The Illegal wildlife trade is one of the most significant forms of global organised crime today. The illegal wildlife trade on a national and international scale has reached vast proportions, threatening the existence of many plant and animal species.

India is one of the top 20 countries in terms of illegal wildlife trade. Many species, including animal skins and other body parts, are poached and smuggled out of India. Poachers also poach and smuggle species for use within the country. The Wildlife trade is now a big business, with wild plants, animals, and products derived from them being sold legally and illegally all over the world. Since there is a complete ban on trade in Indian species, the interest of the smugglers has now shifted to exotic species, which has led to disastrous global environmental consequences. In India, there is an unfortunate and growing trend of smuggling of endangered and exotic fauna from all over the world.