TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is a leading non-governmental organisation working to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
It is a joint program of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Founded in 1979, TRAFFIC is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

A report by TRAFFIC named “Indian wildlife amidst the COVID-19 crisis: An analysis of status of poaching and illegal wildlife trade” was released to point out that reports of poaching for consumption and local trade have more than doubled during the lockdown.

It has recorded a significant increase in poaching in India during the over two month lockdown period.
It reported poaching incidences rose from 35 to 88.
The biggest increase in reported poaching was related to Ungulates. Since these species are targeted mainly for meat they are used as an alternative to earn income.
The second group of animals where there was a marked increase was ‘small mammals’, including hares, porcupines, pangolins, giant squirrels, civets, monkeys and smaller wild cats. Cases against this group rose from 17% to 25%.
Decrease was found in hunting and poaching of birds, tortoises and freshwater turtles.
The outcome of this study indicates that despite efforts by law enforcement agencies, wild animal populations in India are being subjected to additional threats during the lockdown period.

Reference:

Today Current Affairs Upsc Exam Syllabus & Previous Yearpaper.