Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act

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There are six schedules provided in the Wildlife Protection Act. They are discussed below –

Schedule I

• The most severe penalties for breaking the law are under this Schedule because it protects endangered species, which require strict protection.
•Hunting is forbidden for any species included in this Schedule in India, unless they pose a hazard to human safety.

• All species on this list are protected to the utmost extent; trading in these animals is forbidden.
• Some of the examples include the clouded leopard, cheetah, blue whale, Indian gazelle, hornbills, tiger, blackbuck, Himalayan Brown Bear, and Brow-Antlered Deer.

Schedule II

• Trade in animals on this list is forbidden; • These animals also receive special protection.
• They cannot be hunted unless human life is in danger.
• Assame Macaque, Bengal Hanuman langur, Large Indian Civet, Indian Fox, Larger Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Kashmir Fox, and so on are some examples.

Schedule III & IV

• The species on this list are not threatened with extinction.
• Compared to the other two schedules, there is a lower penalty for violating this, even if it includes protected species.
• Hunting is prohibited.
• The Himalayan rat, porcupine, flying fox, Malabar tree toad, and hyena are a few examples.

Schedule V

• This schedule contains animals that can be hunted(vermin).
• Examples: mice, rats, common crow, fruit bats, etc.

Schedule VI

• The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting.
• Examples: pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, etc.