Schedules I to VI (Pre-2022) / I to IV (Post-2022)
Definition
Lists appended to the WLPA that classify species by level of protection. Schedule I species (tiger, rhino, pangolin, snow leopard) receive absolute protection with the heaviest penalties.
- Statute
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
- Structure change
- Six schedules reduced to four in 2022 amendment
- Highest protection
- Schedule I
- Schedule I examples
- Tiger, rhino, pangolin, snow leopard
Common questions
What changed practically with the 2022 amendment to the schedule structure?+
The amendment consolidated the old six-tier structure into four schedules, removed the separate vermin schedule, and added a schedule for CITES-listed specimens, aligning domestic classification more closely with international trade obligations.
Why does schedule tier affect a wildlife forensics case?+
The schedule a seized species falls under determines the severity of penalties and evidentiary thresholds under the Act, so correct species identification is a prerequisite to knowing which schedule, and which sentencing range, applies.
Related terms
- CCMB LaCONES
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. CSIR institute that handles DNA-based species...
- CITES Appendices I/II/III
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Appendix I: no commercial international trade (tiger, Indian rhino). Appendix II: trade regulated by permit....
- COI Barcoding
- DNA-based species identification using a standard 658 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Sequences are matched against reference...
- Cyt-B Barcoding
- PCR amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. The standard marker for species identification of mammals from skin, hair, bone or...
- NTCA
- National Tiger Conservation Authority. Statutory body under WLPA (2006 amendment) that administers Project Tiger and the network of 50-plus tiger reserves.
- WCCB
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Statutory multi-disciplinary body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), created by the 2006 amendment...
- WII Dehradun
- Wildlife Institute of India. Autonomous MoEFCC institution. Houses the Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, the country's central wildlife forensic facility. Maintains...
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WLPA)
- Central Indian statute that regulates protection of wild animals, birds and plants. Provides for Schedules of species, sanctuaries, national parks, the WCCB...