India’s Shield Against Wildlife Crimes
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a landmark law that criminalizes hunting, capturing, or trading of wild animals, birds, and plants.
It also created the National Parks and Sanctuaries system to protect wildlife habitats.
What’s Protected?
- Animals listed in Schedule I–IV (tigers, elephants, pangolins, turtles, birds, etc.)
- Rare and endangered plants
- Forest reserves and biodiversity zones
🚫 Hunting, poaching, or selling parts of protected animals is a criminal offense.