The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has recommended reinstating the Rhesus Macaque under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to restore legal safeguards against cruelty, exploitation, and illegal trade, following requests from animal welfare organizations and deliberations on managing growing human-monkey conflicts across several states.
What is the Rhesus Macaque and Its Current Status in India?
Species Overview: The Rhesus Macaque, scientifically known as Macaca mulatta, is a common primate found across northern and central India, characterized by its medium size, brown fur, and pink face, adapting well to diverse habitats from forests to urban areas.
Population and Distribution: With an estimated population in the millions, it is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but local overabundance leads to conflicts, particularly in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where they raid crops and enter human settlements.
Ecological Role: These monkeys play a key part in seed dispersal and forest regeneration, but their proximity to humans has turned them into perceived pests in agricultural and urban zones, prompting management needs.
Why Was the Rhesus Macaque Delisted from the Wildlife Protection Act and What Prompted the Reinstatement Recommendation?
Delisting Background: In the 2022 amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, the species was removed from Schedule II to allow states greater flexibility in declaring them as vermin under Section 62, enabling culling in conflict areas due to rising complaints of crop damage and urban nuisance.
Reasons for Reinstatement: Animal welfare groups highlighted increased cruelty, illegal trade for research and pets, and exploitation post-delisting, leading to the recommendation to restore protections while maintaining options for regulated management to address conflicts humanely.
Legal Implications: Reinstatement under Schedule II would prohibit hunting and trade without permits, enforce penalties for violations, and promote scientific approaches like sterilization and relocation instead of unchecked culling.
What is Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act and How Does It Differ from Other Schedules?
Definition and Purpose: Schedule II lists species that require special protection but allow regulated activities like scientific research or management, with penalties for offenses less severe than Schedule I but stricter than lower schedules.
Comparison with Schedule I: Schedule I includes endangered species like tigers, offering the highest protection with life imprisonment for violations, while Schedule II focuses on vulnerable but not critically threatened animals, balancing conservation with practical management.
Role in Conflict Resolution: Under Section 11, chief wildlife wardens can authorize killing or capture in cases of human threat or crop damage, providing states tools to handle overpopulation without complete deregulation.
What Are the Main Causes of Human-Rhesus Macaque Conflicts in India?
Habitat Loss and Urbanization: Deforestation and expanding cities force monkeys into human areas for food, leading to raids on farms, homes, and temples where they are often fed, exacerbating dependency.
Crop Raiding and Economic Impact: In states like Himachal Pradesh, they cause significant agricultural losses, estimated at crores annually, affecting farmers' livelihoods and leading to retaliatory actions like poisoning or trapping.
Health and Safety Concerns: Close interactions raise risks of bites, scratches, and disease transmission, such as rabies or herpes B virus, prompting calls for population control measures.
How Will the Reinstatement Help in Managing Conflicts and Conservation?
Mitigation Strategies: States must develop site-specific plans categorizing conflict zones, including urban areas, and implement humane methods like habitat restoration, barriers, and community education to reduce encounters.
Rescue and Rehabilitation: Emphasis on building centers for injured or displaced monkeys, with protocols for translocation to suitable forests, ensuring welfare while controlling local populations.
Scientific Monitoring: A baseline study by the Wildlife Institute of India will track population trends, helping in evidence-based decisions like sterilization programs to prevent overgrowth without harming the species.
What Were the State Responses to the Reinstatement Proposal?
Supporting Views: States like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat argued for protection to prevent cruelty and maintain ecological balance, noting the species' role in biodiversity despite conflicts.
Opposing Perspectives: Regions like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan highlighted the need for easier culling due to widespread nuisance, fearing stricter laws would hinder quick responses to farmer complaints.
Neutral Stances: Some areas reported the species as non-native or minimal presence, showing no strong opinion on national-level changes.
What is the Broader Context of Wildlife Protection Laws in India?
Evolution of the Act: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is the primary law for conserving biodiversity, amended multiple times to address emerging issues like invasive species and climate impacts.
Institutional Framework: The National Board for Wildlife advises on policy, with its Standing Committee reviewing proposals, ensuring decisions involve experts, states, and NGOs for balanced outcomes.
Challenges in Implementation: Enforcement varies by state, with issues like poaching and habitat encroachment persisting, requiring integrated approaches involving local communities for sustainable conservation.
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