With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:
- Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
- When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
- Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides species-specific protection based on scheduling, which applies uniformly regardless of location. Only Statement 2 is legally accurate, while Statements 1 and 3 contain critical inaccuracies regarding ownership and conditions for capture/killing.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Section 39 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act specifies that only animals in Schedules I to IV are government property; vermin species (Schedule V) are excluded, making the claim of 'sole property' legally incorrect.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Protected status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act is determined by the animal's listing in the Schedules and applies uniformly whether the animal is found inside Protected Areas or outside in human-dominated landscapes.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Section 11 requires the Chief Wildlife Warden to be satisfied that the animal 'has become dangerous' to human life (actual danger), not merely apprehended danger; mere fear or anticipation is insufficient legal ground for capture or killing.
📝 Short Notes: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 - Key Provisions
| Schedule | Protection Level | Examples | Ownership (Sec 39) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Absolute protection; highest penalties | Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Black Buck | Government property |
| Schedule II | High protection | Assamese Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque | Government property |
| Schedule III | Protected species | Hyena, Nilgai, Sambhar | Government property |
| Schedule IV | Protected species | Hares, Falcons, Magpie | Government property |
| Schedule V | Vermin (can be hunted) | Common Crow, Fruit Bats, Mice, Rats | NOT government property |
| Schedule VI | Cultivation prohibition | Specified plants | N/A |
- Section 11: Chief Wildlife Warden may permit capture/killing only when animal has become dangerous to human life or is disabled/diseased beyond recovery
- Section 39: Wild animals listed in Schedules I-IV are property of State/Central Government
- Protection applies uniformly: Inside and outside Protected Areas for all scheduled species
- Protected Areas: Include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves
- Recent Amendment (2022): Introduced Schedule VI for prohibited plants and enhanced penalties
Question 2 of 6 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
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