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Notes

Wildlife Protection

Definition/Introduction

Wildlife Protection refers to the conservation and protection of wild animals and plants, and the preservation of their habitats. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 serves as the fundamental legal framework for wildlife conservation in India.

Constitutional Provisions

**Article 48A**: Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife. It mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

**Article 51A(g)**: It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Historical Evolution

The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972, in response to the growing concern over the decline in wildlife populations due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The Act has been amended several times to address new challenges and to enhance protection measures.

Classification/Types

**Protected Areas**: These include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves, which are designated for the protection of wildlife and their habitats.

**Scheduled Animals**: The Act classifies animals into different schedules, providing varying degrees of protection. For instance, Schedule I provides absolute protection, while Schedule IV offers lesser protection.

Important Provisions/Features

1. Prohibition of hunting of wild animals specified in the Schedules.

2. Establishment of Wildlife Advisory Boards at the state level.

3. Penalties for violation of provisions under the Act, including imprisonment and fines.

4. Regulation of trade and commerce in wild animals and animal articles.

Landmark Judgments

**Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja (2014)**: The Supreme Court ruled on the rights of animals and emphasized their intrinsic value and the importance of their welfare.

Amendments

The Wildlife Protection Act has been amended several times, with significant amendments in 1986 and 2006 to strengthen the conservation framework and expand the definition of wildlife.

Comparison Tables

| Feature | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Forest Conservation Act, 1980 |

|--------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Purpose | Protect wildlife | Prevent deforestation |

| Protected Species | Yes | No |

| Penalty for Violation | Yes | Yes |

| Regulatory Authority | State Governments | Central Government |

UPSC Exam Focus

Frequently asked aspects include the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, the role of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and landmark judgments related to wildlife.

Tricky areas where wrong options appear often relate to the classification of animals in Schedules and the specific provisions of the Act.

Key Concepts

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - An Act to provide for the protection of wild animals and birds.

Article 48A - Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.

Article 51A(g) - It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) - A comprehensive strategy for wildlife conservation.

Scheduled Animals - Animals listed in the Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Protected Areas - Areas declared as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) - Established for combating organized wildlife crime in the country.

Landmark case: Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja (2014) - Supreme Court upheld the rights of animals.

Important Facts

•[1972] Wildlife Protection Act enactedThis Act serves as the primary legislation for the protection of wildlife in India.

•[1976] Article 48A added to the ConstitutionMandates the State to protect the environment and wildlife, often asked in polity questions.

•[2014] Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. NagarajaA landmark case reinforcing the rights of animals, frequently referenced in legal context.

•[2002] National Wildlife Action Plan formulatedA strategic plan for wildlife conservation, crucial for understanding India's conservation policy.

•[2007] Wildlife Crime Control Bureau establishedCreated to combat wildlife crime, important for contemporary wildlife protection issues.

•[2006] Amendments to the Wildlife Protection ActSignificant amendments aimed at enhancing protection measures for wildlife.

Mnemonics & Memory Tricks

Protected Areas Mnemonic

National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves - 'Parks Save Reserves'.

Scheduled Animals Mnemonic

Remember Schedules 1 to 6 - '1 Lion, 2 Tiger, 3 Elephant, 4 Deer, 5 Birds, 6 Lesser Species'.

Wildlife Protection Act Features

Remember: 'Protect Penalty Advisory' for key features.