Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
Context: Kerala plans to request the Centre for an amnesty scheme under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to allow legal heirs to declare inherited wildlife trophies, following cases like actor Mohanlal's alleged possession of ivory.
Important Pointers:
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides a legal framework for the protection of wild animals and plants, regulation of trade, and habitat management.
Schedules of Protection: The Act classifies species under six Schedules (now four after the 2022 amendment) offering graded protection.
CITES Compliance: Facilitated India’s accession to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
J&K Coverage: Initially not applicable to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), but extended after reorganisation in 2019.
rotected Areas under WPA: Includes Sanctuaries, National Parks, Conservation Reserves, Community Reserves, and Tiger Reserves.
Schedules (Pre-2022 Amendment):
Schedule I: Offers the highest protection; includes Snow Leopard, Black Buck, and Himalayan Bear.
Schedule II: High protection; includes Indian Cobra, and Assamese Macaque.
Schedules III & IV: Covers lesser-protected species like Chital, Hyena, and Kingfisher.
Schedule V: Declares vermin (e.g., Crow, Rats, Fruit Bats) that can be hunted.
Schedule VI: Regulates cultivation/trade of protected plants like Blue Vanda, and Pitcher Plant.
Key Bodies Under the Act:
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Apex body for wildlife-related decisions and approvals.
State Board for Wildlife (SBWL): Headed by the Chief Minister; advises on state-level wildlife matters.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Regulates and recognizes zoos, and ensures animal welfare.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Formed in 2005 to oversee tiger reserves.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Created to combat organised wildlife crimes.
Major Amendments:
1991 Amendment: Strengthened penalties and expanded protection to endangered species.
2002 Amendment: Introduced community and conservation reserves.
2006 Amendment: Established National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and addressed human-wildlife conflict.
2022 Amendment:
Aligns with CITES;
Reduces schedules to four;
Allows use of elephants for religious/other purposes;
Increases penalties for violations.
Major Initiatives Under WPA:
Project Tiger (1973): Flagship scheme for tiger conservation.
Project Elephant (1992): Aim at elephant protection and identification of corridors.