The Indian government has recently introduced regulations concerning the ownership and breeding of exotic wild animals in captivity. These rules are framed under Section 49M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and are designed to ensure better oversight and management of endangered exotic species.
The necessity for these regulations became apparent following the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the risks linked to illegal wildlife trade and the potential for zoonotic diseases to emerge from wildlife markets. In response to growing global concerns, countries such as China and Vietnam have taken significant steps to mitigate illegal wildlife trade. India's new regulations aim to systematically regulate the ownership and breeding of exotic wild animals, thereby safeguarding both public health and endangered species.
Individuals who own exotic animal species are required to apply for registration through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal within six months of the implementation of these regulations. Furthermore, it is mandatory for them to report their possession of an exotic animal to their State Chief Wild Life Warden within 30 days of acquiring the animal.
The newly established rules apply to exotic animal species that are listed in the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and included in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This primarily pertains to highly protected animals on a global scale.
The legal framework for these regulations is underpinned by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023. This amendment mandates that keepers of exotic wild animals obtain a license for the possession and breeding of species outlined in Appendix I of Schedule IV.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government issued an advisory on June 11, 2020, granting amnesty to individuals holding exotic live species protected under CITES. The objective was to encourage individuals to disclose their ownership of exotic animals, thereby creating a comprehensive database for government monitoring purposes.
Experts regard these regulations as a pivotal step towards managing the ownership and breeding of exotic wild animals in India. They aim to prevent the exploitation of endangered species and diminish the risks associated with illegal trade, thereby contributing to wildlife conservation and enhancing public health safety.
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