National Wildlife Health Policy

• 19 Dec 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian government proposed a National Wildlife Health Policy aimed at addressing health threats faced by wildlife.  

What is the Proposed National Wildlife Health Policy? 

• About: 
  • The Central Zoo Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), organized a consultative workshop involving government departments, NGOs, academic institutions, zoological parks, and veterinary universities.  
    • The policy development is being supported by institutions such as the GISE Hub at IIT Bombay and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. 
• Aim:  
  • The policy will complement India's National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and the One Health policy, which aims to optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment by recognizing their interdependence. 
  • The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) outlines 103 conservation actions and 250 projects.  
    • These include creating a standard protocol for disease surveillance in tiger reserves, protected areas, and forests, as well as establishing a legally binding protocol for mercy killing and euthanasia of wild animals. 
  • The policy will also cover areas such as managing wildlife pathogen risk, disease outbreak preparedness and response, and biosecurity. 
  • The policy aimed to promote R&D initiatives focused on wildlife diseases and health management strategies. 
    • Enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation and management. 
• Current Wildlife Health Challenges: 
  • Indian wildlife is facing various health issues, including infectious diseases (Canine Distemper Virus), habitat loss, climate change impacts, and illegal activities. 
    • The policy is required as India is home to over 91,000 species of wildlife, with more than 1,000 protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. 

Central Zoo Authority 

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• It is chaired by the Environment Minister and has 10 members and a member-secretary. 
• Its objective is to complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of rich biodiversity.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020)

(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.  

(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.  

(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.  

(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.  

Ans: (a)

Q. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012)

1. Global warming  
2. Fragmentation of habitat  
3. Invasion of alien species  
4. Promotion of vegetarianism  

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (a)