{"id":10844,"date":"2024-08-30T12:26:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T12:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=10844"},"modified":"2024-08-31T07:56:48","modified_gmt":"2024-08-31T07:56:48","slug":"wildlife-protection-act-1972","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildlife Protection Act, 1972\u00a0(WPA, 1972)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The <strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/strong> is one of India&#8217;s most significant environmental legislation. Aimed at conserving the country\u2019s rich and diverse wildlife, the Act marked a crucial turning point in the country\u2019s approach to wildlife conservation. This <strong>article aims to study in detail the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972), its key provisions, implementation, challenges faced, and amendments made.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#About_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\" title=\"About Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)\">About Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Objectives_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\" title=\"Objectives of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)\">Objectives of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Key_Provisions_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\" title=\"Key Provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)\">Key Provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Definition_of_Wildlife\" title=\"Definition of Wildlife\">Definition of Wildlife<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Establishment_of_Wildlife_Advisory_Board\" title=\"Establishment of Wildlife Advisory Board\">Establishment of Wildlife Advisory Board<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Schedules_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act\" title=\"Schedules of Wildlife Protection Act\">Schedules of Wildlife Protection Act<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Schedule_I_and_II_of_WPA\" title=\"Schedule I and II of WPA\">Schedule I and II of WPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Schedule_III_and_IV_of_WPA\" title=\"Schedule III and IV of WPA\">Schedule III and IV of WPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Schedule_V_of_WPA\" title=\"Schedule V of WPA\">Schedule V of WPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Schedule_VI_of_WPA\" title=\"Schedule VI of WPA\">Schedule VI of WPA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#WPA_Provisions_Regarding_Hunting_of_Animals\" title=\"WPA Provisions Regarding Hunting of Animals\">WPA Provisions Regarding Hunting of Animals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#WPA_Provisions_Regarding_Wildlife_Sanctuary\" title=\"WPA Provisions Regarding Wildlife Sanctuary\">WPA Provisions Regarding Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#WPA_Provisions_Regarding_National_Park\" title=\"WPA Provisions Regarding National Park\">WPA Provisions Regarding National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Establishment_of_Central_Zoo_Authority\" title=\"Establishment of Central Zoo Authority\">Establishment of Central Zoo Authority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Other_Provisions_of_WPA\" title=\"Other Provisions of WPA\">Other Provisions of WPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Effectiveness_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\" title=\"Effectiveness of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972\">Effectiveness of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Issues_with_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\" title=\"Issues with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972\">Issues with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Wildlife_Protection_Amendment_Act_2021\" title=\"Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021\">Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Significance_of_Wildlife_Protection_Amendment_Act_2021\" title=\"Significance of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021\">Significance of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Way_Forward\" title=\"Way Forward\">Way Forward<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#When_was_the_wildlife_protection_act_implemented\" title=\"When was the wildlife protection act implemented?\">When was the wildlife protection act implemented?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#What_are_the_objectives_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\" title=\"What are the objectives of Wildlife Protection Act 1972?\">What are the objectives of Wildlife Protection Act 1972?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wildlife-protection-act-1972\/#How_many_Schedules_are_there_in_the_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\" title=\"How many Schedules are there in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?\">How many Schedules are there in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9d9f600ad6deb344c175c3696fcedbb6\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\"><\/span><strong>About Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/strong> is an environmental legislation enacted by the Government of India to protect the country&#8217;s wildlife and their habitats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It provides a legal framework for the conservation of various species of flora and fauna and regulates activities that could harm them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8bcbb3d42e318712645c0b13398ed978\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objectives_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\"><\/span><strong>Objectives of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>primary objectives of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong> include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To ensure the protection of endangered species,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To regulate the hunting of wildlife,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To control the trade of wildlife products, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To establish protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62edca8b00ed5fab2d231bae8e784472\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Provisions_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972_WPA_1972\"><\/span><strong>Key Provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA 1972) contains a range of provisions to ensure comprehensive protection of wildlife and their habitats in the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major provisions of the Act are explained in detail in the sections that follow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2ed13443142d7df963e19219ecff743b\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definition_of_Wildlife\"><\/span><strong>Definition of Wildlife<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA 1972) defines wildlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per the Act\u2019s definition, wildlife includes any animal, bees, butterflies, crustaceans, fish and moths; and land or aquatic vegetation that forms part of any habitat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-08af11312e2d60681fd6d4c83fa2517d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishment_of_Wildlife_Advisory_Board\"><\/span><strong>Establishment of Wildlife Advisory Board<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wildlife Advisory Board is mainly constituted to advise the state Government in the following matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Selection of areas to be declared as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Closed areas and their administration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the formulation of the policy for the protection and conservation of wildlife and specified plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In any matter relating to the amendment of any schedule, so as to maintain a harmonious interface between tribes and other dwellers of the forests with the protection and conservation of wildlife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a6a9356451ea426c5e176641c1b07117\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schedules_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act\"><\/span><strong>Schedules of Wildlife Protection Act<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has Six Schedules<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a3ec81e4d4d40e385f2db57f40adcd77\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schedule_I_and_II_of_WPA\"><\/span><strong>Schedule I and II of WPA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1971 (WPA, 1972) covers animals which are endangered species, giving them absolute protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offence committed in relation to any animal specified in Scheduled I or Part II of Schedule II, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not be less than one year which may extend upto six years, and also with fine not be less than five thousand rupees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86d71e602408be89e23c389f10f56747\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schedule_III_and_IV_of_WPA\"><\/span><strong>Schedule III and IV of WPA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule III and IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972) also have roughly the same provisions as Schedule I and II, but cover animals that are not in danger of becoming extinct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The penalties under this section are also less than that in Schedule I and II.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-551324bb6a4770978fc573070004b6e8\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schedule_V_of_WPA\"><\/span><strong>Schedule V of WPA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule V of WPA 1972 specifies those animals that can be hunted like ducks and deer\u2019s. Though, for this one has to apply for a license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-afaa4a674dd24162765c61119b045b1c\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schedule_VI_of_WPA\"><\/span><strong>Schedule VI of WPA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972) concerns cultivation and plant life and gives teeth to setting up more protected animal parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a88ed1944c37347e005451f0c4b09dc0\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WPA_Provisions_Regarding_Hunting_of_Animals\"><\/span><strong>WPA Provisions Regarding Hunting of Animals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits hunting of animals belonging to Schedule I\u2013IV in general but exceptional protection is provided to Schedule I animals, which can be hunted only with permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He decides whether an animal has become dangerous to human life or property or disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without a license from the Chief Wildlife Warden, it is illegal to hunt any wild animals except Vermin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Chief Wildlife Warden may grant a special permit to hunt a wildlife animal for the purpose of education, scientific research, management and collection of specimens for Zoological gardens, museums etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93f6b6b1d5149531569aa4db7abd1a53\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WPA_Provisions_Regarding_Wildlife_Sanctuary\"><\/span><strong>WPA Provisions Regarding Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>State Government may, by notification, declare its intention to constitute any area other than the area comprised of any reserve forest or the territorial waters as a sanctuary if it considers that such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, zoological or natural significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ffb36631aba14c4c6bf48234c2789884\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WPA_Provisions_Regarding_National_Park\"><\/span><strong>WPA Provisions Regarding National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The State Government can declare a National park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once a National Park is declared, no alteration of the boundaries shall be made except on the resolution passed by the legislature of the state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In a National Park, the following activities are strictly prohibited:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Destroying, exploring or removing any wildlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destroying, and damaging the habitat of any wild animal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deprive any wild animal of its habitat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grazing of any livestock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23526c6883cd39b02f1e7bab97bc834f\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishment_of_Central_Zoo_Authority\"><\/span><strong>Establishment of Central Zoo Authority<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Central Government shall constitute the Central Zoo Authority, who shall hold office for a period of three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-279277d7cbd8816d7df21c72dc1e1d2d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Provisions_of_WPA\"><\/span><strong>Other Provisions of WPA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The term \u2018trophy\u2019 means whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal other than vermin.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For Example: Eghorn, feather, nail, tooth, musk, eggs, and nests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Every wild animal or a trophy other than vermin, which is hunted or kept or bred in captivity or found dead or killed by mistake, shall be the property of the State Government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If any of the above is found in the sanctuary or a National Park declared by the Central Government, it shall be the property of the Central Government.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ec2d2fb956dd1700d35ec8c80b249dbe\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effectiveness_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\"><\/span><strong>Effectiveness of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Act is the primary legislation for the conservation of wildlife in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the act, so far, over 650 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/protected-area-network\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/protected-area-network\/\"><strong>Protected Areas (PAs)<\/strong><\/a>, including Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks, have been notified across India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b07805e3d84ae0fea56fb735104ec6b4\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issues_with_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\"><\/span><strong>Issues with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coupled with the poor enforcement of legislation and perceived corruption of official machinery, the wildlife trade in India continues to flourish unabated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a mismatch between the Act and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many of the species whose trade is banned in the International market, the WPA does not impose punitive measures for trade in these species domestically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has about 2.9% of IUCN-designated threatened species, but the WPA does not grant any special status to species that fall within the IUCN lists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many indigenous species have not been documented due to the lack of scientific data, such as the Himalayan Black Bear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migratory species are another concern since some of these species are not protected by the Wildlife Protection Act, although they migrate to India for considerable periods of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some provisions of the Act seem to exacerbate the Human-Wildlife Conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-949ee43496abe121f041997db4552cf9\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wildlife_Protection_Amendment_Act_2021\"><\/span><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>key amendments made by the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021 <\/strong>can be seen as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CITES:<\/strong> The Act aims to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora along with expanding the number of species protected by the convention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rationalising Schedules:<\/strong> The amended Act reduces the total number of schedules from earlier six to four by reducing the number of schedules for specially protected animals to two and eliminating the schedule for vermin species.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It also inserts a new schedule for specimens listed under CITES.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Structure of New Scheduled<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Schedule I:<\/strong> Highest-level protected species of animals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule II:<\/strong> Animal species with a lesser level of protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule III:<\/strong> Protected plant species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule IV:<\/strong> Species listed under CITES.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Export or Import Licenses:<\/strong> The act provides for the central government to designate an authority that grants import or export licences for the trading of specimens.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anyone who trades in a scheduled specimen must inform the appropriate authority of the specifics of the transaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Live Specimens of Scheduled Animals:<\/strong> People possessing live specimens of the scheduled animals must obtain a registration certificate from the Management Authority.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It gives the government the authority to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, and possession of invasive alien species or those that are not native to India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalty for Violations:<\/strong> The act increases the penalty for violations of the provisions of the act.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under the 1972 act, the general fine was up to \u20b925,000 which has been increased to \u20b9100,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For violating the provisions related to specially protected animals, the previous fine was up to \u20b910,000, which has now been increased to at least \u20b925,000.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greater Control and Regulation of Wildlife Sanctuaries:<\/strong> It will also ensure greater control and regulation of wildlife sanctuaries and empower the government to notify an area located next to sanctuaries or national parks as a conservation reserve to protect flora and fauna.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Act entrusts the Chief Wildlife Warden to control, manage and maintain all wildlife sanctuaries within a state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The act stipulates that the actions of the Chief Warden must be in accordance with the management plans for the sanctuary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The management plan for sanctuaries falling under special areas must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Voluntary Surrender:<\/strong> The act provides for any person to voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products, without any compensation.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The items will become the property of the state government.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commercial Trade in Live Elephants:<\/strong> The Act allows for commercial trade in Live Elephants.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WPA 1972) specifically prohibits trade in Wild Animals, including captive and wild elephants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Amendment Act carves out an exception by excluding Live Elephant from the general prohibition contained in Section 43.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thus, the Amendment Act allows for commercial trade in elephants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa1fb833e16a7c8dbe3445bc2ab1730d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance_of_Wildlife_Protection_Amendment_Act_2021\"><\/span><strong>Significance of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Act regulates the protection of wild animals, birds and plants by rationalising schedules in a better way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It increases the species protected under the law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also seeks to implement the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in a better way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The amendment\u2019s provision to foster the participation of forest dwellers within national parks in deciding the management plan is a progressive step.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It will enable control over invasive alien species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has mandated the consultation with the Gram Sabha in protected areas falling under scheduled areas or areas recognised to possess forest rights based on claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1e603a2ea607b35340e5267a97dffca5\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_Forward\"><\/span><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is imperative that future legislation on the subject are mindful of the regional ecological requirements and are aligned with international standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The definition of invasive alien species should be expanded to include invasive native species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An expert advisory committee may be constituted to assist the Central government in identifying and prioritisation invasive alien species such that targeted strategies can be developed for managing them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopting the correct definition is the most fundamental and crucial step to propel the conversation on the subject in the right direction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0adc4bd9eb2e9b9b187dc32f0e06642\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA 1972) is a cornerstone of India&#8217;s conservation efforts. By addressing its challenges and building upon its successes, India can continue to protect its invaluable natural heritage for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-618812723183593a2c916a1fd5800128\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1724997344336\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_was_the_wildlife_protection_act_implemented\"><\/span><strong>When was the wildlife protection act implemented?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) of 1972 was passed on August 21, 1972 and implemented on <strong>September 9, 1972<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1724997352250\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_objectives_of_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\"><\/span><strong>What are the objectives of Wildlife Protection Act 1972?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Major objectives of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 include &#8211; conservation of wild animals, protection of their habitats, regulation of trade in wildlife, creation of protected areas, etc.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1724997373131\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_Schedules_are_there_in_the_Wildlife_Protection_Act_1972\"><\/span><strong>How many Schedules are there in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The <strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has Six Schedules<\/strong>, which categorize different species of wild animals and plants based on their level of protection and conservation status.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972) is one of India&#8217;s most significant environmental legislation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":10899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[72],"class_list":["post-10844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment-and-ecology","tag-gs-3"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10844"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10846,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10844\/revisions\/10846"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10899"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}