About the Farmers’ Conflict Resolution Committee

• The Committee includes representatives from the Departments of Forest, Revenue, Agriculture, and Horticulture, along with scientific experts and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Objective: The committee was formed to study the impact of raids by elephants and wild pigs on agricultural crops.
• Implementation Protocol:
  • Approval Process: The culling will require approval from a local three-member checking body.
  • Composition of the Checking Body: The body will include a forester or forest guard, the Village Administrative Officer, and the ward member.
  • Supervision: Culling operations must be conducted in the presence of these three members.

• Matriarchal ‘sounders’ led by an elder female;
• Solitary adult males or loose bachelor groups;
• Active during evening and night;
• Territorial fights with predators.

• Omnivorous: excreta, tubers, roots, leaves, fruit, vegetables, standing crops, carrion, small animals, baby deer;
• Prefers marshy areas and roots in swampy places

• Breeding year-round, peak seasons vary by region;
• Gestation: around four months; Litter size: multiple piglets

• Seed dispersal aiding plant propagation;
• Important prey species maintaining predator-prey balance in the ecosystem

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule III

Proposed reclassification to Schedule V (vermin) due to agricultural damage.

Back2Basics: Schedule III of WPA, 1972

• Protection Level: Lesser degree of protection compared to Schedule I and II.
• Prohibition: Hunting of these species is prohibited except under special circumstances defined by the Act.
• Penalties: Violations related to these species attract penalties, though they are less stringent than those for higher schedules.

Species Listed in Schedule III: As per the latest available data, the following are examples of species listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

1. Chinkara (Gazella bennettii): Also known as the Indian Gazelle, found in various parts of India.
2. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): A species of antelope native to India.
3. Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Also known as the Nilgai, the largest Asian antelope.
4. Indian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus): A subspecies of the wild boar native to the Indian subcontinent.
5. Sambar (Rusa unicolor): A large deer native to the Indian subcontinent.

Legal Provisions:

• Hunting Prohibition: Hunting any animal listed under Schedule III is prohibited except for purposes like scientific research, education, and when permitted by the authorities under specific conditions.
• Penalties: The penalties for offenses involving Schedule III animals include imprisonment up to three years, or a fine up to Rs. 25,000, or both.

PYQ:

[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.

(d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.