Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Objectives, Provisions, Significance

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is one of India’s most important environmental legislation, providing an important turning point in India’s approach to biodiversity conservation. The act provided a framework to conserve ecosystems, protect endangered species and regulate human interaction with wildlife. This law continues to be a foundation of India’s wildlife conservation strategy and its implementation has evolved through amendments, particularly in line with global conventions such as CITES. In this article, we are going to cover the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, its provisions and objectives its effectiveness. 

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted by the Government of India, 1972 and came into force in 1973. 

• It provides a framework to protect wild animals, birds, plants and their habitats. 
• Regulates activities like hunting, poaching and trade of wildlife products. 
• Creates protected areas such as National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries and Biosphere reserves. 

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Objectives

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has the following objectives: 

• Protection of endangered species and prevention of extinction.
• Regulation of hunting and safeguarding wildlife against poaching.
• Control of trade and commerce in wildlife and its derivatives.
• Creation of protected areas to conserve biodiversity in natural habitats.
• Promotion of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Key Provisions

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has the following provisions: 

1. Wildlife includes animals (terrestrial and aquatic), plants, insects, fish, and vegetation forming part of any habitat.

2. Establishment of Wildlife Advisory Boards

• Constituted at the state level to advise on:
  • Selection and management of Sanctuaries and National Parks.
  • Conservation policies for wildlife and plants.
  • Harmonizing tribal needs with conservation goals.

3. Schedules of the WPA

The Act categorizes flora and fauna into six schedules with varying levels of protection.

• Schedule I & II: Endangered species; absolute protection; highest penalties (1–6 years imprisonment + fine). Example: Tiger, Elephant.
• Schedule III & IV: Species not endangered; lesser penalties. Example: Hyena, Nilgai.
• Schedule V: Vermin species that may be hunted with license. Example: Crows, Rats.
• Schedule VI: Regulation of cultivation and trade of specific plants. Example: Beddomes’ cycad.

4. Hunting Regulations

• General ban on hunting animals from Schedules I–IV.
• Chief Wildlife Warden may grant permits if animals pose danger or are diseased.
• Permits can also be issued for education, scientific research, and zoological purposes.

5. Wildlife Sanctuaries

• Declared by State Governments.
• Protect ecologically significant areas.
• Certain activities may be permitted with regulation.

6. National Parks

• Declared by State Legislatures.
• No alteration of boundaries without legislative approval.
• Prohibited activities: hunting, grazing, habitat destruction, and exploitation.

7. Central Zoo Authority

• Supervises zoos across India.
• Ensures proper care and conservation practices for captive animals.

8. Ownership of Wildlife & Trophies

• All wildlife (other than vermin), trophies, and animal products are state property.
• Illegal possession, trade, or transfer is punishable.

Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2021

• CITES Implementation: Expanded protection for species under international trade regulation.
• Rationalized Schedules: Reduced from six to four for clarity:
  • Schedule I: Highest protection.
  • Schedule II: Lesser protection.
  • Schedule III: Protected plants.
  • Schedule IV: CITES species.
• Regulation of Invasive Alien Species: Government empowered to prohibit or control them.
• Increased Penalties: General fine raised from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000.
• Stronger Management of Sanctuaries: Gram Sabha consultation made mandatory in scheduled areas.
• Voluntary Surrender: Captive animals and trophies can be surrendered without compensation.
• Controversial Clause: Commercial trade in live elephants permitted under certain conditions.

Wildlife Protection Act 2021 Amendment Significance

Wildlife Protection Act 2021 has the following significance: 

• Aligns India’s wildlife laws with global conservation standards (CITES).
• Provides clarity by simplifying schedules.
• Strengthens community participation in wildlife management.
• Introduces better penalties and enforcement mechanisms.
• Recognizes modern conservation challenges like invasive alien species.