Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 - Environment Notes
The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972 is divided into six schedule lists that provide varying degrees of protection. Poaching, smuggling, and illegal trade in animals listed in Schedules 1–4 are all prohibited. Animals included in the Schedule are completely protected from hunting, and trade and commerce involving such animals is strictly regulated. The WPA, 1972 governs wildlife conservation and protection in India. India is the first country in the world to include measures for environmental preservation and conservation in its constitution. The British Indian Government passed first such law, the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1887. In this article, we will discuss Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.
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Wild Life Protection Act 1972
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is an Act of the Indian Parliament designed to conserve plant and animal species.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 governs wildlife conservation and protection in India.
- The act arose during a period in India when environmental law was quickly expanding.
- The Act was created with the understanding that prior legislation, such as the Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act of 1912, was insufficient.
- The current Act is comprehensive and fills all gaps left by previous legislation.
*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Wild Life Protection Act 1972
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| Wildlife of India | Animal Diversity of India |
| Biomes of India | Realms |
| Biogeographic provinces | Biogeographic Zones |
| Flora | Fauna |
Protected Areas under Wildlife Protection Act 1972
- According to the Act, there are five categories of protected places:
- Sanctuaries
- National Parks
- Conservation Reserves
- Community Reserves
- Tiger Reserves
Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of WPA 1972
Schedule I
- This Schedule deals with endangered species.
- Because these species require strict protection, the greatest punishments for law violations are listed in this Schedule.
- Species listed in this Schedule are forbidden from being hunted in India, unless they pose a threat to human life.
- Species on this list have absolute protection.
- It is illegal to trade these animals.
- Tiger, blackbuck, Himalayan Brown Bear, Brow-Antlered Deer, Blue whale, Common Dolphin, Cheetah, Clouded Leopard, hornbills, Indian Gazelle, and other animals are examples.
Schedule II
- Animals on this list are also afforded high protection, with trade prohibited.
- They cannot be hunted unless there is a threat to human life or they are suffering from a disease/disorder that is beyond recovery.
- Schedule II animals include the Assamese Macaque, Pig Tailed Macaque, Stump Tailed Macaque, Bengal Hanuman langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Newt/ Salamander, Jackal, Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel, Sperm Whale, Indian Cobra, and King Cobra.
Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 of WPA 1972
- Schedules III and IV contain non-endangered species.
- This includes protected species where hunting is prohibited, but the penalty for any violation is less severe than in the first two schedules.
- Schedule III animals include - Chital (spotted deer), Bharal (blue sheep), Hyena, Nilgai, Sambhar (deer), Sponges
- Schedule IV animals include - Flamingos, Hares, Falcons, Kingfishers, Magpies, Horseshoe Crabs
Schedule 5 of WPA 1972
- Schedule 5 animals are referred to as "vermin" and can be hunted.
- Schedule 5 includes only four animals: mice, rats, common crows, and flying foxes (fruit eating bats).
Schedule 6 of WPA 1972
- It regulates the cultivation of a specific plant and restricts its possession, sale, and transportation.
- Plant cultivation and trade are only permitted with the prior approval of a competent authority.
- Schedule VI plants include the:
- Beddomes' cycad (Native to India)
- Blue Vanda (Blue Orchid)
- Red Vanda (Red Orchid)
- Kuth (Saussurea lappa)
- Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.)
- Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana)
List of Animals in Schedule 1 to 4 of WPA 1972
| Name | Category | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Binturong | Vulnerable | Sikkim |
| Brow Antlered Deer/ Sangai | Endangered | Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur |
| Swamp Deer | Vulnerable | Wide Distribution |
| Cheetah | Vulnerable (The Asian Cheetah is critically endangered and can only be found in Iran) | Extinct in India |
| Chinese Pangolin Indian Pangolin | Critically Endangered Endangered | Himalayan Foothills |
| Clouded Leopard | Vulnerable | Himalayan foothills such as Sikkim, West Bengal, the North-East region, and so on. |
| Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) | Least Concern | Western and Central India |
| Dugong (herbivorous marine mammals also known as Sea Cow) | Vulnerable | Coastal Water Belt |
| Fishing Cat | Endangered | Sundarbans Mangrove Forests |
| Ganges River Dolphin | Endangered | Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna River System |
| Irrawaddy Dolphin (live in both fresh and saltwater) | Endangered | Rivers include the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, and Mekong. |
| Golden Langur | Endangered | North-East India |
| Hispid Hare | Endangered | West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar |
| Hoolock Gibbon | Endangered | North-East India |
| Red Panda | Endangered | North-East India |
| Lion-tailed macaque | Endangered | Western Ghats (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) |
| Malabar Civet | Critically Endangered | Western Ghats |
| Marbled Cat | Vulnerable | Eastern Himalayas to Southeast Asia |
| Himalayan Musk Deer | Endangered | Northeast India |
| Nilgiri Tahr | Endangered | Western Ghats |
| Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Javan Rhino is known as Lesser One Horned Rhino) | Vulnerable | Assam has the most greater one-horned rhinoceros, with more than 90% found in Kaziranga National Park. |
| Chiru (Tibetan antelope famous for its "Shantosh wool") | Endangered | Steppes and semi-arid desert areas of cold high mountains (e.g., Jammu and Kashmir) |
| Kiang (Wild Ass) | Least Concern | Cold Deserts of India |
| Tiger | Endangered | 13 Tiger range countries |
| Indian Buffalo | Endangered | MP, Assam, Meghalaya |
| Northern River Terrapin (Batagur Baska) | Critically Endangered | Sundarbans, river estuaries |
| Oliver Riley Turtle Leatherback Turtle Loggerhead Turtle Hawksbill Turtle Green Turtle Indian Star Tortoise | Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable | Territorial and Fresh Water |
| Bengal Florican | Critically Endangered | Indian Subcontinent (UP, Assam) |
| Chital | Least Concern | SikkimRegion |
| Hogdeer | Endangered | North and Northeast India |
| Nilgai | Least Concern | Widely Distributed in India |
| Dhole | Endangered | Western Ghats, Estern Ghats, Northeast India, etc. |
| Great Indian Bustard | Critically Endangered | Central and Western India (Desert National Park, Rajasthan) |
| Mouse Deer | Least Concern | Deciduous and Evergreen Forests |
| Asiatic Lion (found in India only) | Endangered | Only 5 protected areas in Gujarat: Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary, and Girnar Sanctuary |
| Elephant | Endangered | Wide range throughout India |
| Eurasian Otter (carnivorous animals) | Near Threatened | Western Ghats |
| Ganges Shark | Critically Endangered | River Hooghly in West Bengal, as well as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi |
| Indian Ocean Humpback Whale | Endangered | Shallow water of India Ocean |
| Snow Leopard | Vulnerable | J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh |
| Saltwater Crocodile | Least Concern | Bhitarkanika, Odisha houses 70% of these species |
Conclusion
The rapid decline of India's wild animals and birds, one of the country's richest and most diverse wildlife resources, has been a major source of concern. Areas that were once teeming with wildlife have become devoid of it, and wildlife protection in sanctuaries and National Parks needs to be improved. The Act establishes wildlife advisory boards and wildlife wardens, as well as their authorities and responsibilities.
FAQs
Question: What is the significance of animals listed under Schedule I of the WPA 1972?
Answer: Animals listed under Schedule I are accorded the highest level of protection under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972. Their hunting, poaching, and trade are strictly prohibited, and violations attract the most severe penalties.
Question: Which animals are listed under Schedule II of the WPA 1972?
Answer: Some examples of animals listed under Schedule II include the Himalayan Black Bear, King Cobra, and Indian Leopard. They receive significant protection, though penalties for offenses are slightly lower than for Schedule I species.
Question: What is the difference between Schedule I and Schedule V animals under the WPA 1972?
Answer: Schedule I animals receive the highest protection, and their hunting is strictly prohibited. In contrast, Schedule V includes animals classified as vermin, which may be hunted without restrictions, such as the Common Crow and Fruit Bats.
Question: Can animals under Schedule III and IV be hunted?
Answer: No, animals listed under Schedule III and IV are protected, though the penalties for offenses related to these animals are less severe compared to those in Schedules I and II.
Question: What penalties are imposed for offenses against animals under Schedule I?
Answer: Offenses against Schedule I animals attract the most severe penalties under the WPA 1972, including imprisonment and heavy fines. These animals are given the highest priority for conservation and protection.
MCQs
1. Which of the following animals is listed under Schedule I of the WPA 1972?
A. Indian Rhinoceros
B. Common Crow
C. Fruit Bat
D. House Sparrow
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
The Indian Rhinoceros is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, providing it the highest level of protection. The Common Crow and Fruit Bat are listed under Schedule V, and the House Sparrow is not included in Schedule I.
2. Which of the following schedules of the WPA 1972 focuses on plant species?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule IV
C. Schedule V
D. Schedule VI
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act focuses on the protection of endangered plant species in India, providing measures for the conservation of rare and threatened plants.
3. Animals under Schedule V of the WPA 1972 include which of the following?
A. Indian Elephant
B. Common Crow
C. Royal Bengal Tiger
D. Snow Leopard
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The Common Crow is listed under Schedule V, which includes species classified as vermin and can be hunted. Other animals like the Indian Elephant and Snow Leopard are listed under Schedule I.
4. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972?
A. Animals under Schedule I can be hunted with a permit.
B. Schedule VI is meant for plant conservation.
C. Schedule III animals are allowed to be hunted.
D. The penalties for offenses against Schedule IV animals are more severe than Schedule I.
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Schedule VI of the WPA 1972 is specifically for the conservation of plant species. The statement regarding the hunting of Schedule I animals and other options are incorrect.
5. Which animal listed below is provided the highest protection under the WPA 1972?
A. Fruit Bat
B. Himalayan Black Bear
C. Indian Rhinoceros
D. House Sparrow
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The Indian Rhinoceros is listed under Schedule I, which provides it the highest level of protection under the WPA 1972, compared to the other animals mentioned.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the role of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 in safeguarding India's biodiversity, with specific reference to Schedule I and Schedule II animals.
Answer: The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 was enacted to ensure the protection of India's diverse fauna and flora. It has been instrumental in safeguarding species from extinction and protecting their habitats. Animals listed under Schedule I of the act, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian Rhinoceros, receive the highest level of protection, with hunting, poaching, and trade being strictly prohibited.
Schedule II species, such as the Himalayan Black Bear and King Cobra, also receive significant protection, though penalties for offenses are slightly lower than for Schedule I animals. The WPA has helped raise awareness about wildlife conservation and has provided a legal framework to protect endangered species from exploitation. The Act has played a critical role in the success of several wildlife conservation projects, such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
Q2: Analyze the challenges in implementing the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, particularly with reference to illegal poaching and trade of Schedule I animals.
Answer: While the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has been effective in providing legal protection to endangered species, challenges remain in its implementation. Illegal poaching and wildlife trade continue to threaten several species listed under Schedule I, such as the Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, and Snow Leopard. Poachers target these species for their skin, horns, and other body parts, which fetch high prices in the illegal market.
Additionally, the lack of adequate manpower, funding, and training for forest guards and law enforcement officials makes it difficult to enforce the Act in remote areas. There is also a need for stronger wildlife crime intelligence networks and cross-border cooperation to tackle the smuggling of animal parts. Public awareness and community participation are essential to combat illegal wildlife trade and ensure the long-term success of the WPA.
Previous Year Questions on Schedule Animals of WPA 1972
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019
Question: The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972 provides the highest protection to which of the following species?
A. Great Indian Bustard
B. Nilgai
C. Common Myna
D. Indian Peacock
Answer: A
Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is listed under Schedule I of the WPA 1972, granting it the highest level of protection. The bird is critically endangered and is a priority species for conservation efforts in India.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 3)
Question: Discuss the significance of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 in conserving endangered species in India, with reference to the challenges in its implementation.
Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 has been crucial in conserving endangered species by providing legal protection and creating a framework for wildlife conservation. However, its implementation faces challenges such as poaching, habitat destruction, and the illegal wildlife trade. While the Act has led to the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, ensuring effective enforcement in remote areas remains difficult due to lack of resources and trained personnel. Strengthening the Act's implementation through better funding, training, and public participation is necessary to safeguard India's biodiversity.
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