Betting for exotic meat, gambling dens in Manipur descend further into illegality

Subject: Environment

In the news-

The police and forest officials in the State’s Ukhrul town have been scanning “gambling dens” following reports of wild animals – dead or alive – being offered as prizes for raffle draws.
Ukhrul is about 80 km northeast of the State capital Imphal.

More on the news-

People buying raffle draw tickets ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 to try their luck to win exotic meat.
The larger or rarer the bird or animal or body part, the higher the price of the ticket.
Apart from wild boars and deer, animals such as binturong (an arboreal mammal also known as bearcat), squirrels and flying foxes (bats) have been found to be on offer.
Different types of birds such as the grey-sided thrush and tragopans (often called horned pheasants) have also been spotted.

Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972-

As per Schedule V of the WPA only mice, rats, common crows, and fruit bats are allowed to be hunted.

Schedule of WPA	Details
Schedule I	This Schedule covers endangered species. These species need rigorous protection and therefore, the harshest penalties for violation of the law are under this Schedule. Species under this Schedule are prohibited to be hunted throughout India, except under threat to human life. Absolute protection is accorded to species on this list. The Trade of these animals is prohibited. Examples: tiger, blackbuck, Himalayan Brown Bear, Brow-Antlered Deer, Blue whale, Common Dolphin, Cheetah, Clouded Leopard, hornbills, Indian Gazelle, etc.
Schedule ll	Animals under this list are also accorded high protection. Their trade is prohibited. They cannot be hunted except under threat to human life. Examples: Kohinoor (insect), Assamese Macaque, Bengal Hanuman langur, Large Indian Civet, Indian Fox, Larger Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Kashmir Fox, etc.
Schedule lll & lV	This list is for species that are not endangered. This includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. Examples: hyena, Himalayan rat, porcupine, flying fox, Malabar tree toad, etc.
Schedule V	This schedule contains animals that can be hunted. Examples: mice, rat, common crow, fruit bats, etc.
Schedule Vl	This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation. Examples: pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, etc.