Panel seeks higher protection for Rhesus Macaque under Wildlife Act, Pg12.

Key Highlights:

• The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaque monkeys under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• This recommendation aims to restore statutory protection and enforcement against illegal capture and cruelty.
• The decision follows requests from animal welfare organizations and internal deliberations, including views from states.
• Six states supported the reinstatement, while seven opposed it, citing reasons such as the species' non-threatened status.

Detailed Insights:

• The reinstatement under Schedule II grants the Rhesus Macaque higher protection, enabling stricter action against exploitation and illegal trade.
• Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act empowers states to manage wildlife species in conflict situations, providing a framework for addressing human-animal conflict.
• The Environment Ministry has directed divisional forest officers to prepare site-specific management and conservation plans, including rescue and rehabilitation centers.
• State governments are required to develop detailed mitigation plans, identifying conflict areas based on studies by the Wildlife Institute of India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Schedule II: A category under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, listing species that require high protection against hunting and trade.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Indian legislation providing a legal framework for the protection of plants and animal species.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): An apex body for all wildlife-related matters in India, responsible for promoting conservation and sustainable use of wildlife.