Wildlife Protection Act 1972 | Zoology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Safeguarding India's Biodiversity

• The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 plays a pivotal role in ensuring the ecological and environmental stability of India by focusing on the preservation of wildlife, avian species, and flora.
• Its history, constitutional provisions, salient features, established bodies, protected areas, and initiatives showcase the multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation.

Historical Evolution of Wildlife Protection Rules in India

• The first legislation, the Wild Birds Protection Act 1887, was introduced under British rule, targeting the possession and sale of specific wild birds during their breeding season.
• Subsequent acts like the Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act 1912 and the Wild Birds and Animals Protection (Amendment) Act 1935 paved the way for wildlife conservation.
• Not until 1960 did wildlife conservation gain significant attention.

Constitutional Provisions of Wildlife Protection Act

• India was the first to incorporate environmental and wildlife conservation provisions into its constitution following the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976, after the Stockholm Conference.
• Article 48A, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, underscores the state's role in protecting and enhancing the environment, forests, and wildlife.
• Article 51A (g) makes it a fundamental duty of Indian citizens to protect and improve the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.

Clear all your UPSC doubts with EduRev Join for Free

Join for Free

Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act 1972

• Prohibits the hunting of wild animals specified in the act's schedules without a valid license.
• Empowers the government to declare protected areas, including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and more.
• Provides licenses for selling, transferring, and possessing certain wildlife species.
• Establishes the Central Zoo Authority to regulate zoos in India.
• Appoints a Director of Wildlife Preservation and Wildlife Wardens to enforce the Act.

Bodies Established Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972

• Statutory body advising the government on wildlife conservation.
• Chaired by the Prime Minister and composed of 30 members.

State Board for Wildlife (SBWL)

• Advises state governments on wildlife conservation.
• Chaired by the Chief Minister, with 25 members.

Central Zoo Authority (CZA)

• Regulates zoos in India and ensures their proper maintenance.
• Headed by a Director-General and comprised of 10 members.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

• Coordinates and monitors tiger conservation in India.
• Headed by a Director-General and includes 10 members, chaired by the Union Environment Minister.

Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (TSECCB)

• Investigates and prosecutes crimes related to the poaching and trafficking of endangered species.
• Headed by a Director-General and staffed with 100 officers.

Protected Areas Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972

• The State Government can declare areas with ecological, faunal, or floral significance as sanctuaries.
• Chief Wildlife Warden manages and protects sanctuaries, granting permissions for specific activities.

National Parks

• Areas with ecological significance can be declared national parks, even within sanctuaries.
• Strictly prohibits destruction, exploitation, or removal of wildlife and habitat.
• Grazing of livestock is prohibited in national parks.

Conservation Reserves

• Adjacent to protected areas, these reserves protect landscapes, flora, fauna, and habitats.

Community Reserves

• Declared on private or community land by volunteers for wildlife and habitat conservation.

Download the notes Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Download as PDF

Download as PDF

Authorities Appointed Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972

• Director of Wildlife Preservation: Appointed by the Central Government, responsible for overall administration.
• Chief Wildlife Warden: Appointed by State Government, responsible for implementation in the State.
• Wildlife Warden: Protects and manages wildlife in specific areas, appointed by the State Government.
• Honorary Wildlife Warden: Non-official assisting Wildlife Wardens in protecting and managing wildlife.
• National Board for Wildlife: Advises the Government on wildlife conservation, chaired by the Prime Minister.
• State Board for Wildlife: Advises state governments on wildlife conservation, chaired by the Chief Minister.
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Enforces laws related to wildlife protection.
• Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Regulates and oversees the functioning of zoos in the country.
• State Wildlife Advisory Boards: Formulates policies for wildlife conservation at the state level.

Initiatives of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, focuses on identifying and declaring tiger reserves, implementing measures to protect tigers and habitats.
• Project Elephant: Launched in 1992, addresses human-elephant conflicts, and promotes the welfare of captive elephants.
• Wildlife Corridors: Protected areas that allow animals to move between different areas and find food and water, integral for wildlife conservation.

Take a Practice Test Test yourself on topics from UPSC exam

Practice Now

Practice Now

The Need for the Wildlife Protection Act

• The Act safeguards India's natural animals, birds, and plants, promotes ecological and environmental security, and establishes hunting limitations for various animal species.
• It outlines punishments for offenses and encompasses six schedules of species and goods that span India.

Conclusion
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is a comprehensive legal framework dedicated to preserving India's rich biodiversity and ecological stability, making it an exemplar in the global conservation effort.