Urban demand reorganising global wildlife trafficking network: Study

Scientists have mapped the trade routes of Mexican parrots from biodiverse habitats to urban centres, a finding which could aid law enforcement worldwide.

The study found that poachers consistently targeted “charismatic” and high-value species, such as macaws, at unsustainable rates.

The findings come even as wildlife trafficking cases continue to surface in India. Some 2,000 km away from their natural habitat in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, five baby orangutans were found in a forest in Odisha on Tuesday.

Videos showed the critically endangered apes, each around a year old, with limited mobility, huddled together. More videos emerged of the group being bottle-fed in a Bhubaneswar Zoo where they are now being monitored.

Jose Louies, CEO of the Wildlife Trust of India, said it is clear these animals had been kept in captivity for a while, because of their complete lack of fear of humans. CITES prohibits commercial trade in orangutans but these animals are routinely sold as exotic pets and can cost up to Rs. 20 lakh.