With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
A
1 and 2
B
2 only
Correct answer
C
1 and 3
D
3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is wrong: Section 39 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act makes wild animals government property only in specific cases, such as when they are hunted, captured, killed or found dead, not wild animals in general. Statement 2 is correct: a species listed in the Schedules has the same legal protection wherever it is found, inside or outside protected areas. Statement 3 is wrong: under Section 11 an animal may be captured or killed only once it has actually become dangerous to human life, and killing is allowed only if it cannot be captured, tranquillised or translocated; mere apprehension is not enough. So 2 only.
Wildlife Protection LawWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972Indian lawswildlife protectionWild animalsgovernment propertyprotected animalprotected areashuman lifecapturekillingWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972