Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Why in News ? The Centre has further listed 44 rare species and endangered categories of birds and imposed restrictions on their export under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains

Prelims: WLPA 1972/ IUCN Red List/ UN SDG 15 (Life on Land)/ Aichi Biodiversity Targets:

Mains :  GS 3 ( Env &Ecology)

Key Points:

New Restrictions on Wildlife Trade:

1. • 44 bird species, 3 reptile species, and 37 mammal species have been added to the restricted export list.
   • The birds include munias, mynas, finches, and pigeons (excluding blue rock pigeons).
   • Reptiles include the chameleon, rat snake, and water snake.
   • Mammals include the Andaman wild pig, Assamese macaque, common dolphin, hyena, Nilgiri thar, and jackal.

Implementation:

1. • Only registered exporters are allowed to export the listed species via specific major ports (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and Delhi).
   • Export requires a wildlife certificate issued by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

Previous Trade Bans:

1. • Trade in 70 mammal species, 18 reptile species, and 44 bird species had already been banned.
   • The ban extends to butterflies, moths, and dragonflies.

Exceptions and Pending Policies:

1. • Export of non-poisonous live snakes is permitted under specific conditions.
   • Policies for rhesus monkeys, bonnet monkeys, and peacock-tail feathers are still under deliberation.

Implications:

• These measures strengthen India’s wildlife conservation framework, aligning with global efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
• The restrictions aim to curb illegal wildlife trade and promote sustainable practices.
• The move underlines India’s commitment to protecting endangered species and habitats.

 About Rare Species:

• Species with small populations that may not currently face extinction but are at risk due to their limited numbers.
• Found in specific geographical regions and vulnerable to habitat loss or environmental changes.
• Example: Pangolin in India.

About  Endangered Species:

• Species classified as being at a high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Included in the IUCN Red List, typically categorized under “Endangered” (EN) or “Critically Endangered” (CR).
• Example: Tiger, Asiatic Lion, and Great Indian Bustard in India.

Examples of Rare and Endangered Species in India:

1. Mammals:
   • Snow Leopard (Critically Endangered in certain regions).
   • Red Panda (Endangered).
2. Birds:
   • Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered).
   • Himalayan Monal (Rare).
3. Reptiles:
   • Gharial (Critically Endangered).
4. Marine Life:
   • Olive Ridley Turtle (Vulnerable).

About the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

It is a landmark legislation in India enacted to ensure the protection of wildlife, control poaching, and conserve biodiversity. It provides a legal framework for the preservation of wildlife and their habitats and regulates the trade of wildlife products.

Key Features of the Act:

1. Categories of Protected Areas:

The Act designates specific areas for wildlife conservation:

• National Parks: No human activity, including grazing or resource collection, is allowed.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Limited human activity is permitted, but the primary objective is wildlife conservation.
• Conservation Reserves: Areas adjacent to National Parks or Sanctuaries where sustainable use is encouraged.
• Community Reserves: Declared by local communities for wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.

2. Schedules for Species Protection:

The Act classifies wildlife species into six schedules based on their level of protection:

• Schedule I & II: Highest protection; includes species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. Offenses related to these species attract severe penalties.
• Schedule III & IV: Protection but with lesser penalties. Includes species like hyenas and foxes.
• Schedule V: Animals considered vermin (e.g., rats, crows) and may be hunted.
• Schedule VI: Protection for specified plant species like sandalwood.

3. Regulation of Wildlife Trade:

• Restricts trade in endangered species and wildlife products.
• Includes provisions for punishing offenders involved in the illegal trade of wildlife.

4. Creation of Statutory Bodies:

• National and State Wildlife Boards: Advisory bodies to formulate and implement policies.
• Central Zoo Authority: Regulates zoos in the country.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Ensures the survival of the tiger population under the Project Tiger initiative.

5. Power of Authorities:

• Forest officers and Chief Wildlife Wardens are empowered to enforce the Act, conduct searches, and seize illegally acquired wildlife products.

6. Community Involvement:

• Recognizes the role of local communities in wildlife conservation and encourages participatory governance.

Amendments to the Act:

• 1991 Amendment:

• • Enhanced penalties for wildlife offenses.
  • Added new species under protection.

• 2006 Amendment:

• • Strengthened tiger conservation through the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
  • Created Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for investigating wildlife-related crimes.

• 2022 Amendment:

• • Aligns the Act with the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) framework.
  • Introduces stricter penalties and more comprehensive protection for species and habitats.