WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT 1972

The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 serves as a legal framework aimed at safeguarding various species of wild animals and plants, managing their habitats, and regulating and controlling trade in wildlife and wildlife products. It plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation in India.

Key Provisions

• The Act categorizes species into different schedules based on their conservation status, providing varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.
• India's accession to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was facilitated by the Wildlife Act.
• The Act now extends to Jammu and Kashmir following the reorganization act.

Constitutional Framework

• The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, transferred Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds from the State to the Concurrent List.
• Article 51 A (g) mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
• Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State Policy emphasizes the state's duty to protect and improve the environment, safeguarding forests, and wildlife.

Schedules under the Act

• Schedule I: Encompasses endangered species requiring stringent protection, with severe penalties for violations. Hunting is prohibited except in cases of threat to human life or incurable disease.
• Schedule II: Includes species accorded high protection with trade prohibition.
• Schedule III & IV: Lists non-endangered species with hunting prohibition, but with lesser penalties compared to Schedules I and II.
• Schedule V: Contains vermin species that can be hunted, comprising Common Crows, Fruit Bats, Rats, and Mice.
• Schedule VI: Regulates the cultivation and trade of specified plants, requiring prior permission for cultivation, possession, sale, and transportation.

Examples of Protected Species

• Schedule I: Black Buck, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Asiatic Cheetah.
• Schedule II: Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Cobra.
• Schedule III & IV: Chital (spotted deer), Bharal (blue sheep), Hyena, Sambhar (deer).
• Schedule V: Common Crows, Fruit Bats, Rats, Mice.
• Schedule VI: Beddomes’ cycad, Blue Vanda, Red Vanda, Kuth, Slipper orchids, Pitcher plant.

3. Initiatives and Challenges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Initiatives for Wildlife Development

• Project Tiger Conservation Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aims to conserve the tiger population with ongoing support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Project Elephant Established in 1992, Project Elephant focuses on the protection and conservation of elephants.
• Wildlife Corridors These corridors, connecting protected areas, facilitate the movement of wildlife. India is planning its first urban wildlife corridor between New Delhi and Haryana to ensure safe passage for animals like leopards.

Challenges in Implementation

• Despite the Act's existence for over 50 years, many are still unaware of wildlife conservation's significance and the associated laws.
• Increasing human populations and encroachment into wildlife habitats result in heightened conflicts, often leading to illegal killing of wildlife.
• Despite stringent laws, India faces a significant challenge from poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
• Inadequate coordination between the forest department and other agencies hampers effective enforcement of the Act.
• Existing penalties for wildlife crimes may not serve as sufficient deterrents due to their low fines and sentences.
• Local community involvement is essential for successful conservation efforts, but it's often lacking.
• Climate Change poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats, necessitating consideration within the Act to mitigate its impacts.