Orangutans in Odisha: CITES, Exotic Pet Trade and Repatriation

Context

Authorities in Odisha rescued five young orangutans in Balasore, raising concerns about their possible involvement in illegal exotic pet trafficking. Orangutans are naturally found in Indonesia and Malaysia, and their international movement and conservation are regulated through CITES along with India’s wildlife protection legislation.

Key Highlights

• The Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans are classified as Critically Endangered and are included in CITES Appendix I.
• CITES regulates international trade in wild species through a system of permits and controls. Commercial international trade in species listed under Appendix I is generally prohibited, subject to narrowly defined exceptions.
• India amended the Wild Life (Protection) Act in 2022 to strengthen domestic legal provisions concerning species protected under CITES.
• Repatriation of rescued wildlife is not an automatic process. Authorities need to establish factors such as the animal’s country of origin, health status, welfare requirements, legality of movement and consent of the receiving country.
• India has increasingly emerged as a destination for exotic animals, rather than only a transit point. Such animals may enter the country through land borders as well as airports.

Way Forward

Investigating agencies need to identify the complete wildlife trafficking chain, supported by techniques such as forensic origin testing.

Dedicated rescue and rehabilitation facilities should be strengthened to ensure proper care and welfare of confiscated animals. India also needs stronger monitoring of online exotic pet markets, along with improved coordination with the countries from which trafficked wildlife originates.