The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the central law protecting wild animals, birds and plants. It bans hunting of listed species, lets governments declare national parks and sanctuaries, and sets up bodies such as the National Board for Wildlife, the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Species are listed in schedules; the first schedule carries the highest protection and the heaviest penalties.
Key facts
- Enacted 9 September 1972; before it India had only five national parks.
- 'Hunting' covers capturing, killing, poisoning, snaring or trapping, and attempts to do so (Section 9 bans it).
- The 2002 amendment set a minimum of three years' jail for offences against the most protected species.
- Enforced by forest departments, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Customs and the CBI.
Why exams ask about it
Questions ask which schedule a famous animal sits in, which year the Act was passed, and which amendment changed the schedules.