Guardians of Nature: Sohail H. Jafferi’s Journey in Wildlife Conservation

Q. Can you describe your role in the Mumbai Customs Marine Preventive Wing and how it intersects with wildlife conservation?

S.H.J: “I am working as a Superintendent in the Marine & Preventive Wing of Mumbai Customs. Apart from regular Customs related work, we are part of a very critical task of coastal security (along with other government agencies) along the 370 km coast from Dahanu in the north to Shriwardhan in south of Mumbai. While keeping a vigil over the sensitive coastal areas, I revel in the sheer coastal splendour around Mumbai.   

Well, Indian Customs is the frontline agency to counter trans-border smuggling, of which wildlife trafficking is a key area. Over the years Indian Customs has booked numerous wildlife smuggling cases at airports, sea ports and land Customs stations. The intelligence wing of Customs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has even smashed powerful wildlife syndicates in the process. The recent amendment in the Wildlife Protection Act empowers the Indian Customs to act against wildlife crime across India, apart from international transit points. And the results are encouraging.  

You see, the prevention of wildlife smuggling is not just a process of protecting the priceless natural wealth, but it goes much beyond. The sophisticated wildlife crime syndicates often converge with illicit networks involved in drug trafficking, weapons trade, and human trafficking, forming a complex web of organized criminal activity. This intersection even poses a significant threat to national security.”    

Q. What are some of the key strategies Indian Customs employs to combat wildlife trafficking?

S.H.J: “Enhanced vigil at sensitive transit points by the field officers and highly professional investigation modules by DRI are among the key strategies employed by Indian Customs to combat wildlife trafficking. 

The power of inter- agency coordination is another area, which can greatly strengthen the enforcement process. A strategic tie-up between Customs and MP Forest Special Task Force resulted in several successful joint operations. I hope such successful models are replicated. In coming times, trained detector dogs will be an added asset in the armoury of Indian Customs to go after the wildlife smugglers.

Another important factor is sensitising and training the fresh recruits in the department towards their duty and role in prevention of wildlife smuggling. While interacting with them during training sessions, I show them glimpses from my documentary films, which appeal to their imagination and inspire some to contribute towards wildlife protection.”

Q. What inspired you to venture into documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on human-wildlife conflict?

S.H.J: “Nature and wildlife have always been the cornerstone of my existence. At first I wrote articles and photo-features in newspapers and magazines. Then the wildlife TV channels inspired me to use video format for storytelling. Learning the art of filmmaking professionally and venturing into the jungles for making hard core wildlife documentaries was beyond the scope of my resources. So I am a self-taught filmmaker who focuses on human-wildlife stories.   

Human wildlife conflict has intrigued me since my school days when I read Kenneth Anderson, Jim Corbett and later innumerable writers at BNHS library in Mumbai. Making a 52 minute documentary on human leopard conflict was a rewarding experience, though it took me a few years of exploration in Uttarakhand, Himachal and culminating in SGNP in Mumbai, as and when time permitted from my official duties.”

Q. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, both in Customs and in filmmaking?

S.H.J: “While organising a national level interagency workshop on wildlife trafficking, I decided to make a short documentary showcasing the inspiring work done by the Forest and Customs departments. I covered the anti-poaching network of the Forest Department in Kaziranga national park and a remarkable Red Sanders case by DRI in Mumbai. 

The film was meant as the curtain-raiser for the two day event, but proved to be an ice-breaker and triggered meaningful discourse among the cutting edge officers from various enforcement agencies. The workshop resulted in good inter-agency coordination, followed by several joint wildlife operations. So I have fond memories of making that film and later reaping the reward of that workshop. I feel that my bosses at that time played a significant role in encouraging me towards wildlife enforcement endeavours.   

My documentary ‘Shoot That Leopard’ was among the finalists of long format wildlife documentary films at Asia’s biggest green film festival CMS Vatavaran. I felt privileged to compete with the top wildlife filmmakers of India, some of whom I admire greatly.”

Q. How do you envision the future of wildlife conservation in India, and what role do you see Indian Customs playing in it?
S.H.J: “India has demonstrated remarkable commitment towards wildlife conservation, despite its burgeoning human population. However, I have personally witnessed the formidable challenges faced by the forest department, NGOs, wildlife scientists, and individuals in their tireless efforts to protect our precious wildlife. The Indian Customs has consistently played a vital role in safeguarding our natural heritage, and their further empowerment through the amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) has significantly strengthened their endeavours. The collective efforts of all these stakeholders can form a robust alliance against wildlife crime syndicates, making a substantial impact on conservation and protection of our invaluable wildlife assets.”