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Context:

Despite possessing only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species, which includes 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals. 

Why do wildlife species get endangered?

Loss of Habitat.

It can happen naturally like in case of dinosaurs.

Human activities like development for housing, industries, agricultural reduce can eliminate native species directly.

People also kill wild animals throw pesticides, hunting, collision with cars.

The over-exploitation of many vulnerable species led to the result of unregulated international trade. Governments adopted the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.

India’s rich biodiversity at a glance

India, covering just 2.4% of the world's land area, is home to 7-8% of all recorded species, including 45,000 plant and 91,000 animal species.

With 10 biogeographic zones, it hosts 8.58% of mammals, 13.66% of birds, and significant biodiversity. India contains four of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots.

India’s international obligations

India has obligations under a large number of treaties and agreements having a bearing on the environment.

Mention may be made of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973, the Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer 1985, the Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer 1987, the Convention on the Control of the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal 1989, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992 and the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 etc.

Conservation Policies and Legislation in India

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: The act seeks to conserve forests and biodiversity by restricting the use of forest land for non-forest purposes.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:  It provides for punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).

National Biodiversity Act: The National Biodiversity Act of 2002 was enacted to regulate the management of biological resources in India, ensuring the fair sharing of benefits derived from these resources.

The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Protected Areas.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has formulated the 3^rd ‘National Wildlife Action Plan’ for a period of 2017 to 2031 to save wild animals in the country.

Financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, for providing better protection to wildlife and improvement of habitat.

Key Legislation:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/section-49m-of-the-wild-life-protection-act-1972
• Wildlife reserves and sanctuaries- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/status-of-wildlife-sanctuaries-and-national-parks
• Environment Protection Act, 1986- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/environment-protection-act-epa
• Ban on hunting as a recreational sport in India.

Flagship Conservation Programs:

• Project Tiger, Project Elephant- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/project-tiger-merges-with-project-elephant
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

International Collaborations:

• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/cites
• UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/united-nations-convention-on-biological-diversity-cbd
• Community Involvement: Promotion of community-led conservation projects and eco-tourism.

About World Wildlife Conservation Day 

World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed on December 4, signifying a crucial initiative in the ongoing efforts to safeguard and preserve the dwindling populations of wildlife species worldwide. Furthermore, this observance aims to combat wildlife crime and advocate for the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act.

World Wildlife Day 2024 

World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, is a significant global event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable practices.

Theme for World Wildlife Day 2024 is "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation."

Important species listed as Critically endangered species:

Conclusion:

After India's independence, industrialization near forests led to deforestation and species extinction. The 1972 Stockholm Conference and subsequent laws like the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, aimed to address these issues. The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021, seeks better wildlife management and protection.

Source:

THE HINDU