Live Pangolin seized at Bhaltapur.

Poaching and trade of wildlife is a serious threat to the survival of many species. The illegal wildlife trade has recently become more organized, demand has increased and the traders have a more sophisticated system for transporting consignments (WWF, 2015). Nepal--both transit and source point for wildlife poachers and traders (DNPWC, 2013) from Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, Nepal and India. (Today's Tibet, 2013) noted that Red panda hides, pangolins scales, tiger parts, rhino horn, turtles, sea horses and other wildlife contraband entering China via extremely porous border with Nepal. Despite the provision of a stiff penalty of up to NRs 100,000 or imprisonment of up to 15 years in jail and both, wildlife crimes befalling in Nepal.

Nepal is celebrating zero poaching for rhinos; however, the large scale seizures of wildlife body parts in different parts of the country. Araniko highway and surroundings are key routes to enter China for wildlife smuggler (Misra, 2004; Wildlife Times, 2012; SAWEN, 2014), however detail information about the routes and involved people aren't studied precisely. The data and information on poaching and wildlife trade need to be analyse to guide effective actions to curb illegal wildlife trade. This project aims to monitor illegal trade of endangered species in Nepal-China Border around Araniko-trail (One of the most wildlife parts seized routes in Nepal), develop awareness materials and conduct outreach programs engaging local youth, community, media and conservation stakeholders.