Vivek Kumar

Lok Sabha passes the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill to implement global norms on endangered species. It also focuses on implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

What is Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?
* It is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
* The Convention requires countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens of wild animals and plants through permits.
* It also seeks to regulate the possession of live animal specimens.

More about Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill
* The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 which regulated the protection of wild animals, birds and plants.
* It seeks to increase the species protected under the law.
* It focuses on implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Key Features:
* It designates authorities under CITES obligations.
* The Bill provides for the central government to designate Management & Scientific for trade of specimens.
* The Bill empowers the central government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species.
* Under the 1972 Act, state governments may declare areas adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries as a conservation reserve.
* The Bill also empowers the central government to notify a conservation reserve.
* The Bill provides for any person to voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wildlife Warden.
* The 1972 Act prescribes imprisonment terms and fines for violating the provisions of the Act. The Bill increases these fines.