Introduction

Every day we see many instances of animal hunting for selling of an article made up of any part of an animal. This is done for commercial purposes or sometimes for fun purpose too. These instances are increasing day by day. The laws related to Wildlife are not important only for protecting the human race. They are also important for the expansion and protection of plants and animals. The human population is increasing day by day. This is adding more threat to our wildlife. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is one such Act which came with the aim of protection of Wild animals, birds, and plants and for matters which are related to them. It also provides with the creation of an Advisory Board which will look into the matters related to wildlife.

The act prohibits the hunting of wild animals. It states that no person shall hunt any wild animal. However, in special circumstances, it can allow a special grant to permit the hunting of a wildlife animal. The Act provides with this provision for some purposes hunting of wild animals is important. Some of them are:

(a)    Education

(b)    Scientific Research

(c)    Scientific Management

(d)    Collection of specimens

(i)    For recognized zoos (subject to the permission)

(ii)    For museums and similar institutions.

(e)    Derivation, collection or preparation of snake-venom for manufacturing life-saving drugs.

Creation of the Advisory Board

For protecting the Wildlife, every State and Union Territory will comprise a Wildlife and Advisory Board. The members of the Board will be:

(a) The Minister in charge of the forest will be the Chairman.

(b) Two members of the State Legislature

(c) Secretary to the State Government

(d) An officer nominated by the Director.

(e) Officers of the State Forest Government not exceeding five

(f) Chief Wildlife Warden

(g) Such other person, not exceeding ten, who, in the opinion of the State Government, are interested in protecting Wildlife, including the representatives of tribals not exceeding three.

The Central Government will also appoint persons. They are:

(a) A Director of Wildlife Preservation

(b) Assistant Directors of Wildlife Preservation

(c) Such other officers and employees as may be necessary.

The State Government will also appoint a Chief Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Wardens, One Honorary Wildlife Ward in each district and such other officers and employees as may be necessary. It is done to protect the Wildlife.

Prohibition

According to the Act, the picking, uprooting etc. of specified plants (that are mentioned in Schedule 6) are prohibited. But it also provides for the special cases in which it can grant permission.

It also prohibits cultivation and Dealing of the Specified plant without licensee. The Act provides for the punishment, who contravenes a provision of this Act with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees or with both.

Conclusion

Wildlife includes a major part of the country, therefore, protection of wildlife is as important as that of protecting human beings. Because of the wildlife hunting, many birds and animals are becoming extinct or which are lost. There is an increase in National parks and Sanctuaries. With the increase in the population, the forest area is decreasing day by day, because the construction of roads and buildings are taking place at a high rate.

The government should keep a check on the area allotted for each purpose.  Wildlife conservation is the attempt to protect endangered animal or which are on a threat of being extinct and plant species, along with their natural habitat. It is essential to take actions to protect wildlife from extinction. By doing so, we not only ensure their survival but also the diversity of the ecosystem. We need to protect the place we are living in. We need to take care of this place as our children need to be in this same place.