(a) whether the Government has listed out the endangering species of animals and birds in our country in order to take measures to prevent them from extinction;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) the details of endangered animal and birds species along with their numbers and natural habitats in the country; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to save such endangered species?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a), (b) and (c) The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for listing of species in various schedules based on the threat status. The species listed in Schedule I of the Act is provided with highest degree of protection. Species like Tiger, Asiatic Lion, One horned rhinoceros, Elephant, Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, etc are listed in Schedule-I of the Act.
The last population estimation of flagship species like Tiger, Elephant, Asiatic Lion and Rhinoceros is as given below:
Tiger: 2967 nos.
One-horned rhinoceros: 2973 nos.
Elephant: 29964 nos.
Asiatic Lion: 523 nos.
There are 870 Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves).
(d) The following important steps have been taken by the Government to save endangered species:
i. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been notified all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
ii. In order to further strengthen conservation of wildlife, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are also notified around National Parks and Sanctuaries under provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
iii. The Ministry extends financial assistance to State Government/Union Territory Administration under various Centrally Sponsored schemes(CSS) of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (DWH), for providing better protection to wildlife including endangered species of animals/birds and improvement of their habitat.
iv. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) provides financial assistance for carrying forward the ex-situ Conservation Breeding Programme of various species at identified zoos.
v. 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).
vi. Local communities in and around protected areas are also involved conservation measures for which incentive measures are provided under approved eco-development activities.
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