Chhattisgarh

• 03 Sep 2024

18 Langurs Shot Dead in Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

Recently, about 18 Langurs were shot dead in Belgaon village of Chhattisgarh for crop damage, leading the forest department to launch an investigation.

Key Points

• Cultural Context: The incident was unusual because villagers typically avoid killing monkeys, fearing it could bring drought, highlighting the cultural and traditional significance of wildlife.
• Legal Action: A case has been filed against unidentified persons under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Schedule I: Protects endangered species with strict penalties; prohibits hunting except in extreme cases (e.g., Black Buck, Snow Leopard).
  • Schedule II: High protection and trade prohibition for certain species (e.g., Assamese Macaque, Indian Cobra).
  • Schedules III & IV: Protects non-endangered species with lesser penalties for violations (e.g., Chital, Flamingo).
  • Schedule V: Lists vermin species that can be hunted (e.g., Common Crows, Rats).
  • Schedule VI: Regulates cultivation and trade of specified plants, requiring prior permission (e.g., Blue Vanda, Kuth).

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plants, management of their habitats, regulation, and control of trade in wild animals, plants, and products made from them
• The act also lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.