Identification of wildlife crime hotspots in Punjab, India via kernel density estimation analysis

Punjab is a predominantly agrarian state and among the least forested in India. It remains underrepresented in w ildlife crime research. This study documents thirty-two wildlife crime incidents affecting thousands of wild animals compiled from media sources and official enforcement and organisational records between 2019 and 2024. Several of the affected species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2022). Recorded crimes involved leopards, tigers, sambars, wild boar, Tibetan antelopes, freshwater turtles, and marine species. Exploitation methods included the use of firearms, trained dogs, snares, illegal trade, and smuggling of wildlife derivatives such as Shahtoosh shawls, corals, and lizard oil. Kernel Density Estimation analysis identified extreme-intensity hotspots (Class 5) covering approximately 509 km² (~1.0% of the state’s geographical area), while areas classified under Classes 2–5 collectively covered approximately 30% of the state area.