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The Delhi High Court issued an order directing the Centre to take a decision on framing rules to confer protection for exotic animals that are currently not under the purview of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Background
- The court’s order came in response to a petition filed by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India .
- PETA India had filed its petition in 2018, requesting that the court order the seizure and rehabilitation of the hippo from the Asiad Circus, where he was forced to live a solitary life, confined to a small tank with concrete flooring and filthy water.
- The court directed that the hippo be permanently kept in a spacious facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, based on PETA’s petition and an inspection report by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
What are Exotic Species?
- They are plant or animal species that move from the original range to a new one.
- They are invasive, non-indigenous and bioinvaders. They are species of plants or animals that are growing in a non-native environment.
- The advisory has defined them as those are mentioned under the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but not under the Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Most introduced species do not survive for extended periods in new habitats, because they do not possess the evolutionary adaptations to adjust to the challenges posed by their new surroundings and some introduced species may become invasive when they possess a built-in competitive advantage over indigenous species in areas.
Guidelines for Protection
- For new “exotic live species”, the importer should obtain a no-objection certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden ( CWLW) of the State.
- For existing species, stocks shall be declared by the owner/ holder (stock, as on 1 January 2020) to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the concerned State or UT.
- For import of live exotic species, a license needs to be obtained from the Director-General of Foreign Trade.
- Registration of progeny of imported animals to the respective CWLW within 30 days after their birth is required.
- Forest officials will physically verify the submissions, check whether the facilities where the species are being housed are safe and State chief wildlife wardens have been given the power to take action as they see fit for any violations.
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About the WildLife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA – 1972)
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