Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 categorizes plants and animals into six schedules based on the level of protection they require. These schedules define the extent of protection, permissible trade, and penalties for violations
Schedule I:
- Provides absolute protection to endangered species.
- Hunting, poaching, trading, or possession is strictly prohibited.
- Harshest penalties for violations.
- Hunting allowed only if animal poses a threat to human life or has an incurable disease.
Notable species under Schedule I:
- Bengal Tiger
- Asiatic Cheetah
- Snow Leopard
- Musk Deer
- Kashmiri Stag (Hangul)
- Black Buck
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Clouded Leopard
- Golden Langur
- Rhinoceros
- Fishing Cat
- Swamp Deer
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Capped Langur
- Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai)
- Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
Schedule II:
- Species under this schedule are also highly protected.
- Trade is prohibited.
- Hunting allowed only under threat to human life or in case of untreatable disease.
Species under Schedule II include:
- Assamese Macaque
- Pig Tailed Macaque
- Stump Tailed Macaque
- Bengal Hanuman Langur
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Himalayan Newt / Salamander
- Jackal
- Giant Squirrel
- Flying Squirrel
- Indian Cobra
- King Cobra
- Sperm Whale
Schedule III and IV:
- Protected species but not endangered.
- Hunting prohibited, but penalties are less severe than for Schedules I & II.
Examples under Schedule III:
- Chital (Spotted Deer)
- Bharal (Blue Sheep)
- Hyena
- Nilgai (Blue Bull)
- Sambhar (Large Deer)
- Sponges
Examples under Schedule IV:
- Provides absolute protection to endangered species.
- Hunting, poaching, trading, or possession is strictly prohibited.
- Harshest penalties for violations.
- Hunting allowed only if animal poses a threat to human life or has an incurable disease.
Schedule I:
- Lists animals classified as vermin.
- No legal protection; they can be hunted.
Examples:
- Common Crow
- Fruit Bats
- Rats
- Mice
Schedule VI:
- Protection for plant species.
- Regulates cultivation and trade.
- Requires prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
Protected plants include:
- Beddomes’ Cycad
- Blue Vanda (Orchid)
- Red Vanda
- Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.)
- Kuth (Saussurea lappa)
- Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana)
