With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the

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?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”3 only” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2022

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Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding Indian laws about wildlife protection.

– Statement 1 is correct. As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended), scheduled wild animals become the property of the government upon being killed or captured, or if found dead. This establishes government ownership over protected wildlife.
– Statement 2 is correct. When a species is listed in the Schedules of the WPA, 1972, it receives the protection afforded by the Act regardless of whether it is found within a designated protected area (like a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary) or outside. The protection status applies to the animal itself.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Apprehension alone is not sufficient ground for the capture or killing of a protected wild animal. Section 11 of the WPA, 1972, allows for the killing or wounding of a wild animal in self-defence or if it becomes dangerous to human life or property (including standing crops). However, this typically requires assessment and permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden or authorized officer, establishing that the animal is indeed a danger, not merely an apprehension. Killing purely based on apprehension without official assessment is generally not permissible.

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