What is the reason behind Kerala's request for amendments to the Wildlife Act?

Kerala and Animal Encounters

Wildlife assaults have become a significant problem in Kerala, with more than 919 individuals killed and over 8,900 injured in wildlife encounters in the state from 2016-17 through 2024-25, based on government statistics.

Of the 941 village local bodies, 273 have been identified as hotspots for wildlife conflict.

The main problem animals include tiger, leopard, elephant, bison, wild boar, bonnet macaque, and peafowl.

Despite the Bonnet macaque (a monkey species) and Peafowl not being life-threatening, their incessant foraging has compelled farmers to leave large areas of farmland.

Demands of Kerala

Kerala requested the Centre to modify the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to permit regional and seasonal culling of man-eating wildlife, highlighting persistent attacks and ineffectiveness of preventive measures such as fencing.

Kerala seeks to have Bonnet Macaques reclassified from Schedule I to allow the Chief Wildlife Warden to take suo motu action against the rising monkey issue.

The government seeks to classify Wild Boars as pests temporarily under section 62 of the Act.

Section 62: Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972

It enables the Central government to designate Schedule III or IV species as vermin for a particular area or time period.

Enables regulated termination to avert agricultural damage or danger to human life.

Does not pertain to Schedule I or II animals (predominantly protected).

What factors have contributed to the rise in human-wildlife conflict in Kerala?

Habitat Deterioration: The reduction in the quality and extent of natural environments has compelled animals to roam for food and territory.

Variations in Wildlife Numbers: Local growth in the populations of specific species has resulted in more regular animal incursions into human territories.

Pasturing of livestock in woodland regions.

Alterations in agricultural practices, etc.

What is the reason behind Kerala's intention to modify the Wildlife Act?

Kerala aims to revise the Wildlife Act as the current legal framework imposes various restrictions on prompt action during emergencies, particularly regarding animals listed under Schedule I of the Act.

Before hunting a wild boar, it is important to check if it is pregnant.

Prior to authorizing the elimination of hazardous wild animals, the state chief wildlife warden must be assured that it cannot be captured, sedated, or relocated. Animals that are captured should not be kept in captivity.

The relevant cases must adhere to the guidelines established by Project Elephant and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Court orders limit the executive magistrate's authority to operate under general nuisance laws concerning wild animals.