Question : DEATH OF WILD ANIMALS

(a) the total number of wild animals died due to unnatural causes, accidents and killed by poachers during the last two years, year, animal and State-wise;

(b) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to Punish the guilty and to protect the wildlife;

(c) the number of forest guards and rangers employed to protect wild animals, State-wise;

(d) the details of forest guards and rangers attacked and killed by the poachers during the last three years and the current year; State-wise; and

(e) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the government for the safety of forest guards /rangers and the compensation/risk allowance available to these forest staff?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) The management and protection of wild animals in the State/ Union Territory is carried out by the concerned State/Union Territory Governments. Details of death of wild animals due to unnatural causes, accidents and poachers are not collated in the Ministry.

(b) Action is taken against the guilty as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Act authorizes officers of the state in this regard.

(c)to (e) Engagement of Forest Guards and Rangers for protection of wild animals is the mandate of the concerned State /Union Territory Governments. The information about deaths of or injury to forest staff employed for protection of wildlife have been received. However, such information is not collated in the Ministry. Further, several State Governments have provided for payment of ex-gratia relief to forest staff injured/killed while on duty in protection of wildlife and also providing employment to dependent family member on compassionate ground.