Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Amendments (UPSC Prelims + Mains)
Imagine a farmer in Karnataka waking up to see elephants have entered the arecanut farm at night. Imagine a train line passing near a forest in West Bengal, where accidents with elephants are reported. Imagine a tourist visiting Kaziranga in Assam and seeing the one-horned rhinoceros, and then hearing news about poachers trying to kill rhinos for horns. In all these situations, one question becomes important: "What does Indian law do to protect wildlife, stop poaching, and manage protected areas?" The main law for this is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is one of the most important environment topics for UPSC because it connects biodiversity, governance, protected areas, tiger reserves, wildlife crime, and India's international duties like CITES.
This article explains the Wildlife (Protection) Act in simple English, covers schedules and protected areas, explains tiger reserves and NTCA, discusses major amendments (1991, 2002, 2006, 2022), and includes real UPSC previous year questions and 10 MCQs with explanations.
10 Key Definitions (in definition-box format)
Wildlife means any animal, aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat. Under the Act, "wild life" includes animals, birds, plants, and also their habitats. It is not limited to animals alone but includes the ecosystem.
A protected area is any area notified by the government for conservation of wildlife or landscape. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, protected areas include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves.
Schedule I lists species that are given the highest level of protection. Hunting or trade of Schedule I animals is prohibited and attracts the highest penalties. Examples include tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, and lion-tailed macaque.
A tiger reserve is an area notified for tiger conservation, consisting of a core or critical tiger habitat and a buffer area. Tiger reserves are managed under guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
NBWL is the apex body for wildlife conservation in India. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and advises the government on policy, conservation, and protection of wildlife.
Wildlife crime means any illegal act related to wildlife, including poaching, illegal trade, possession of trophies, and smuggling of animal parts. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) was created to fight organised wildlife crime.
Vermin means any wild animal specified in Schedule V of the Act. These animals may be hunted under certain conditions because they are considered harmful to humans or crops. Example: common crow, fruit bats.
Trophy means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, which has been kept or preserved by any means, whether artificial or natural. It includes rugs, skins, horns, tusks, and mounted specimens.
CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an international agreement to regulate trade in wildlife specimens and prevent overexploitation. India is a signatory to CITES.
Poaching means illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife. It is a serious offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and can lead to imprisonment and heavy fines.
Evolution and Need for the Wildlife (Protection) Act
Before 1972, India had some state-level rules but no strong central law for wildlife. Colonial laws focused more on "game" animals for hunting. After independence, wildlife populations were declining due to hunting, habitat loss, and lack of enforcement. The need for a comprehensive law was clear.
Why did India need a central wildlife law?
- Forests and wildlife were in the State List, so there was no uniform protection.
- Hunting of endangered species was still happening.
- Trade in animal skins, ivory, and other products was increasing.
- Protected areas had weak legal backing.
In 1972, Parliament passed the Wildlife (Protection) Act using the Concurrent List (Entry 17B – Forests and Wild Animals) after the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. The Act applies to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir (before 2019 changes).
Key Provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act
The Act covers several major areas:
1) Protection of wild animals and birds (hunting control)
- Hunting of wild animals specified in Schedules I to IV is prohibited except under certain circumstances (like for scientific research, or if an animal is dangerous to human life).
- Hunting of animals in Schedule V (vermin) is allowed under certain conditions.
2) Protection of specified plants
- Certain plants are listed in Schedule VI, and uprooting, collecting, or trade of these plants is regulated.
- Cultivation of such plants without permission is an offence.
3) Protected areas
- The Act provides for declaration of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves.
- Each type has different rules about activities allowed inside.
- Destruction or diversion of habitat in protected areas is restricted and needs legal permission, often with consultation and higher approvals.
4) Trade and commerce control (trophies, animal articles, and captive animals)
- The Act declares that wild animals and trophies are government property in many cases, and it regulates possession and transfer.
- It creates rules for declarations, certificate of ownership, and restrictions on transfer of captive animals, trophies, and animal articles.
- It has a special chapter that prohibits dealings in trophies and animal articles derived from scheduled animals, including business related to ivory imported into India and articles made from it, after the specified date.
5) Enforcement powers and penalties
- Forest and wildlife officers get powers of entry, search, seizure, arrest, and detention for enforcement.
- Section on penalties provides imprisonment and fines, with higher punishments for serious offences involving Schedule I and II animals or for offences inside national parks and sanctuaries.
Schedules Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act
Schedules are lists attached to the Act that categorise species based on protection level.
| Schedule | What it contains | Protection level |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Endangered species like tiger, rhino, elephant, lion-tailed macaque | Highest protection; absolute prohibition on hunting/trade |
| Schedule II | Species needing high protection (e.g., certain deer, birds) | High protection; hunting/trade prohibited |
| Schedule III | Protected species with lower threat level | Protected; trade regulated |
| Schedule IV | Protected species with still lower threat | Protected; trade regulated |
| Schedule V | Vermin (animals that can be hunted under certain conditions) | Hunting allowed under state rules |
| Schedule VI | Specified plants (e.g., pitcher plant, blue vanda orchid) | Cultivation/trade regulated |
Note: The 2022 amendment rationalised schedules. The new structure aligns more closely with CITES categories. Some earlier schedules have been merged or modified.
Protected Areas: National Parks and Sanctuaries
The Act recognises four types of protected areas:
1) National Park
- Declared by state government for protection of wildlife and environment.
- Strictest protection: no human activity like grazing, hunting, or private rights allowed.
- Boundaries cannot be altered except by state legislature resolution.
2) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Also declared for wildlife protection but with less strict rules than national parks.
- Human activities can be allowed with permission.
- Private land can exist inside, and limited rights may continue.
3) Conservation Reserve
- Declared for protecting landscapes connecting protected areas (corridors, buffer zones).
- Often near national parks or sanctuaries.
- Community involvement is expected.
4) Community Reserve
- Declared on community or private land with the consent of owners.
- Management includes local community.
- Added by the 2002 amendment to involve local people in conservation.
| Feature | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Strictest; boundaries by legislature | Protected; some flexibility |
| Human activities | Prohibited | Regulated; some allowed |
| Private land | Not allowed (acquired) | Can exist with limited rights |
| Grazing | Not permitted | May be regulated |
Tiger Reserves and Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to save tigers and their habitats. Tigers are "umbrella species". If tiger habitat is protected, many other species like deer, birds, reptiles, and even forests get protection. Tiger conservation is not only about animals. It is about whole landscapes and about stopping organised poaching and habitat fragmentation.
The 2006 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act gave tiger conservation a stronger legal base by creating National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), defining tiger reserves, and adding stricter punishment for tiger-related offences.
How tiger reserve is defined (simple explanation)
- A tiger reserve includes a core or critical tiger habitat (kept as inviolate for tiger conservation using scientific criteria) and a buffer area around it that supports coexistence and reduces pressure on the core.
- The State Government notifies a tiger reserve on the recommendation of the tiger authority system, and boundaries or de-notification need higher-level approvals.
Tiger Conservation Plan
The law requires preparation of a tiger conservation plan for proper management of each tiger reserve, including staff and habitat management measures, and also ensuring livelihood and developmental interests of people living in tiger-bearing forests.
Why tiger reserves are special under the Act
- They have dedicated national-level oversight (NTCA).
- They focus on anti-poaching and intelligence-based protection.
- They support relocation and rehabilitation in certain situations with safeguards, because inviolate core areas may be needed for tiger breeding habitats, but rights and consent processes are important.
Project Tiger and the Act: how they connect
| Area | Project Tiger (programme) | Wildlife (Protection) Act (law) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Conservation programme started in 1973 | Legal framework for protection and penalties |
| Main tool | Tiger reserves, monitoring, funding support | Legal notification of tiger reserves, offences, punishments |
| Institution | Guided by national policy and agencies | NTCA created by 2006 amendment as statutory authority |
Wildlife Crime Control and Penalties
Wildlife crime is a major reason for species decline. It is not only local hunting. It often includes organised networks that poach animals and move wildlife products through hidden supply chains. Tigers are killed for skins and bones, rhinos for horns, and many birds and reptiles are caught for illegal pet trade. This is why the Act has strict penalties and also created special institutions.
1) What actions are treated as serious offences?
- Hunting of protected animals.
- Hunting inside a sanctuary or national park.
- Illegal possession, transfer, or trade of animals, trophies, and animal articles.
- Illegal dealing in scheduled animal articles and ivory-related business activities after the specified date.
2) General penalty rule (Section 51 idea)
For serious offences (like offences involving Schedule I animals, or hunting in a sanctuary or national park), punishment can be imprisonment from not less than 3 years up to 7 years, along with a minimum fine. For a second or later offence, the minimum fine becomes higher.
3) Special stronger punishment for tiger reserve offences (after 2006)
The 2006 amendment added a special rule for offences related to the core area of a tiger reserve or hunting in tiger reserves. On first conviction, imprisonment is not less than 3 years up to 7 years, and fine is not less than ₹50,000 up to ₹2,00,000. On second or subsequent conviction, imprisonment is not less than 7 years, and fine is not less than ₹5,00,000 up to ₹50,00,000.
4) Why penalties alone are not enough
- Poaching networks may still operate if enforcement capacity is weak.
- Fast investigation and strong prosecution are needed, otherwise punishment remains only on paper.
- Coordination is needed between forest department, police, customs, and border agencies.
| Type of offence | Why it is serious | Legal approach under the Act |
|---|---|---|
| Poaching of Schedule I animals | Threatens survival of endangered species | High punishment and strict control on trade |
| Offence inside a national park or sanctuary | Damages the most protected habitats | Stronger punishment category under penalty rules |
| Wildlife trade and trophy business | Creates demand and funds poaching networks | Licensing restrictions and prohibitions, including for scheduled animal articles |
| Tiger reserve core area offence | Direct threat to flagship species conservation | Special stricter punishment introduced in 2006 |
Major Amendments (1991 2002 2006 2022)
The Wildlife (Protection) Act has been strengthened many times. UPSC commonly asks what was added by different amendments. The four most important amendments for exam writing are 1991, 2002, 2006, and 2022.
| Amendment year | Main reason (simple) | Key additions / changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Need to strengthen protection, include plants, improve zoo governance | Added strong provisions for protection of specified plants; inserted Central Zoo Authority and recognition of zoos; strengthened protected area rules and other controls. |
| 2002 | Need stronger governance and community-linked conservation | Created National Board for Wildlife (PM as Chairperson) and State Boards; added Conservation Reserve and Community Reserve categories; strengthened controls like boundary change rules and added stronger enforcement tools including property forfeiture for illegal wildlife trade. |
| 2006 | Stronger tiger protection and organised wildlife crime control | Created NTCA, defined tiger reserves and plans; created Wildlife Crime Control Bureau; introduced stricter penalties for tiger reserve offences. |
| 2022 | Align law with CITES and modern conservation needs | Rationalised schedules (6 to 4); added CITES-linked provisions such as Management Authority and Scientific Authority; added power to regulate invasive alien species; updated several procedures and terms. |
1991 amendment (key points in simple English)
- It added a full chapter on protection of specified plants and controlled picking, uprooting, cultivation, and dealing without licence.
- It inserted Chapter IVA on Central Zoo Authority and recognition of zoos, so zoos have minimum standards and official recognition.
2002 amendment (key points in simple English)
- It created National Board for Wildlife chaired by the Prime Minister and gave it functions like advising on wildlife conservation, protected areas, and control of poaching and illegal trade.
- It introduced the idea of conservation reserves and community reserves as protected areas, making conservation more landscape-based and community-friendly.
- It strengthened restrictions in sanctuaries, including clear limits on destruction and habitat diversion without proper permit and consultation.
2006 amendment (key points in simple English)
- It inserted a chapter for National Tiger Conservation Authority and a chapter for Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.
- It added special strict punishment for offences in tiger reserves, making tiger protection stronger in law.
2022 amendment (key points in simple English)
- Schedules rationalised: The amendment reduced schedules from six to four and introduced a schedule linked to CITES specimens.
- CITES authorities: It added provisions for a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority to control trade permits and scientific advice for CITES-related trade.
- Invasive alien species: It inserted Section 62A allowing the Central Government to regulate or prohibit import, trade, possession, or proliferation of invasive alien species that threaten wildlife or habitat in India.
- Hunting section updated: Because schedules changed, the hunting prohibition wording was updated to refer to the new schedule structure.
Institutions: NBWL NTCA Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
Institutions are the "engine" of the law. Even the best law fails if institutions are weak. The Wildlife (Protection) Act created and strengthened many institutions, but for UPSC you must clearly understand these three: NBWL, NTCA, and WCCB.
1) National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
- NBWL is constituted under Section 5A.
- Prime Minister is the Chairperson; the environment minister is Vice-Chairperson.
- It includes MPs, experts, and heads of key institutions, and it can form committees.
- Its functions include advising governments on wildlife conservation and controlling poaching and illegal trade.
2) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- NTCA was inserted by the 2006 amendment as a statutory authority for tiger conservation.
- It supports tiger reserve management, approves or evaluates tiger conservation plans, and guides standards and compliance for tiger conservation activities.
3) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
- WCCB was created by the 2006 amendment to fight organised wildlife crime.
- It collects and collates intelligence on organised wildlife crime, shares it with enforcement agencies, and helps create a central wildlife crime data bank.
- It coordinates actions across states and agencies and supports implementation of obligations under international conventions.
| Institution | Level | Main focus | Simple example of role |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBWL | National | Policy advice and oversight | Guidance on protected areas and restrictions |
| NTCA | National | Tiger conservation and tiger reserves | Approves tiger conservation planning and standards |
| WCCB | National (multi-agency) | Organised wildlife crime control | Intelligence sharing to stop poaching and illegal trade |
Challenges in Implementation
Even with a strong law, real conservation is difficult. India faces multiple challenges in implementing the Wildlife (Protection) Act properly. UPSC Mains answers should mention challenges clearly and then solutions.
1) Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Highways, railways, mining, and urban growth break forests into small pieces.
- Animals like tiger and elephant need large connected landscapes. When corridors are blocked, conflict and accidents increase.
2) Human-wildlife conflict
- Elephants raid crops, leopards enter villages, and this creates fear and retaliation.
- Compensation delays and weak early warning systems worsen conflict.
3) Poaching and illegal trade networks
- Poaching is organised and linked to international demand in some cases.
- Local forest staff often face safety risks and manpower shortage.
4) Weak monitoring and enforcement capacity in some areas
- Protected areas need staff, training, equipment, and modern surveillance.
- Investigation and prosecution need coordination between forest department, police, and courts.
5) Governance and coordination issues
- Many agencies are involved: forest department, police, customs, railways, road authorities, and local administration.
- If coordination is weak, wildlife protection becomes weak.
6) Balancing development and conservation
- India needs infrastructure and jobs, but if projects enter critical habitats, wildlife suffers and conflicts rise.
- Scientific planning, mitigation measures, and strong compliance are needed.
Case Studies: Sariska Panna Kaziranga
Case studies help you write strong UPSC Mains answers because they show how law and institutions work on the ground.
Case Study 1: Sariska (Rajasthan) – Tiger disappearance and recovery
Sariska faced a major shock when tigers disappeared and the population became locally extinct mainly due to poaching. A statement laid in Parliament noted that the CBI enquiry indicated there was no evidence of tigers in Sariska and the population seemed to have become extinct primarily because of poaching.
Later, Sariska became a major example of tiger reintroduction through translocation. NTCA documents note that wild tigers were translocated to repopulate Sariska based on a scientific recovery plan.
UPSC learning: This case shows why anti-poaching enforcement and intelligence are critical, and why the 2006 amendment strengthened tiger governance and wildlife crime control institutions.
Case Study 2: Panna (Madhya Pradesh) – Local extinction and tiger reintroduction
Panna Tiger Reserve is a famous example where tigers became locally extinct around 2008–2009 due to poaching, and then a reintroduction-based recovery project was launched in 2009 with collaboration of forest department, WII, and NTCA. This is documented in global reintroduction reporting and conservation literature.
UPSC learning: Strong protection, monitoring, and scientific management can restore wildlife, but only when law enforcement and habitat protection are strong and consistent.
Case Study 3: Kaziranga (Assam) – Rhino protection and anti-poaching
Kaziranga is globally famous for the greater one-horned rhinoceros and is also known for strong anti-poaching action. At the same time, it faces challenges like floods, erosion, and continuing poaching risk because rhino horn remains profitable. Conservation assessments highlight that poaching remains a pressure and management needs continued strong enforcement and coordination.
UPSC learning: Protected area success needs three things together: (1) strong field protection, (2) intelligence and crime control, and (3) habitat management for long-term survival.
International Commitments: CITES
Wildlife crime is often international. That is why India's Wildlife (Protection) Act must connect with global rules like CITES. CITES regulates international trade in wildlife specimens so that trade does not threaten species survival. It uses Appendices I, II, and III to provide different levels of trade control.
How CITES appendices work (simple)
- Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; international trade is allowed only in exceptional cases (usually not for commercial purposes).
- Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened now, but trade must be controlled to avoid survival risk.
- Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country that asks other countries for help to control trade.
These appendix rules and the permit system are core to CITES.
Why the 2022 amendment matters for CITES
- The 2022 amendment inserted a system for CITES implementation through a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority to issue permits and give scientific advice.
- It also rationalised schedules and included a schedule linked to CITES specimens, making India's domestic law more aligned with global trade rules.
UPSC Mains line: CITES does not replace national law; it works through national laws. India uses the Wildlife (Protection) Act to implement CITES commitments and control illegal wildlife trade routes.
Way Forward
India's wildlife law is strong, but future success depends on better implementation and smarter conservation planning. A good way forward should balance wildlife protection with people's safety and livelihoods.
1) Strengthen habitat protection and corridors
- Protect wildlife corridors (especially for elephants and tigers) so animals can move safely.
- Plan highways and railways with wildlife passages in sensitive zones.
- Reduce fragmentation by using landscape-level planning, not only protected area islands.
2) Improve human-wildlife conflict management
- Fast and fair compensation for crop and livestock loss.
- Early warning systems and community awareness.
- Better land use planning near forest edges to reduce risk zones.
3) Make wildlife crime control stronger
- Support WCCB and state enforcement teams with technology, training, and intelligence systems.
- Stronger coordination with police, customs, and border agencies.
- Improve forensic capacity and fast prosecution so penalties become real deterrence.
4) Improve governance and transparency
- Strengthen NBWL and State Boards with science-based decision-making and timely meetings.
- Use proper impact assessment for projects near protected areas and corridors.
- Reduce illegal encroachments through lawful and humane processes with rehabilitation where needed.
5) Use 2022 tools carefully
- Use invasive alien species powers scientifically so only truly harmful invasive species are controlled.
- Implement CITES provisions strongly with permit systems, tracking, and enforcement.
Final UPSC-ready conclusion: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the backbone of Indian wildlife conservation. Amendments have made it stronger, but the real test is field-level enforcement, habitat protection, and coexistence with local communities.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (3) in pyq-box format
UPSC Question (2014)
Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 2 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect (AWBI is under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960). Statement 2 is correct because NTCA is a statutory body under the wildlife law system. Statement 3 is correct as per the question's context.
UPSC Question (2024)
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
B) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
C) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
D) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: C) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation: Statement-II is incorrect because flying fox is fruit-eating. UPSC dropped this question from the final answer key, but it is useful to understand the concept of vermin and Schedule V.
UPSC Question (2015)
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct using the code given below.
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: IUCN is not a UN organ. IUCN runs many projects, and CITES is legally binding but implemented through national laws like India's Wildlife (Protection) Act.
10 MCQs with explanations (UPSC Practice)
MCQ 1
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, "wild life" includes:
- A) Only mammals and birds
- B) Only animals listed in Schedule I
- C) Any animal and also aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat
- D) Only animals found inside national parks
Answer: C
Explanation: The Act defines wild life broadly to include animals and also vegetation that forms part of habitat.
MCQ 2
Which schedules traditionally gave the highest protection and highest penalties under the Act?
- A) Schedule III and IV
- B) Schedule V and VI
- C) Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II
- D) Only Schedule VI
Answer: C
Explanation: Offences related to Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II were treated as the most serious with highest penalties.
MCQ 3
Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act mainly contains:
- A) Protected plants
- B) Vermin species
- C) Only tigers and elephants
- D) Only migratory birds
Answer: B
Explanation: The Act defines vermin as any wild animal specified in Schedule V, and Schedule V lists vermin like common crow and fruit bats.
MCQ 4
Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act contains:
- A) Only marine mammals
- B) Only vermin
- C) Specified protected plants
- D) Only invasive alien species
Answer: C
Explanation: The Act lists certain specified plants in Schedule VI such as pitcher plant and some orchids.
MCQ 5
Who chairs the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)?
- A) Chief Justice of India
- B) Union Environment Minister
- C) Prime Minister of India
- D) Director of Wildlife Institute of India
Answer: C
Explanation: The Act provides that the Prime Minister is the Chairperson of NBWL.
MCQ 6
Which amendment created the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)?
- A) 1991
- B) 2002
- C) 2006
- D) 2022
Answer: C
Explanation: The 2006 amendment inserted chapters for NTCA and WCCB.
MCQ 7
Which of the following best describes WCCB's main role?
- A) Running zoos and botanical gardens
- B) Collecting intelligence and coordinating action against organised wildlife crime
- C) Issuing environmental clearances
- D) Conducting census of all birds in India
Answer: B
Explanation: WCCB collects and collates intelligence, coordinates enforcement, and supports investigation and prosecution for wildlife crimes.
MCQ 8
After the 2022 amendment, which new power was clearly added to regulate a major modern threat?
- A) Power to regulate invasive alien species that threaten wildlife or habitat
- B) Power to regulate rainfall and monsoon
- C) Power to create a new ocean in India
- D) Power to regulate GST rates
Answer: A
Explanation: Section 62A empowers the Central Government to regulate or prohibit import, trade, possession, or proliferation of invasive alien species threatening wildlife or habitat.
MCQ 9
Which statement is correct about "trophy" under the Wildlife (Protection) Act?
- A) Trophy means only the full dead body of an animal
- B) Trophy includes preserved parts like skin, horn, tusk, nails, eggs, nests, and honeycomb
- C) Trophy is allowed for free commercial sale
- D) Trophy means only plant products
Answer: B
Explanation: Trophy includes whole or part of an animal preserved by any means and includes many body parts and products.
MCQ 10
CITES is mainly related to:
- A) Stopping all tourism inside protected areas
- B) Regulating international trade in endangered species through a permit system and appendices
- C) Building dams in wildlife habitats
- D) Declaring new national parks in India
Answer: B
Explanation: CITES is an international agreement to ensure that international trade in wildlife specimens does not threaten species survival, using Appendices I–III and permits.