced.
• Engaging in taxidermy involving species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 without proper permits.
• The use of wildlife products for commercial purposes that contribute to species extinction.

6. Monitoring and Enforcement

The Wildlife Department is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of these rules. The authorities will:

• Conduct regular inspections of taxidermy premises.
• Monitor the transactions of wildlife products to ensure compliance.
• Take action against violators, including cancellation of licenses and prosecution.

Implications for Conservation

The Wild Life (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024 have significant implications for the conservation of wildlife in India:

• Reduced Poaching and Exploitation: By regulating the trade and taxidermy of wildlife, the rules help reduce the demand for illegally obtained wildlife products and reduce the pressure on endangered species.
• Support for Ethical Use: These rules enable the ethical use of wildlife, allowing for scientific study and education without putting additional strain on wildlife populations.
• Better Control of Taxidermy Practices: By ensuring that taxidermists are qualified and operate under strict guidelines, the rules ensure that taxidermy practices are carried out in a way that does not contribute to animal cruelty.
• International Compliance: The rules align with international regulations and agreements, such as CITES, ensuring that India’s policies on wildlife protection meet global standards.

Conclusion

The Wild Life (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 2024 are a crucial step toward modernizing India's wildlife protection framework, ensuring that wildlife products and taxidermy practices are conducted ethically and legally. These rules promote conservation by controlling illegal wildlife trade and offering a structured system for the legal trade and use of wildlife products. In the face of growing environmental concerns and increasing biodiversity loss, these rules provide a balanced approach to protecting wildlife while allowing for scientific and educational use. By enforcing stricter regulations and introducing clear guidelines, India can make significant strides toward ensuring that its rich biodiversity remains protected for generations to come.

***

 https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/GSR-47(E)-[16-01-2024]-WildLife-(Transactions-and-Taxidermy)-Rules-2024.pdf