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Protect the great and small
News:
- The Centre has been gathering inputs from the States on the proposed amendments to Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Important Facts:
- Species are given varying degrees of protection under 6 schedules of the Wildlife Act. Currently, there are 909 entries in the Schedules
- The schedule lists vital as they determine anti-poaching regulations and measures for habitat protection
- Issues with Schedule list of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
- Heavy and out-dated list
- No inclusion of scientific research
- Inconsistencies: Confusion between endemic and rare
- For example: Crimson rose, (butterfly) that is widely found in south India, remains as protected as the tiger. On the other hand, near-threatened striped hyena is in Schedule III along with “least concern” species of wild pig or barking deer
- Exclusion: For example, There is no mention of 659 Indian endangered fish species
- Regional/local factors not given due importance:
- For example, Deer and elephants (features in Schedules III and I, respectively)which were introduced in Andaman and Nicobar Islands by British have caused adversely impacted the native flora and fauna
5.Way Forward:
- States should decide inclusion and exclusion of species for protection in the Schedule lists of the Wildlife Act
- Species should be duly ranked in conservation value,
- A multi-parameter list-local habitat loss, cultural significance, population decline to be kept in mind
- Lists should constantly be updated through local research
