It is the practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats. As part of the world’s ecosystems, wildlife provides balance and stability to nature’s processes. 

• The goal of wildlife conservation:  To ensure the survival of these species and to educate people on living sustainably with other species.

Need for Protecting Wildlife: Ecosystem Services, Scientific Research, Environmental Balance

• Ecosystem services: For e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. For e.g., honeybees contribute to agricultural productivity through pollination, supporting India’s food security. 
• Enables scientific research and education by providing valuable insights into ecology, behavior, and species adaptations → helps inform conservation strategies and educates future generations. 
• Environmental balance by regulating populations of other species, controlling pests, and supporting the health of ecosystems.
• Cultural & spiritual significance: Indigenous communities have strong cultural connections with wildlife, and several traditional practices & beliefs are intertwined with the natural world. 

FACTS AS PER IUCN

• Mangrove: >50% of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse.
• Species: 31 animal and plant species have been extinct and more than 35k species are threatened with extinction.

Causes of wildlife losses: Deforestation, Climate Change

• Habitat loss, Human-animal conflict, Deforestation, Climate Change.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Safeguarding Species, Protected Areas, and Statutory Bodies in Wildlife Conservation

• It provides for the protection of a listed species of wild animals, birds and plants and establishment of ecologically-important protected areas to ensure the ecological and environmental security of India. 
• Six schedules which give varying degrees of protection to wildlife. ie. for specially protected plants (1 schedule), specially protected animals (4 schedules), and vermin species (1 schedule).
• Protect areas: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community Reserves & Conservation Reserves.
• Statutory Bodies under WPA: National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), Central Zoo Authority (CZA), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) etc.

Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022: Key Provisions, Protection of Species, and CITES Implementation

• Key Objective: The Act seeks to increase the species protected under the law, and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

• CITES is an international agreement ensuring trade in wild animals and plants doesn’t threaten species’ survival.

• Rationalising schedules: From 6 to 4 (reducing the number of schedules for specially protected animals to 2+ removal of the schedule for vermin).

• Schedule I: Animal species that will enjoy the highest level of protection
• Schedule II: Animal species that will be subject to a lesser degree of protection
• Schedule III: Protected Plant species
• Schedule IV: New Schedule – Specimens listed in Appendices under CITES (scheduled specimens).

• Establishment of authorities by central government: For implementation of CITES obligations:

• Management Authority, which grants export or import permits for trade of specimens.

• Scientific Authority, which gives advice on aspects related to impact on the survival of the specimens being traded.  

• Empowers the Central Govt. on following accounts:

• Notification of Conservation reserves: Earlier only state governments could declare areas adjacent to national parks & sanctuaries as a conservation reserve.

• Invasive alien species: Central Govt can regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species (no such provision in previous act).

• Voluntary surrender of captive animals allowed under the Act without compensation.
• Penalties: The amendment Act increases the fines for violating the provisions of the Act.
• Control of sanctuaries: The Chief WildLife Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state in accordance with the management plans for the sanctuary that are prepared as per guidelines of the central government, and as approved by the Chief Warden. 

• For sanctuaries falling under special areas (FRA 2006 applicable), the management plan must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.
• Transfer or transport of live elephants allowed for a religious or any other purpose by a person having valid ownership certificates in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Central Government.

Positive Aspects of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2022: CITES Implementation, Rationalized Schedules, and Local Community Involvement

• • Implementation of CITES Obligations: The amendment introduces a New Chapter for implementation of India’s CITES commitments, projecting India’s seriousness in leading the global environmental agenda

• Rationalization of Schedules: removing the vermin category, thus aiming to reduce conflicts, promote coexistence, and prevent wildlife decline by removing hunting restrictions.

• Decentralized governance: The act requires consultation with Gram Sabhas for preparing sanctuaries management plans involving forest dwellers and local communities in conservation efforts.

• • Balanced protection of Human & Wildlife rights: Activities such as grazing/movement of livestock, bona fide use of drinking & household water by local communities is allowed without a permit in a sanctuary.

• Regulation of Invasive Alien Species: It empowers the central government to regulate invasive alien species addressing threats to native biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Surrender of Captive Animals: voluntary surrender of captive animals without compensation aims to reduce wildlife rescue & rehabilitation costs and address issues like poor living conditions, health problems, and abuse.

Concerns with the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2022: Invasive Species, Captive Elephants, and Human-Wildlife Conflict Issues

• • Limited understanding: The act takes into account invasive species of only ‘non-native’ foreign origin. However, Hog Deer, Barking Deer are all native to India and protected under the Act but are also designated as invasive alien species for island ecosystems by National Biodiversity Authority.
  • Exceptions Related to ‘Religious and Other Purpose’ for Captive Elephants: Enlarges the scope for exploitation and ignores recommendations of the report of MoEFCC’s Elephant Task Force (2010).

• Lack of Compensation for Surrendered Captive Animals for owners will discourage owners leading to increased illegal trade & wildlife trafficking. 

• • Absence of Vermin Species Schedule: It has the potential to create conflicts with farmers and villagers causing crop damage or livestock predation. 
• Lack of Mechanisms for Compensation and Conflict Mitigation for individuals affected by human-wildlife conflict, causing crop damage, livestock predation, property damage, and human injuries.

WAY FORWARD

• Strengthening enforcement: Combat poaching, illegal trade, and wildlife trafficking through training, specialized units, cross-border cooperation & intelligence sharing, and strict penalties. 

• For eg. Learning from international initiatives such as INTERPOL’s Environmental Crime Program

• Fine tune Institutional Framework: Prioritize decentralization, empower local communities and institutions, and recognize traditional knowledge. 

• For eg. Initiatives like Joint Forest Management and Van Panchayat have shown success.

• Leveraging technology: Use of camera traps and drones in wildlife monitoring, as seen in various national parks like Jim Corbett and Kanha, can aid in data collection and conservation planning.

• • Promote Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources: Emphasize ecotourism, community-based conservation, research, and education while balancing conservation and socio-economic needs.
• Conduct awareness campaigns, environmental programs & digital outreach about wildlife conservation. 

Conclusion

The recent amendments mark a crucial milestone in wildlife conservation, however there is a need to address concerns raised by experts. These updates demonstrate a proactive approach toward ensuring effective protection and management of our valuable wildlife resources.

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