(a) the number of species of animals/birds which have become extinct during the last twenty years;
(b) whether the Government has ascertained the reasons for the same and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken/likely to be taken by the Government to protect the various rare species of animals/birds that are on the verge of extinction?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) As informed by the Zoological Survey of India, no animal or bird species in India have become extinct in the last 20 years.
(b) In view of (a) above, the question does not arise.
(c) The Ministry has taken the following important steps to protect the wildlife including rare species of animals and birds and their habitats:
i. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals, birds and their habitats.
ii. Enhanced financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, which inter-alia, includes Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephant, for providing better protection to wildlife including rare species of animals/birds and improvement of habitat.
iii. A specific component of ‘Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats’ is provided in the on-going Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for focused conservation action on 21 identified critically endangered species including Humpback whale, Gangetic dolphins, Snow leopard, Hangul, Sangai deer, Marine turtle, Bustards, Edible-nest Swiftlet, Nicobar megapode, Jerdon’s Courser and vultures. Financial assistance is provided to States/UT Governments for recovery programme of the critically endangered species of birds and animals.
iv. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
v. The local communities are involved in conservation measures through eco-development activities who help the forest department in protection of wildlife.
vi. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau activities have been intensified to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles, including peacocks, and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws.
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