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Context:  Denison barb, a native freshwater fish species commonly found in parts of Karnataka and Kerala, has been included in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021.

About Denison barb:

• It is an endangered species of freshwater fish endemic to the fast-flowing hill streams and rivers of the Western Ghats in India.
• Threats: Aquarium trade; pet collection.
• Conservation status: Endangered under IUCN Red list.

Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection)Act:

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection of plants and animal species.

It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection.

• Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provides absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties.
• Schedule III and Schedule IV: Penalties for Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are much lower than above category.
• Schedule V: Animals under Schedule V, e.g. common crows, fruit bats, rats and mice, are legally considered vermin and may be hunted freely.
• Schedule VI : The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/miss-kerala-not-endangered-aquarists/article38295881.ece?homepage=true

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