WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
What is Wildlife conservation ?
Wildlife Conservation is the practise of protecting wild plant and animal species and their habitat from their enemies . Wildlife plays an important role in balancing the environment and provides stability to different natural processes of nature . It is the attempt to protect endangered animal and plant species, along with their natural habitat. The main objective is to make sure that their habitats will be preserved so that the future generations of both wildlife and human can enjoy it .
How can you conserve wildlife?
We can conserve wildlife by the following methods :
- By law - Giving protection to animals and plant species or special areas of land or water .
- Restoration - To restore unsightly countryside (e.g. waste tips and slag heaps etc.) .
- Rewilding .
- Alternative Energy .
- Nature Reserves and Zoos .
- Recycling .
- Education .
What is Wildlife Protection Act?
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted forprotection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks . Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed. The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India , except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act . It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule .