Changes in Wildlife Protection Licensing Rules: After 40 years, Centre revises rules on wildlife trade

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced new rules called "Wildlife (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024."

These rules replace the older version from 1983.

Old Rules (1983):

1. Under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972, these rules stopped giving licenses for trading animals listed in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II.
2. Licenses were only given in special cases with the central government's approval.

New Rules (2024):

1. Now, no license will be given for animals in Schedule I, unless the central government is consulted first.
2. The Chief Wildlife Warden or an Authorized Officer will give out licenses. They will consider factors like existing licenses and how the license might affect the hunting or trade of the animals in question.

Impact of the New Rules:

1. There is a concern that these new rules might harm mammals and birds in Schedule II, as some are already at risk, like Bulbuls, Falcons, Turtles, Geckos, Snakes, and Bats.

Changes in Wildlife Protection Act:

In 2022, the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act made changes to the 1972 act, reducing the number of Schedules from 6 to 4.

1. Schedule I: Animals with the highest protection (e.g., Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Cheetah, Swamp Deer).
2. Schedule II: Animals with lesser protection (e.g., Nilgai, Indian Flying fox, Andaman Bulbul).
3. Schedule III: Protected Plant species (e.g., Neel Kurinji, Pitcher plant, Tree turmeric).
4. Schedule IV: Specimens listed under the CITES (e.g., River Dolphin, Spider Monkeys).

This highlights the changes in wildlife protection laws in India, focusing on the licensing of trade and protection levels of various species.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi