Context The Tamil Nadu State Government has issued orders for setting up the Tamil Nadu Forest and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (TNFWCB) with four zonal offices in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Ramanathapuram.
Key takeaways
Committee formed: It constituted a committee for formulating a draft policy on ecological restoration of forest areas infested with invasive plant species.
The panel would also identify, demarcate and assess the extent of area infested with invasive alien species and formulate a Standard Operating Procedure for removal, disposal and eco-restoration of infested areas.
State-wide data: The TNFWCB shall develop and maintain State-wide data on forest and wildlife offences, forest offenders and wildlife smuggling incidences.
Use of IT practices: It would use information technology practices and forest and wildlife crime information in conjunction with various intelligence agencies which will help in better adaptation to changing crime and criminal practices.
Cadre of well-trained officials: The Bureau is expected to create a cadre of well-trained officials from among government departments for effective monitoring of illegal trade.
Objectives of the TNFWCB
Improving investigation quality for better control of illegal wildlife trade
Building informant networks among local communities
Mapping poaching and illegal trade hotspots in the State for better action.
Introduction of exotic tree species
Most of the exotic tree species like wattle, pine and eucalyptus were introduced in forest areas of Tamil Nadu to satisfy industrial/commercial needs.
However, they have had an adverse impact on the ecology of the area, such as modifying/affecting hydrology, forest/grassland community and wildlife.
The non-native species suppressed native species by disrupting the food web in an ecosystem by restricting or replacing native food sources
The invasion was regarded as one of the major threats to biodiversity
