The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Act No. 53 of 1972, dated 9 Sep 1972) is India’s principal statute for conserving, protecting and managing wild animals and plants. It applies to the Union and State governments, wildlife authorities, hunters, traders, zoos, the Central Zoo Authority, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and any person dealing with wildlife. The Act bans hunting of species listed in its Schedules — the Schedules being the official lists of protected wildlife — and makes any wild animal taken in contravention of the law government property. Section 39 states, “wild animals taken contrary to the Act shall be property of the Government.” It also regulates trade in animal articles and trophies (Chapter V) and, since amendments up to 2022, extends to international trade under CITES and to invasive alien species (Section 62A). In practice, hunters must obtain a permit for any capture of a scheduled animal; traders need licences to deal in trophies or animal articles; zoos must be recognised by the Central Zoo Authority before acquiring animals; and any import, export or re‑export of scheduled specimens requires a licence issued by the designated management authority. For community animal feeders and the public, the Act means they must ensure that stray or community dogs they care for are not listed species and that no wildlife is moved or sold without the required permissions.