The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in-

The correct answer is 1972.

Key Points

• The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972 to safeguard the wildlife and their habitats.
• The Act provides a framework for regulating hunting, protection of species, and management of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• It was passed by the Parliament of India under Article 249 of the Constitution, enabling laws for environmental protection.
• The Act consists of six schedules, categorizing species based on their conservation priority and legal protections provided to them.
• Violations of the Act attract penalties such as imprisonment and fines to deter illegal activities like poaching and trafficking.

Additional Information

• Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks:
  • India has over 100 national parks and more than 550 wildlife sanctuaries, created under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • These areas serve as safe habitats for endangered species and help in biodiversity conservation.
• Endangered Species:
  • Species listed under Schedule I of the Act receive the highest level of protection.
  • Examples include the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Great Indian Bustard, and Snow Leopard.
• Amendments to the Act:
  • The Wildlife Protection Act has been amended multiple times, with significant changes introduced in 2002 and 2021.
  • These amendments strengthen the enforcement mechanisms and increase penalties for wildlife crimes.
• International Commitments:
  • India is a signatory to international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • The Wildlife Protection Act aligns with these global commitments to combat wildlife trafficking and conserve biodiversity.