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.

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.

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.

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.