Asserting the central government's commitment to ending illegal wildlife trade, union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said steps were taken to protect and preserve endangered wildlife species and increase their numbers.
"India is a value-based country; we are committed to completely stop illegal wildlife trade," Javadekar said while addressing a prize distribution function to mark Wildlife Week here.
Trading in animal products was illegal and should not be promoted, the minister said.
Strict action had been taken against poachers and confiscated wildlife products would continue to be burnt every year to send out a strong message, he added.