The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 was passed by the Indian Parliament on February 16, 2022, and came into force on April 1, 2023. The Act amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, with the aim of strengthening the legal framework for the Protection of Wildlife in India.

The key amendments introduced by the Act are:

• Increased protection for endangered species: The Act adds 21 species of animals and 3 species of plants to the list of Schedule I species, which are the most endangered species in India. This means that any trade in these species is prohibited, and anyone found in possession of them can be punished with a jail term of up to 7 years and a fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh.
• Improved control over invasive species: The Act empowers the Central Government to regulate and stop the import, trade or possession of invasive plant or animal alien species. These are species that are not native to India and can pose a threat to the country’s biodiversity.
• Enhanced penalties for violations: The Act enhances the penalties prescribed for violation of the provisions of the Act. For example, the maximum fine for general violations is increased from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. In case of specially protected animals, the minimum fine of Rs. 10,000 has been enhanced to Rs. 25,000.
• Provision for captive breeding of endangered species: The Act allows for the captive breeding of endangered species, subject to the approval of the Central Government. This is intended to help increase the population of these species and reduce the pressure on their wild populations.
• Clarification on the use of elephants: The Act clarifies that the transfer or transport of a captive elephant for a religious or any other purpose by a person having a valid certificate of ownership shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 is a significant step towards strengthening the legal framework for the protection of wildlife in India. The Act is expected to help reduce poaching and illegal trade of wildlife, and conserve endangered Species.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India.

The Act was enacted with the following objectives:

• To prevent the illegal hunting, poaching, and trade of wildlife species.
• To preserve the natural habitats of wild animals and plants.
• To promote the study and appreciation of wildlife.
• To create awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Act defines a wide range of terms related to wildlife, including “animal”, “bird”, “plant”, “forest”, “national park”, “sanctuary”, and “scheduled species”. It prohibits the hunting, killing, capturing, trapping, poisoning, and selling of scheduled species of animals and plants. It also prohibits the destruction of their habitats.

The Act establishes a number of institutions for the implementation of its provisions, including the National Board for Wildlife, the State Boards for Wildlife, and the Wildlife Warden. It also empowers the Government of India and the State Governments to take a number of measures for the protection of wildlife, including the declaration of national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas.

The Act prescribes a number of penalties for the violation of its provisions, including imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of property. The Act has been amended a number of times since it was enacted, most recently in 2006.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is one of the most important pieces of legislation in India for the protection of wildlife. It has played a significant role in reducing the illegal hunting and poaching of wildlife, and in preserving the natural habitats of wild animals and plants. The Act is still facing a number of challenges, such as the increasing demand for wildlife products, the lack of awareness about wildlife conservation, and the lack of resources for enforcement. However, the Act remains a valuable tool for the protection of India’s wildlife.