Media-based documentation of wild animal meat trade in Arunachal Pradesh, India (2018-2024)

This study documents reported incidents of wild animal meat sale and seizure in different districts of Arunachal Pradesh based on news media records from 2018 to 2024. Each news report was treated as a single incident and information on year, district, location, species involved, form of meat and enforcement action was extracted and analysed. A total of 20 incidents were compiled. The highest number of reported cases occurred in 2020, followed by a sharp decline in subsequent years. Papum Pare and East Siang districts accounted for the majority of reported incidents. Most cases were detected in markets and forest check gates, followed by wildlife sanctuaries. Seizure was the most frequently reported enforcement action, while arrests and legal case registrations were reported less often. The study highlights spatial and temporal patterns in reported wild meat trade and demonstrates the usefulness and limitations of news media as a source of conservation data.