Wild Life (Protection) Act

– An article by Shivani Gadre

The Wild Life (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972 with the aim of safeguarding wild animals, birds, and plants, and addressing related matters. It applies to the entire territory of India, and subsequent amendments in 2002 resulted in stricter punishments and penalties under the Act. The act provides for the protection of wild animals and plants, and regulates hunting, trapping, and trade in wildlife.

• The main objectives of the Wildlife Protection Act are:
• To protect wildlife and their habitats.
• To regulate hunting and trade in wildlife.
• To establish wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• To provide for the welfare of animals in captivity.

The act categorizes wildlife into different schedules, based on their level of protection needed. Species listed in Schedule I and II are accorded the highest level of protection, while species listed in Schedule III and IV have lesser protection. Schedule V animals are considered vermin and can be hunted.

These schedules include various species of animals and plants that are considered endangered or critically endangered, and they are given stringent protection measures to ensure their conservation. Here are some examples of species listed in Schedule I and II:

Schedule I:

• Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
• Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
• Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
• Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)
• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
• Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
• Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)

Schedule II:

• Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)
• Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur)
• Indian Bison (Bos gaurus)
• Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)
• Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
• Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis)
• Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)

These are just a few examples, and there are many more species listed in Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act. The inclusion of a species in these schedules signifies the need for strict conservation measures, including protection from hunting, trade, and habitat destruction, in order to safeguard their populations and prevent further decline.

The act also provides for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas, where wildlife can live and breed in a natural habitat. The act prohibits the hunting of wild animals and birds, except under certain circumstances, such as for scientific or management purposes.

The Wildlife Protection Act in India imposes penalties and punishments for offenses related to the violation of its provisions. The specific penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Here are some general categories of offenses and their corresponding punishments:

• Hunting, capturing, or killing protected wildlife: The act prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing any wildlife species listed in Schedule I, II, III, and IV, except under specific circumstances and with proper permissions. Offenses related to this can lead to imprisonment for a term ranging from three to seven years and/or a fine.
• Trade in wildlife and their derivatives: The act prohibits the trade, sale, or possession of wildlife species and their products without appropriate licenses or permits. Violations of this provision can result in imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine.
• Destruction of wildlife habitats: Activities such as deforestation, encroachment, or damage to protected areas and their habitats can attract penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine.
• Unauthorized entry into a sanctuary or national park: Unauthorized entry into wildlife sanctuaries or national parks is considered an offense. The punishment for this can include imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine.

It’s important to note that the Wildlife Protection Act has undergone amendments over time, and the specific penalties mentioned above may have been updated or modified. The act provides authorities with the power to conduct searches, make arrests, and seize contraband related to wildlife offenses.

However, there have been criticisms regarding the Act. One specific concern relates to the categorization of certain animals under the WLPA. For instance, species like wild pig and nilgai, which are common and pose challenges to fishermen, farmers, and forest dwellers, are listed under Schedule 2. This classification has significant economic and psychological consequences for these communities. Consequently, the Act disproportionately impacts rural populations who traditionally rely on their surrounding environments for their livelihoods and well-being.

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The Wildlife Protection Act has been amended several times to incorporate new provisions, such as the prohibition of trade in animal parts and products, and the creation of a Central Zoo Authority to regulate zoos in the country. The act has played a crucial role in protecting India’s wildlife and biodiversity, and has helped to increase the populations of several endangered species.

To obtain accurate and current information regarding the Wildlife Protection Act and its associated penalties, it is recommended to refer to the most recent version of the act and seek guidance from legal resources or knowledgeable authorities specializing in wildlife conservation laws in India.