Trends in CITES Listed Bird’s Trade in South Asian Countries in View of Evolution of Indian Laws during Last Four Decades ^†

Wildlife is considered to be a very effective money making trade. It is considered to be difficult to obtain information on both legal and illegal aspects of trade. Present study is an attempt to understand the changing trade of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) enlisted bird species of South Asian countries with focus on India -relating to ever emerging wildlife laws in India. This study has taken into account CITES listed bird’s import and export since 1975 to 2019 for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The analysis has showed that import as well as export of birds in India has rapidly declined after 1991, which may be associated with The Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 1991.The analysis shows that import of birds has started rising for Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan since 1991 and has increased tremendously from 2010 for Bangladesh and Pakistan. Maximum of these birds are captive birds. These birds may end up in India from its porous border with adjoining countries. The authors suggest to read between the lines and have an improved system of surveillance for illegal bird trade.