The amendment bill aims at easing the procedures for killing wild animals that pose threat to human life.
- The bill comes amidst increasing human-animal conflict in Kerala and is the first time a state has planned such an amendment in the central law.
Key Highlights of Approved Bill
- Amendment would empower the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) to order the killing of any wild animal that attacks a person in human habitats.
- Presently, WPA empowers CWW to grant permits for hunting of animals listed in Schedule I, II, III or IV if they become dangerous to human life.
- Bill empowers the state government to declare any wild animal included in Schedule II as vermin.
- Presently, Section 62 of WPA empowers the central government to declare any wild animal except those in Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II as vermin and include them in Schedule V.
- Inclusion of any animal under vermin legalizes their killing in specified areas for a limited period of time.
- Presently, Section 62 of WPA empowers the central government to declare any wild animal except those in Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II as vermin and include them in Schedule V.
Reasons for rising Human-Animal Conflict
- Habitat Loss: Rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and human encroachments blocking key animal corridors.
- Resource Competition: Scarcity of food/water increases clashes.
- Climate Change: Increases extreme weather events alters migration patterns pushing animals into villages.
- Poaching & Illegal Trade: Disturbs ecosystems, displaces species.
