Wildlife Protection Act 1972 - Amended in 1991

 

Wildlife Protection Act 1972: (Amended in 1991)

Wildlife includes both plants and animals. It is essential for maintaining ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, obtaining a number of economic products, potential source for breeding improved varieties, new fodder, drugs, beverages, etc.

Attempts have been made previously to protect wildlife through various legislative measures like

▬  Madras wild elephant preservation act 1873.

▬  All India elephant preservation act 1879.

▬  Wild birds and animals protection at 1912.

▬  Bengal rhinoceros preservation act 1932.

▬  Assam rhinoceros preservation act 1954.

[A Comprehensive wildlife protection act was passed in 1972 which was further amended in 1991]

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, updated in 1991, is a key law in India for protecting animals and their habitats. This law follows guidelines from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to ensure effective wildlife conservation. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) also helps by making sure zoos in India take good care of animals and support conservation efforts.

Overview:

• Enacted: 1972
• Amended: 1991
• Purpose: To protect wild animals, birds, and plants and ensure the ecological and environmental security of India.

Key Provisions:

1. Protected Areas: The Wildlife Protection Act provides for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves to protect wildlife habitats.

2. Regulation of Hunting: The Act strictly regulates hunting and poaching, with severe penalties for violations.

3. Trade and Commerce: The Act prohibits the trade of endangered species and their derivatives, aligning with international conventions like CITES.

4. Conservation Measures: It includes provisions for the conservation of species listed in the IUCN Red List, ensuring special protection for endangered and critically endangered species.

Functions and Measures of IUCN:

• Provides global guidelines and standards for wildlife conservation.
• Compiles and publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Supports countries in developing and implementing wildlife protection policies.
• Conducts research and data gathering on biodiversity.
• Engages in advocacy and education for conservation.
• Facilitates international cooperation on conservation issues.
• Implements field projects for habitat and species conservation.

Functions and Measures of Central Zoo Authority (CZA):

• Grants recognition to zoos based on adherence to standards.
• Provides technical and financial assistance to zoos.
• Regulates the exchange of animals between zoos.
• Conducts training programs for zoo personnel.
• Implements planned breeding programs.
• Supports ex-situ conservation research.
• Ensures zoos meet high standards of animal care and management.

Liberation of wildlife Protection Act:

·     Enforcement of Wildlife Act has helped in increasing population of many endangered animals.

·     Ecological balance has been restored at several places where human activities restricted under the act.

·     It has opened avenues for recreation and tourist attraction.

Limitations of wildlife Protection Act:

·     Stress is more on conservation of one or two species in an area. A holistic approach is missing.

·     Human beings have been uprooted at a number of places to make room for wildlife.

·     Less attention is being paid to endangered plant species.

·     Exploitation of plant species continues under the garb of traditional medicine as all the plants of medicinal importance are not cultivated.

·     It takes a lot of time for the wildlife authorities to declare an animal maneater as dangerous. By that time, the animal unleashes a reign of terror in the area of its operation, mauling or killing domesticated animals, children and even adult human beings.

·     Apprehension of offenders and legal procedure against them are cumbersome.

Conclusion:

 The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is crucial for conserving India’s wildlife and habitats. It helps prevent poaching, regulates trade, and creates protected areas. This Act ensures the preservation of India’s natural heritage for future generations.