83 wildlife cases reported across country since 2004: Govt

NEW DELHI: At least 83 cases of trafficking in skins and bones of protected wild animals have been reported in the last five years across the country, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to a written question, environment minister Jairam Ramesh said as per information available with the regional offices of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), a total 83 cases had been registered during 2004-2008.

"Western Region tops the list with 51 cases followed by Eastern Region (26), Northern Region (5) and only one case in Southern Region," he added.

During 2008, 11 cases were reported from Western region which has its headquarters at Mumbai and seven in Eastern Region with its headquarters at Kolkata.

The minister also said currently lions were found only in Gir forests of Gujarat and as per the estimations carried out in 2005, the total population of lions in Gir forests is 359 subject to an error margin of 10.