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This act, passed in 1972, deals with the declaration of National Parks and wildlife Sanctuaries and their notification.
It prohibits hunting of all animals specified in Schedules I to IV of the act. These are notified in order of their danger of extinction. Plants that are protected are included in schedule VI.
The amendment to the wildlife protection act in 2002 is more stringent and prevents the commercial use of resources by local people. Forest produce has been redefined to ensure the protection of ecosystems.
Laws are only as good as the ones that can be enforced. The act is expected to deter people from breaking the law.
The act passed in 1972, deals with the declaration of National parks & wildlife sanctuaries & their notification. It establishes the structure of states wild life management & posts designated for wildlife management.
Plants that are protected included in schedule VI. The Amendment to the wildlife protection out in 2002 is more stringent & prevents the commercial use of resources. Objectives
- Protection of natural habitat through limited, controlled exploitation of species.
- Maintenance of the viable number of species in protected areas (national park, Sanctuary, reserve etc).
- Establishment of Biosphere reserve for plants & animal species.
- Protection through legislation.
Some of the Acts
- Madras Wild Elephant preservation Act, 1873.
- All India Elephant preservation Act, 1879.
- The Wild Bride & Animal protection Act, 1912.
- Bengal Rhinoceros protection Act, 1932.
- Assam Rhinoceros protection Act, 1954.
- Indian Board for wildlife (IBWL) 1952.
- Wildlife act, 1972.
- National wildlife Action plan, 1982.
Measures
- Say ‘no’ to the use of wildlife products & also try to convince other people not to buy them.
- Reduce the use of wood & wood products wherever possible.
- Avoid misuse of paper because it is made from bamboo & wood, which destroys wildlife habitat.
- Do not harm animals, & dissuade others from inflicting cruelty to animals.
- Do not disturb birdi nests & fledglings.
- Create awareness about biodiversity conservation in your own way to family & friends.
- If the animal needs medical care & expert attention contact the society for the prevention of cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or Blue cross.
Penalties
A person who breaks any of the conditions of any license or permit granted under this Act shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine of Rs. 25000 or with both. An offence committed in relation to any animal specified in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II, like the use of meat of any such animal or animal articles like a trophy, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than one year and may extend to six years and fine of Rs. 25000.
In the case of a second or subsequent offence of the same nature mentioned in this sub-section, the term of imprisonment may extend to six years and not less than two years with a penalty of Rs. 10000.
What can an individual do?
- If you observe an act of poaching, or see a poached animal, inform the local Forest Department Official at the highest possible level. One can also report the event through the press. Follow up to check that action is taken by the concerned authority. If no action is taken, one must take it up to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.
- Say ‘no’ to the use of wildlife products and also try to convince other people not to buy them.
- Reduce the use of wood and wood products wherever possible.
- Avoid misuse of paper because it is made from bamboo and wood, which destroys wildlife habitat. Paper and envelopes can always be reused.
- Create a pressure group and ask government to ensure that the biodiversity of our country is conserved.
- Do not harm animals, and dissuade others from inflicting cruelty to animals.
- Do not disturb birds’ nests and fledglings.
- When you visit the Zoo do not tease the animals by throwing stones or feeding them, and prevent others from doing do.
- If you come across an injured animal, do what you can to help it
- If the animal needs medical care and expert attention contact the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) or Blue Cross in your city.
- Create awareness about biodiversity conservation in your own way to family and friends.
- Join organizations, which are concerned with protection of biodiversity such as Worldwide Fund for nature India (WWF-I), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), or a local conservation NGO.
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Participants