UPSC Prelims 2022 question on Wildlife Protection Laws India

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 mentions that every wild animal, other than vermin, which is hunted shall be the property of the State Government. When such an animal is hunted in a sanctuary or National Park declared by the Central Government, it shall be the property of the Central Government. The Bombay High Court ruled in 2012 that wild animals including tigers should be treated as 'government property for all purposes'. Hence statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 does not discriminate between animals found in protected areas and outside. It provides for equal protection for wild animals irrespective of where they are found. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: Only if the wild animal becomes a danger to human life OR is diseased or disabled beyond recovery can it be allowed to be captured or killed by the competent authority, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. Mere apprehension or fear that a wild animal could endanger human life is NOT a ground for capture or killing. Hence statement 3 is not correct.