Recently, World Wildlife Conservation Day was celebrated. 

About World Wildlife  Conservation Day 

• It is celebrated on the 4th of December every year. 
• Purpose: to raise awareness of conservation issues including poaching, over commercialisation, and global wildlife tracking. 
• Theme 2024: Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,”

India’s Biodiversity status

• India covers only 2.4% of the world’s land area but accounts for:
  • 7-8% of all recorded species, including:
    • 45,000 plant species.
    • 91,000 animal species.
• Recognized as a megadiverse country due to its rich biodiversity.

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• India has 10 biogeographic zones – 
  • 8.58% of mammalian species
  • 13.66% of bird species
  • 7.91% of reptiles
  • 4.66% of amphibians
  • 11.72% of fish
  • 11.8% of plants
    
• Four global biodiversity hotspots in India:
  
  • Himalayas.
  • Indo-Burma.
  • Western Ghats-Sri Lanka.
  • Sundaland.
    

Species at Risk

• Critically Endangered Species in India
  • India has 73 critically endangered species (as of 2022).
  • IUCN classification: Critically endangered species are at the highest risk of extinction in the wild.
  • Increase in numbers since 2011 (47 species) due to:
    • Better data collection and monitoring.
    • Habitat destruction and other threats.
• Endemic Species Under Threat
  • Nine critically endangered mammals, including eight endemic species:
    
    • Kashmir stag (Hangul).
    • Malabar large-spotted civet.
    • Andaman shrew.
    • Jenkin’s shrew.
    • Nicobar shrew.
    • Namdapha flying squirrel.
    • Large rock rat.
    • Leafletted leaf-nosed bat.
      
• Underappreciated Species at Risk
• • Large carnivores like lions, tigers, and cheetahs often overshadow other endangered species due to their tourism appeal.
  • Birds like the Great Indian Bustard face severe threats, such as:
    • Collisions with powerlines in Rajasthan.

Factors Behind Extinction of Species

• Habitat Loss: Urbanization and deforestation destroy natural habitats.
• Species Relocation: Moving species from their natural habitat disrupts ecological balance.
• Global Pollution: Pollution degrades ecosystems, affecting species survival.
• Climate Change: Rapid environmental changes threaten species that cannot adapt.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Unsustainable exploitation of species pushes them toward extinction and spreads zoonotic diseases.

India’s Domestic Legal Framework for Wildlife Conservation

Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife

• 42nd Amendment Act 1976: Added “Forests” and “protection of wild animals and birds” to the Concurrent List.
• Article 51 A (g): Fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
• Article 48 A: Mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

Legal Framework

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides the legal framework for wildlife conservation and protection of endangered species.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Focuses on the protection and improvement of the environment.
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Aims to conserve biological diversity and ensure sustainable use of its components.

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India’s Collaboration With Global Wildlife Conservation Efforts

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Regulates international trade in endangered species.
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS): Focuses on the conservation of migratory species.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Promotes sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
• World Heritage Convention: Protects cultural and natural heritage worldwide.
• Ramsar Convention: International treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC): Monitors wildlife trade to protect species from exploitation.
• United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF): Promotes sustainable forest management globally.
• International Whaling Commission (IWC): Works to conserve whale populations and manage whaling.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Provides data, analysis, and advocacy for global conservation efforts.
• Global Tiger Forum (GTF): International body dedicated to saving tigers from extinction.

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