NEW DELHI: The union ministry of environment has announced the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, detailing regulations for the movement of captive elephants within and between states.
These rules empower chief wildlife wardens to authorize or deny such transfers, with exceptions for pre-existing ownership certificates, except for calves born from captive elephants.
Additionally, transfers may be permitted if owners are unable to maintain the elephants.
However, transfers are conditional upon the elephants’ genetic profiles being recorded in the union ministry of environment’s electronic monitoring application.
Applications for transfers must be submitted to the deputy conservator of forests, who will conduct inquiries and forward details to the wildlife warden for approval or rejection within seven days.
Furthermore, the ministry has established protocols for dealing with species covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Chief wildlife wardens are now empowered to issue registration certificates for these species and oversee their legal acquisition.
Certain exemptions from export permits for transit specimens have also been outlined.
On February 28, the ministry issued notifications authorizing chief wildlife wardens to function as management authorities for CITES species, oversee their transit, and enforce regulations.
Additionally, wildlife crime control bureau officers have been authorized to search premises and arrest individuals not compliant with norms regarding CITES species.
Earlier, on January 16, the ministry issued the Wild Life (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules 2024, focusing on trophy animals and animal articles.
These rules require chief wildlife wardens to assess applicants’ capacity to handle business, among other considerations.
These regulations aim to enhance the implementation of CITES provisions and better manage seized wildlife.
Wildlife experts suggest that these rules indirectly address the illegal acquisition of exotic species prior to the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022.
The Centre previously introduced a voluntary disclosure scheme in 2020, allowing owners of illegally acquired exotic species to declare their possession to the government.