THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

  • March 7, 2021
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

Concept:

The GIB is one of the most critically threatened species in India, with fewer than 150 birds left in the wild. It is listed as Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List.

A 2019 report by the Ministry pointed out that power lines, especially high-voltage transmission lines with multiple overhead wires, are the most important current threat for GIBs in the Thar region, and are causing unsustainably high mortality in about 15% of their population.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

This Act provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security. Among other things, the Act lays down restrictions on hunting many animal species. The Act was last amended in the year 2006. An Amendment bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2013 and referred to a Standing Committee, but it was withdrawn in 2015.

Constitutional Provisions for the Wildlife Act

Article 48A of the Constitution of India directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard wildlife and forests. This article was added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

Article 51A imposes certain fundamental duties for the people of India. One of them is to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act:

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 II

  • 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 III & IV

  • 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 VI

  • This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation.
  • Examples: pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, etc.
THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD