Wildlife SOS Responds To Poaching Allegations, Says Anti-Poaching Work Being 'Vilified'

Mumbai: Wildlife SOS has vehemently denied allegations linking its senior personnel to a poaching and trafficking network, claiming that legitimate anti-poaching intelligence is being wrongly labeled as involvement in wildlife crime. This came after an investigation into the seizure of 10 leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh raised questions about the organization's alleged ties to suspected wildlife traffickers.

The skins were seized in July after intelligence provided by Wildlife SOS, leading to the arrest of four individuals. The investigation into the wider trafficking network is ongoing. Reports from Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force alleged that two suspected wildlife traffickers from another big-cat poaching case were associated with Wildlife SOS, but these claims are still under investigation.

Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan was summoned to appear before an investigating officer in Shivpuri. The NGO stated it was "shocked and deeply concerned" about the allegations, arguing that treating anti-poaching work as wildlife crime could set a "chilling effect" on future enforcement efforts. Wildlife SOS claims it operates a Forest Watch unit that gathers intelligence on poachers and traffickers and shares it with authorities, aiding in the recovery of wildlife products and apprehension of suspects.

The organization maintains that its core mission is conservation and rescue, and it is willing to face any investigation.