Q89.
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?
Answer
A
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, every wild animal (other than vermin) that is hunted shall be the property of the State Government, and the Bombay High Court (2012) ruled wild animals including tigers should be treated as 'government property for all purposes'. Statement 2 is correct: The WLPA does not discriminate between animals found in protected areas and outside; it provides equal protection for wild animals irrespective of where they are found. Statement 3 is incorrect: MERE APPREHENSION or fear is NOT sufficient ground — only if the wild animal actually becomes a danger to human life or is diseased/disabled beyond recovery can it be captured or killed by the Chief Wildlife Warden.