Schedule I Protection under Wildlife Law

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 classifies protected animals, plants and internationally traded specimens through statutory schedules. After the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, the Act has four schedules, with Schedule I providing the highest level of protection to listed animal species.

Classification through the schedules

• Schedule I lists animal species requiring the highest degree of protection; the striped hyena, Hyaena hyaena, is included in this schedule.
• Schedule II lists other protected animal species. Hunting of animals in both Schedules I and II is prohibited, but Schedule I offences attract enhanced penalties.
• Schedule III lists protected plant species and regulates their uprooting, collection, possession and trade.
• Schedule IV lists specimens covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, enabling regulation of their international trade.

Hunting prohibition and exceptions

Under Section 9, no person may hunt an animal listed in Schedule I or Schedule II except as permitted by the Act. Hunting includes capturing, killing, poisoning, snaring, trapping or injuring an animal, as well as attempting such acts.

• Under Section 11, the Chief Wildlife Warden may authorize action against a Schedule I animal that is dangerous to human life or is disabled or diseased beyond recovery.
• A Schedule II animal may also be dealt with when it becomes dangerous to human life or property, subject to a written order and recorded reasons.
• Under Section 12, permits may be issued for specified purposes such as education, scientific research and scientific management, subject to statutory approvals.

Possession, trade and penalties

The Act controls possession, acquisition, transfer and commercial dealing in listed animals, captive animals, meat, trophies and animal articles. An offence involving a Schedule I animal or its meat, trophy or animal article generally attracts imprisonment of three to seven years and a fine of at least Rs 25,000.

• Schedule-based protection applies throughout India and is not confined to national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
• Habitat protection is separately provided through provisions governing sanctuaries, national parks and other protected areas.