Measures for Protection and Conservation of Wild Animals

Measures for Protection and Conservation of Wild Animals The Ministry of Environment & Forests has taken several measures for protection and conservation of wild animals including peacock in the country. Which are as follows:

i. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals including peacock against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. According to the conservation and threat status, wild animals are placed in different schedules of the Act. peacocks are included in Schedule I of the Act, which affords it the highest degree of protection under the Act.

ii. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for punishment of offences 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).

iii. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats. Five PAs are especially dedicated for the conservation of peacocks.

iv. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

v. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.

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

vii. Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of State Departments of Forests and Wildlife.

RM/RS
(Release ID :96166)