INTRODUCTION
India possesses vast biodiversity. India is one of the megadiverse countries in the world. The ecosystem contains a range of flora and fauna, from the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the deserts of Rajasthan.[1] The Wildlife forms the backbone of a healthy ecosystem, sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and ensuring the natural balance of life. However, many animal species are under serious threat due to rapid urbanization, deforestation, and climate change. Recognising the urgent need to safeguard its wildlife, India has enacted various laws and policies to protect and conserve it. This blog examines the key legislative framework and enforcement mechanisms for wildlife protection in India, critically evaluating their effectiveness on the ground.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN INDIA
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972[2]
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, serves as a cornerstone of Indian wildlife legislation, establishing a legal framework for protecting endangered species (including wild animals, birds, and plants) and regulating protected areas. Over the years, several amendments and supporting rules have strengthened its scope. It extends to the whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir (which had its legislation until recent changes). Key provisions of the act include:
- Creation of Protected Areas: The Act empowers the government to declare National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves for biodiversity protection.
- Prohibition of Hunting: The act lists the animal’s species under different schedules (Schedule I to V), and prohibits hunting of certain listed species, such as tigers and elephants[3] are given the highest level of security from hunting under Schedule I.
- Control of Trade and Possession: The Act contains provisions, i.e. sections 39 to 44, controlling the trade and possession of wild animals, animal articles, and trophies and banning trade, especially of endangered species.
- Penalties and Offences: under the Act, any violation of the provision is considered an offence and is met with penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
- Other Environmental Legislation
In addition to the Wildlife Act, several other laws contribute to the broader objective of wildlife protection:
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986[4]: empowers the central government to initiate measures concerning the prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution and the protection of the environment.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002[5]: Regulates access to biological resources and ensures equitable sharing of benefits.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006[6]: Recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities, balancing conservation with social justice.
- International Conventions
India signed several international conventions that influence domestic law:
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)[7]: Regulates international trade for the safety of endangered plants and animals.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) [8]: Aims to conserve biological diversity and promote sustainable use.
ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS
Effective enforcement is crucial for the success of wildlife protection laws. In India, multiple agencies work together to ensure compliance:
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
The WCCB is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, with its headquarters in New Delhi. It organises efforts to combat wildlife crime both within the country and internationally, while also facilitating the exchange of intelligence between law enforcement agencies. [9]
- Forest Department and Wildlife Wardens
The Forest Department and Wildlife Wardens are like the protectors of nature. They make sure that rules to keep wildlife safe are followed, especially inside forests and protected areas. They work on stopping illegal activities like poaching and the trafficking of animals. They also keep an eye on wildlife habitats, catch those who break the law, and help bring them to justice. Wildlife Wardens coordinate these efforts, guide investigations, and often work closely with local communities to raise awareness about protecting animals. Together, they play a key role in preserving wildlife and their homes for the future.
- Role of the Judiciary and Police
The judiciary and police play a crucial role in enforcing wildlife laws. The judiciary interprets the law and determines penalties, while the police support investigations and prosecutions of wildlife crimes. The emergence of fast-track courts for environmental offences is also a positive development.
- Use of Technology
Modern tools such as camera traps, drones, satellites, machinery, and AI-based pattern recognition are being used increasingly to monitor animal movements, detect illegal activities, and prevent them.[10]
LANDMARK CASES IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
In the case of Sansar Chand v. State of Rajasthan[11] the appellant, Sansar Chand, was a notorious trader involved in the coaching of hundreds of tigers and leopards. His conviction marked a significant moment in wildlife law enforcement, demonstrating the seriousness of wildlife crime and the legal system’s ability to respond.
In the case of Centre for Environmental Law, WWF v. Union of India[12] Supreme Court focused on protecting the endangered species, especially lions and cheetahs, and directed the Central Government to take steps for the reintroduction and conservation of cheetahs in India.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022[13]: This amendment streamlined the schedule of protected species and aligned India’s law more closely with CITES. It increased penalties and improved clarity regarding endangered species and the roles of the authorities.
- Project Tiger: Project Tiger was one of the first major conservation initiatives in the world focused on a single species, launched in 1973 by the Government of India with the primary aim of ensuring a viable population of Bengal tiger in their natural habitat and their protection from extinction.[14]
- Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer zones around the protected areas are being developed to prevent encroachment and ensure ecological sustainability.
ROLE OF NGOS AND COMMUNITIES
- Non-Governmental Organisations: NGOs like Wildlife Trust of India, WWF-India, and Wildlife SOS actively participate in rescue operations, research, advocacy and awareness campaigns.
- Community Participation
Tribal and local communities’ involvement leads to better results in conservation. For example, the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is known for their deep-rooted commitment to wildlife protection.[15]
CONCLUSION
Wildlife protection laws are the legal shield guarding India’s rich biodiversity. However, the true success of these laws lies in their effective implementation. Combatting wildlife crime requires a multidimensional approach involving legal reform, improved enforcement, public awareness, and community participation. As the planet battles climate change and ecological collapse, protecting wildlife is no longer optional- it is essential for survival.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi.[16]
Author(s) Name: Toshant Verma (Geeta Institute of Law, Panipat)
References:
[1] Michael Purton, ‘World Environment Day: An A‑Z of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries’ (World Economic Forum, 4 June 2024) <https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/environment-day-biodiversity-world-megadiverse-countries/> accessed 22 June 2025
[2] The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 (India)
[3] Wildlife SOS, ‘Indian Laws Protecting Elephants’ (Wildlife SOS, < https://wildlifesos.org/indian-laws-protecting-elephants/> accessed 20 June 2025)
[4] Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (India)
[5] Biological Diversity Act 2002 (India)
[6] Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (India)
[7] World Wildlife Fund, CITES (World Wildlife Fund, <https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/cites> accessed 20 June 2025)
[8] ‘Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, ‘1992 Conservation on Biological Diversity’ (publication/report, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore)
[9] Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Home (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, http://wccb.gov.in accessed 21 June 2025).
[10] Forestry.com, ‘Conservation Technology Protects Wildlife’ (Forestry.com, 15 May 2024, <https://forestry.com/wildlife-management/human-wildlife-interaction/conservation-technology-how-technology-protects-wildlife/> accessed 21 June 2025)
[11] Sansar Chand v State of Rajasthan (2010) 10 INSC 712 (Supreme Court of India)
[12] Centre for Environment Law WWF-India v Union of India (2013) 8 SCC 234
[13] Wildlife (Protection)Amendment Act 2022 (India)
[14]National Tiger Conservation Authority, ‘About us’ section, Project Tiger (NTCA, April 1973, <https://ntca.gov.in/about-us/#project-tiger> accessed 29 July 2025)
[15] Natasha Rego, ‘Radheshyam Bishnoi: Wildlife conservationist known for works on GIB’ Hindustan Times (New Delhi, 25 May 2025)
[16] VIKRAM Jit Singh, ‘Gandhi’s Hoax Quote’ Hindustan Times (Chandigarh, 26 October 2014)
