Call for Amendment in WPA, 1972

• 12 Jun 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Kerala has requested the Union Government for an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to allow controlled killing of wild animals that threaten human life or agriculture. 

• Human-wildlife conflict has intensified, with Kerala observing several casualties  between 2016 and 2025. 

What are the Challenges with the WPA,1972? 

• Restrictions under the Act: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 offers high protection to species listed under Schedule I, making it difficult to take swift action against dangerous animals.  
  • Before lethal measures can be considered, approval must be obtained after confirming that capturing or relocating the animal is not feasible. 
• Lack of Immediate Action: Although the district collector can declare a public nuisance, court orders limit their ability to act promptly in wildlife conflicts.  
  • For Schedule I animals, such as bonnet macaques, the law prevents wildlife wardens from taking proactive action, thus delaying necessary intervention. 

What is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972? 

• About: It provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, the management of their habitats, and the regulation of trade in wildlife and related products.  
  • The act lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government. 
• Schedules: The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 consists of six schedules: 
  • Schedule I & II: These schedules include endangered species, granting them absolute protection. 
  • Schedule III & IV: These cover animals that are not at risk of extinction, with penalties less severe than those in Schedules I and II. 
  • Schedule V: This schedule lists animals, like ducks and deer, that can be hunted with a license. 
  • Schedule VI: It addresses the protection of plants and supports the establishment of protected animal parks. 
• Key Provisions: 
  • Section 9: No person shall hunt any wild animal listed in Schedules I, II, III, and IV, except as permitted under Sections 11 and 12. 
  • Section 11: Chief Wildlife Warden may permit killing if the animal threatens human life or is incurably diseased, and cannot be captured or relocated. 
  • Section 62: The Central Government may, through a notification, declare any wild animal (excluding those in Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II) as vermin for a specific area and period. While the notification is in force, the animal will be deemed to be included in Schedule V. 
  • Section 50: Forest officers/police can seize items used in illegal hunting, no emergency powers for local authorities. 

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 

• The number of Schedules was reduced from 6 to 4 for simplification: 
  • Schedule I: Species granted the highest level of protection. 
  • Schedule II: Species under a lower level of protection. 
  • Schedule III: Protected plant species. 
  • Schedule IV: Specimens listed under CITES.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q. Consider the following protected areas:  

1. Bandipur  
2. Manas  
3. Bhitarkanika 
4. Sunderbans 

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?  

(a) 1 and 2 only   

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only  

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only   

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4  

Ans: (b)