Great apes are humans’ closest relatives, but many are endangered by illegal trading. Here’s what needs to be done

The plight of great apes, our closest biological relatives, serves as a stark reminder of humanity's impact on global biodiversity. These intelligent and complex species – including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos – are facing unprecedented threats, primarily from illegal trading, pushing many to the brink of extinction. This crisis is not merely an environmental concern but a complex issue intertwined with international law, economic disparities, and governance challenges.

Historically, great ape populations have faced pressure from habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture, logging, and mining. However, in recent decades, illegal wildlife trade has emerged as an equally devastating threat. This illicit trade is driven by multiple factors: the demand for bushmeat, the pet trade (especially for infant apes), use in traditional medicine, and exploitation for tourism. The high value placed on these animals, dead or alive, fuels a lucrative black market often controlled by organized crime syndicates. These criminal networks exploit poverty in source countries, inadequate enforcement capacities, and, critically, loopholes in global wildlife trade regulations.

What precisely are these loopholes? International frameworks like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), established in 1973, aim to regulate cross-border trade in endangered species. CITES lists great apes in Appendix I, meaning commercial international trade is prohibited. However, sophisticated traffickers exploit weaknesses such as fraudulent permits for 'captive-bred' animals, misdeclaration of species, smuggling across porous borders, and lax penalties in some nations. The internet and social media platforms have also become conduits for illegal trade, making detection and enforcement even more challenging. The lack of harmonized legislation and enforcement across countries allows criminals to move illicit goods and launder profits with relative ease.

Key stakeholders in this crisis are numerous and diverse. The great ape species themselves are the primary victims. On the perpetrator side, we have poachers, local intermediaries, international crime syndicates, corrupt officials who facilitate the trade, and consumers who drive demand. On the protection side, national wildlife agencies, forest departments, and law enforcement play a crucial role. International organizations like CITES Secretariat, UNEP, Interpol, and various NGOs (e.g., WWF, Wildlife Conservation Society) work on monitoring, enforcement, and conservation. Local communities living alongside ape habitats are also vital stakeholders, often caught between economic desperation and the desire to protect their natural heritage.

For India, while great apes are not native to its biodiversity, the issue is highly significant. India is a signatory to CITES and a major transit and destination country for illegal wildlife trade, including exotic species. The networks involved in ape trafficking are often the same networks that traffic India's own endangered species like tigers, rhinos, and pangolins. This means the fight against global ape trafficking directly impacts India's internal security and its efforts to combat wildlife crime within its borders. Furthermore, India’s commitment to global environmental governance and its role as a leader in conservation means it has a responsibility to advocate for stronger international measures. The potential for zoonotic diseases, as highlighted by recent global pandemics, also links the illegal wildlife trade to public health security, a critical concern for a densely populated nation like India.

India's constitutional framework provides a strong basis for environmental protection. Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is the primary legislation safeguarding India's flora and fauna, prohibiting hunting and trade of scheduled species. While it primarily protects native species, its enforcement machinery and legal precedents can be leveraged in broader anti-wildlife trafficking efforts. India's participation in international forums and its National Wildlife Action Plan further underscore its commitment.

The future implications are dire if current trends continue. We risk losing these magnificent species, leading to irreversible ecological imbalances as great apes play critical roles as seed dispersers and ecosystem engineers. The continued exploitation of loopholes undermines international law and governance, emboldening criminal enterprises. Moreover, the trade poses a persistent threat of zoonotic disease emergence, impacting global public health and economies. Addressing this requires robust international cooperation, technological advancements in surveillance, capacity building for enforcement agencies, community engagement, and a concerted global effort to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products. India, with its experience in wildlife conservation and its strong legal framework, can play a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing these solutions on the global stage.