Kerala’s Proposal to Amend Wildlife Protection Act
Kerala has approached the Union government with a proposal to amend the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The aim is to allow the state to cull wild animals that threaten human life and property. The urgency arises from rise in human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Issue
Wildlife attacks have become a pressing problem in Kerala. Government data shows that from 2016 to early 2025, 919 people lost their lives and nearly 9,000 were injured due to such conflicts. The state has identified 273 out of 941 village local bodies as hotspots for these incidents. The animals involved include tigers, leopards, elephants, and wild boars.
Factors Contributing to Increased Conflicts
Several factors have led to the escalation of human-wildlife conflicts. These include fluctuations in wildlife populations, habitat degradation, and increased grazing of domestic animals in forested areas. Changes in agricultural practices have also played a role. Notably, the rapid population growth of wild boars and monkeys has exacerbated the situation, leading to agricultural losses.
The Need for Legal Amendments
Currently, the Wildlife (Protection) Act imposes strict regulations on the culling of protected species. The Kerala government argues that the existing legal framework hampers timely action in emergencies. Before any culling can occur, the chief wildlife warden must verify that an animal cannot be captured or relocated. This process can delay necessary interventions.
Addressing Specific Wildlife Issues
The state aims to classify wild boars as vermin temporarily under section 62 of the Act. Additionally, it seeks to remove the bonnet macaque from Schedule I, which would allow for more effective management of this monkey species that has been causing disturbances in human settlements. Previously, the chief wildlife warden could capture and relocate these monkeys, but current regulations restrict such actions.
Challenges in Wildlife Management
The government’s approach faces challenges due to existing legal constraints. Court orders prevent the district collector from acting decisively in cases involving wild animals. Moreover, current guidelines for culling, such as assessing the pregnancy status of wild boars, are seen as impractical. The government has stressed the need for a more flexible approach to manage the growing wildlife populations effectively.
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