In which year was the Wildlife Protection Act enacted by the government?

The correct answer is '1972.'

Key Points

• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
  • The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 by the Government of India to provide a legal framework for the protection of wildlife, including flora and fauna, and their habitats.
  • The Act aimed to curb poaching, illegal trade, and the exploitation of wildlife and forest resources, which were rampant during that time.
  • It introduced the creation of protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves to preserve biodiversity.
  • The Act also laid down the foundation for the protection of endangered species by categorizing them and providing penalties for offenses related to wildlife exploitation.
  • It has since undergone multiple amendments to strengthen its provisions and address emerging challenges in wildlife conservation.

Additional Information

• Analysis of other options:
  • Option 1 (1973): While the Project Tiger initiative, a landmark conservation program, was launched in 1973, the Wildlife Protection Act itself was enacted a year earlier, in 1972.
  • Option 2 (1970): There was no major legislative action specifically addressing wildlife protection in 1970. However, concerns about the depletion of wildlife were growing during this period, which eventually led to the enactment of the 1972 Act.
  • Option 3 (1971): Although discussions about the need for wildlife conservation laws were ongoing during this year, the Wildlife Protection Act was not enacted until 1972.
  • Option 5 (Blank): This is an invalid option as it does not provide any year for consideration.
• Significance of the Wildlife Protection Act:
  • It was one of the first comprehensive laws in India to address the issue of biodiversity conservation at a national level.
  • The Act has been instrumental in the establishment of protected areas, safeguarding endangered species, and regulating activities like hunting and trade in wildlife products.
  • It also plays a critical role in implementing international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in India.