Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body
Established by the Government of India on 6 June 2007, by amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 197
Functions under the Ministry of Environment and Forests
Headquarter- New Delhi
It complements the efforts of the state governments, primary enforcers of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and other enforcement agencies of the country
Aim: To combat organized wildlife crime in the country
The Bureau was initially headed by a Senior Police Officer of Inspector General of Police rank, Ms. Rina Mitra, and the organisation achieved substantial progress under her leadership

Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it is mandated to:

Collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals
Establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank
Co-ordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Act
Assist foreign authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate co-ordination and universal action for wildlife crime control
Capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes
Advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws

It also assists and advises the Customs authorities in inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item
WCCB is also partnering with United Nations University and CIESIN-Earth Institute at Columbia University through the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System Initiative

Won the prestigious 2010 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award for its outstanding work on wildlife law enforcement in the country

Recent years have seen rise in the population of wild lions and tigers in India. Critically examine the reasons behind this success.
Comment on the existing legal framework in India to protect and conserve wildlife

Published with inputs from Swapnil

[E&B bodies #7] Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau

By Explains