wildlife trafficking networks

Exotic animals are being bought and sold through social media, turning rare wildlife into status symbols. Falcons are prized as markers of wealth while reptiles are kept for show, with traffickers using online networks to reach buyers and move species across borders. The trade raises concerns over enforcement, animal welfare and the survival of species targeted for the exotic pet market.

Investigators probing a leopard poaching case say an elephant was smuggled into India from Nepal, and the trail points to a non-governmental organisation. The case ties wildlife trafficking across the India-Nepal border to poaching networks, raising questions about the NGO's involvement and how protected animals are moved between the two countries.