Despite a repressive law passed in 1972, we had to wait until 2002 and the combination of several actions to see the disappearance of the dancing bear tradition in India become a reality.
At the same time, a programme to find alternative employment for dancing bear keepers, the creation of an anti-poaching cell with specialist technical resources and trained personnel have enabled the traffic in bear cubs to be combated effectively, whether these cubs are intended to become dancers or to supply the bear bile market. The number of cubs captured has fallen from 100 to fewer than 35 in ten years.
In 1972, India adopted legal resources to protect the bears who live in its territory. But the bear population has continued to decline, decimated by a centuries-old tradition that seemed impossible to change, the tradition of dancing bears.
Combating poaching and illegal trade
The Indian authorities’ clear intention “To eradicate all crimes against wild fauna and flora” has encouraged and facilitated the establishment of measures to strengthen the law and see an end to both the tradition of dancing bears and the capture of bears in their natural habitat. The creation of the “Forestwatch” anti-poaching cell in 2002 by Wildlife SOS and One Voice is one example of this. This cell, which works in close co-operation with government agencies and local communities, is enabling the fight to be taken against poaching and the illegal trade in bear cubs, as well as in other wild species which are often revealed during their investigations.
Resources and trained personnel
Informants are chosen, selected and trained in the strictest of terms. They are usually former poachers or traffickers who have seen the error of their ways and who know the subject well. Thanks to One Voice, they have modern technology, such as mobile phones, computers, PDAs or cameras. Data is collected on poaching and trafficking thanks to local information and by visiting markets.
When a trader or poacher is spotted, head office in Delhi is alerted and sends a investigator to the location. It often takes several months to carry out the investigation successfully and dismantle the network. The teams very often have to pass themselves off as traffickers or buyers to infiltrate the network. Once they have enough evidence they hand over to the local authorities and those involved are arrested.
The key to this success has without doubt been efforts to co-ordinate and share information, as well as a real commitment to fighting poaching. Between 2004 and 2006, work in close co-operation with forestry departments enabled over 30 bear cubs to be seized and a 40-year old network to be dismantled. Where it was once estimated that 100-150 cubs were taken from their mothers every year, this number has fallen to 35 today.
Taking account of economic stakes and people
In addition to its presence in the field and its work to prevent poaching, the cell organises workshops to share its experience with the police, forest rangers and other interested parties. The members of Forestwatch, biologists, investigators and informants also work together to collect and analyse traffic data in order to anticipate market trends and the economic logic behind the traffic in wild animals. Recognising the extreme poverty in which the Kalandar gypsies live and setting up an alternative employment programme have also contributed to the success of the anti-poaching cell’s mission: to eradicate all trafficking and save the animals.
Where it was once estimated that 100-150 cubs were taken from their mothers every year, this number has fallen to 35 today.
Agra sanctuary : a second chance of life
The adult bears and cubs that are saved from traffickers or are handed over by the Kalandars are transferred to the Agra sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh province. They are placed in quarantine for 90 days, during which any infections from which they are suffering and their wounds are treated. First of all, the rope or ring which tortured them is removed. They are fed with a balanced diet and are vaccinated. After this period they are placed in semi-liberty and the“ « socialisation” process can begin. During this period they are closely monitored by veterinary teams and the sanctuary’s staff, who ensure that the bears adapt to living with the group. The cubs received special treatment, funded by One Voice. They need care, attention and specially-adapted food. Normally a cub will only leave its mother at around 2-3 years of age.
The adult bears and cubs are cared for by three full-time vets and a dedicated team. The sanctuary has a hospital with a laboratory and all the equipment it needs.
