With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer 1 and 2

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 includes 6 Schedules. It talks about the prevention of hunting and plant cutting, protected area network declaration, recognition of zoos, and protective measures.
• To safeguard and develop the environment.
• Give the central government complete authority to enact severe environmental protection measures.
• The law gives the federal government the power to declare certain areas such as a sanctuary or a national park, wildlife hunting bans, and bring punishment for their violation.
• The Bombay High Court has ruled that wild animals including tigers should be treated as "government property for all purposes" and any damage caused by them should be compensated by the Government. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
•  The law governing the subject of wildlife, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does not discriminate between animals found in protected areas and outside. It provides for equal protection for wild animals irrespective of where they are found. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
•  Only if the wild animal becomes a danger to human life or is diseased or disabled beyond recovery can it be allowed to be captured or killed by the competent authority, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. This provision is applicable to wild animals listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which includes leopards. Mere apprehension or fear that a wild animal could endanger human life is not a ground for capture or killing. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

 Wild Life Protection Act, Schedules:

• Schedule 1 – Protection of Endangered species, from hunting and poaching, unless the animal poses a threat to human lives. Strict penalties and punishment for offenders.
• Schedule 2 – Protection of animals from hunting and poaching, for the purposes of trading.
• Schedule 3 – Protection of animals not considered endangered, in this schedule penalties and punishments are not as harsh as Schedule 1 & 2
• Schedule 4 – Same as Schedule 3.
• Schedule 5 – Vermin (common crows, fruit bats, rats, and mice) that can be hunted, as they are carriers of diseases. Section 62, of the Act, gives the government power to declare an animal a Vermin. It is done when an animal is considered dangerous for humans or crops.
• Schedule 6 – Restricted plants that require specific permission for cultivating.

      Hence correct statements are 1 and 2.