With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Indian laws about wildlife protection does not explicitly state that wild animals are the sole property of the government. Instead, it provides the government with the authority to protect and manage wildlife for the broader public interest.

Statement 2 is correct, and Statement 3 is incorrect

• The law governing the subject of wildlife, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does not discriminate between animals found in protected areas and outside. It provides equal protection for wild animals, regardless of where they are found. Only if the wild animal poses a danger to human life or is diseased or disabled beyond recovery can it be captured or killed by the competent authority, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. Mere apprehension or fear that a wild animal could endanger human life is not a ground for capture or killing.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Hard