●  The act was subsequently amended multiple times including in 2003 and 2006.

●  It extends to whole of India.

Objective:

●  Protecting the wildlife (animals, birds, plants) of India and to control poaching, smuggling and illegal wildlife trade.

●  Establishment of protected areas.

●  Appointment of authorities for wildlife protection in India.

●  Prohibition and regulation of hunting of wild animals (hunting of wild animals is permitted in certain cases).

Schedules of the Act:

The act has VI schedules:

●  Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection and offences under these are given the highest penalties. Some animals under this include: Black buck, Gangetic dolphin, Indian lion etc.

●  Schedule III and IV include species that are not endangered. It includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. E.g., flying fox, Himalayan rat etc.

●  Schedule V contain animals that can be hunted e.g., mice, rat, common crow, fruit bats etc.

●  Schedule VI contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation except with a license granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden. E.g., pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, etc.