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 ?
- (a) 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Why the answer is (a)
• Statement 1 is correct: Section 39 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 declares wild animals (and their parts, trophies and products) to be the property of the Government.
• Statement 2 is correct: a species listed in the Schedules is protected wherever it is found; the Act's prohibition on hunting is not confined to protected areas.
• Statement 3 is wrong: under Section 11 the Chief Wildlife Warden may permit killing of a Schedule I animal only if satisfied that it has become dangerous to human life and cannot be captured, tranquillised or translocated; mere apprehension of danger is not sufficient.
• Hence 1 and 2, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 1 on government ownership is also correct.
- (c) 1 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong: mere apprehension is not sufficient ground.
- (d) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong; statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.