Wildlife enforcement agencies have warned that poaching syndicates — particularly those operating out of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra — are now increasingly using the North East–Myanmar corridor to move wildlife parts into China and Vietnam. This marks a strategic shift from the earlier Nepal–Tibet route.
Key features:
- Route shift identified: Smugglers earlier used the Nepal–Tibet–China route, but enhanced enforcement has pushed them towards the Mizoram–Myanmar–China corridor.
- States involved: Poaching networks originate in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with trafficking routes passing through Mizoram (Champhai, Kolasib) and Manipur (Moreh).
- Target species: Trafficked wildlife includes Pangolins, Rhino horns, Tiger and Leopard parts, Elephant ivory, turtles and tortoises, all protected under Indian law.
- Destination markets: Animal parts are moved into Myanmar’s Mong La, a known illegal wildlife market near the Myanmar–China border, catering to Chinese and Vietnamese buyers.
- Drivers of demand: Demand arises from traditional Chinese medicine, exotic cuisine, status symbols, investment value and exotic pet trade.