The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, which specify guidelines for the transportation of captive elephants between and among states, have been released by the Union Ministry of the Environment. Any elephant with a certificate of ownership can be moved across states using this method.
The announcement gives the chief wildlife warden of each state and union territory the authority to accept or refuse the transfer of elephants kept in captivity. These rules empower chief wildlife wardens to authorize or deny such transfers, with exceptions for pre-existing ownership certificates, except for calves born from captive elephants.
According to the announcement, the transfer of the elephants may also be allowed if the owner is unable to care for the animal any longer. Elephants kept in captivity cannot be transferred unless their genetic profile has been registered into the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change’s (MoEFCC) electronic monitoring tool. The deputy conservator of forests (DCF), who oversees the region where the elephant is registered, shall receive applications for the transfer of captive elephants.
The notification states that the DCF will investigate, physically inspect the facility where the elephant is currently housed as well as the facility where it is proposed to be housed, and obtain a certificate from a veterinarian. The DCF will then forward the details to the wildlife warden, who will accept or reject the transfer within seven days.
In addition, the ministry has created guidelines for managing species that fall within the reach of CITES. Chief wildlife wardens now have the authority to supervise the lawful acquisition of these species and grant registration certificates for them. The ministry published notices on February 28th, granting chief wildlife wardens the authority to act as CITES management authorities, supervise the transportation of these species, and enforce laws.
