The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, notified by India’s Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, operationalize Section 49M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, as amended in 2022. These rules aim to regulate the possession, transfer, and reporting of births/deaths of specified animal species to enhance conservation efforts and combat illegal trade.
Legal Basis
- Section 49M (WPA, 1972): Introduced via the 2022 Amendment, this section mandates registration and reporting for possession, transfer, births, and deaths of specified species.
- Section 63: Empowers the central government to frame rules for implementing the Act, including these 2024 rules.
Species Covered
- CITES-Listed Species: All species in the Appendices of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which regulate international trade.
- Schedule IV of WPA: Includes species like hyenas, flying squirrels, otters, and certain deer species that are protected but not under the highest threat categories (Schedules I–III).
Key Provisions
Registration Requirements
- Who Must Register: Individuals, institutions, breeders, zoos, and commercial entities possessing scheduled species.
- Process: Likely involves an online portal for submitting details (e.g., origin, health status, identification via microchipping/tagging).
- Grace Period: Existing owners may need to declare possession within a specified timeframe.
Reporting Obligations
- Transfers: Sale, gifting, or exchange of animals must be reported.
- Births/Deaths: Timely reporting (e.g., within 30 days) of births or deaths in captivity.
- Documentation: Proof of legal acquisition (e.g., import permits for CITES species).
Purpose
- Combat Illegal Trade: Track legal ownership to curb trafficking and poaching.
- CITES Compliance: Align with international standards for species protection.
- Conservation Data: Build a centralized database to monitor captive populations and inform policy.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Violations (e.g., unregistered possession, false reporting) may attract fines, imprisonment, or both under WPA provisions. Specific penalties under Section 49M are likely stringent to deter illegal activities.
Implementation Mechanism
- Centralized Database: Digital tracking of registered animals and transactions.
- Enforcement: Collaboration between central/state authorities, wildlife departments, and possibly NGOs.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate stakeholders (e.g., pet owners, breeders) on compliance.
Challenges
- Enforcement: Resource-intensive monitoring, especially for exotic pets and rural areas.
- Awareness: Ensuring compliance among private owners unfamiliar with legal requirements.
- Inter-State Coordination: Harmonizing central rules with state-level wildlife laws (a concurrent subject).
Broader Implications
- Exotic Pet Trade: Stricter oversight of ownership of CITES-listed species (e.g., parrots, reptiles).
- Captive Breeding: Regulated breeding programs must adhere to reporting norms.
- Global Alignment: Strengthens India’s role in global wildlife conservation efforts.
Conclusion
The 2024 rules mark a significant step toward transparency in wildlife management, bridging gaps in regulating captive animals and reinforcing India’s commitment to CITES. By formalizing registration and reporting, the framework aims to balance conservation with responsible ownership, though success hinges on effective implementation and public cooperation.
