Context
- Operation Thunder 2025 resulted in the seizure of 30,000 live animals trafficked illegally across borders.
- Coordinated action highlights the global commitment to tackling wildlife crime, especially during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Key Features
1Coordinating Agencies
oINTERPOL – International criminal police organization facilitating cross-border cooperation.
oWorld Customs Organization (WCO) – Monitors and regulates customs enforcement to prevent illegal trade.
oInternational Consortium on Combating Wildlife and Forestry Crime (ICCWC) – Provides policy, operational support, and capacity building to combat wildlife and forestry crimes.
2Objectives
oIntercept and seize illegally traded wildlife and forestry commodities.
oIdentify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking.
oProtect biodiversity and endangered species by enforcing international regulations and treaties.
3Significance
oSupports CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) commitments.
oEnhances global collaboration to tackle organized environmental crimes.
oSends a deterrent signal to illegal wildlife traders, reducing pressure on threatened species.
4Key Takeaways for India
oStrengthens India’s efforts under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and National Wildlife Action Plan.
oContributes to enforcement against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in India’s Western Ghats, North-East, and Himalayan regions.
oEncourages technology-driven monitoring, including DNA tracking, satellite tracking, and coordinated intelligence networks.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
