If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
Contents13
- Aa license is required to cultivate that plant.
- BSuch a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
- CIt is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
- DSuch a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
Show answer
Answer: (A) a license is required to cultivate that plant.
Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 deals with "specified plants" — plants that need special protection.
If a plant is listed under Schedule VI, it means a person CANNOT freely cultivate it.
They need a LICENSE from the Chief Wildlife Warden or an authorized officer of the State Government.
The license specifies the area where cultivation is allowed and any conditions to follow.
So it's not a complete ban — cultivation is allowed, but only with proper permission and under regulated conditions.
Why not the others?
- B: It's not a total ban on cultivation. You CAN grow it — with a license.
- C: Schedule VI has nothing to do with genetically modified crops.
- D: Schedule VI plants are protected species, not invasive or harmful ones.
Answer: A (A license is required to cultivate that plant).
Key Takeaway: Schedule VI plants = need a LICENSE to cultivate = regulated, not banned. Don't confuse with invasive species or GM crops.
Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act covers specific plants that need protection but can still be cultivated with proper licensing from wildlife authorities.
The question tests whether students can distinguish between regulated cultivation (requires license) versus complete prohibition, which many confuse.
Schedule VI - Wildlife Protection Act
Environment Schedule VI Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Schedule VI of Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Specified Plants & Licensing
Schedule VI covers specified plants requiring license for cultivation
License issued by Chief Wildlife Warden or authorized State officer
Cultivation regulated, not banned - permission-based system
License specifies cultivation area and conditions to follow
What is Schedule VI
Schedule VI deals with specified plants that need special protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These are plants of conservation concern that require regulated cultivation rather than complete prohibition.
Schedule VI vs Other Schedules
Schedule | Coverage | Key Restriction | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
Schedule I | Highly endangered animals | Complete protection - hunting prohibited | Chief Wildlife Warden |
Schedule II | Animals needing protection | Hunting regulated with licenses | Chief Wildlife Warden |
Schedule VI | Specified plants | Cultivation requires license | Chief Wildlife Warden/State officer |
Schedule VII | Vermin (harmful) species | Can be hunted without license | No specific authority needed |
Licensing Process & Conditions
Chief Wildlife Warden or authorized State Government officer issues the license
License specifies the geographical area where cultivation is permitted
Conditions and restrictions are mentioned in the license terms
Cultivation without license is a punishable offense under the Act
License system ensures sustainable use while preventing over-exploitation
Connection to Question
The question tested whether students understand Schedule VI as a regulatory mechanism (license required) rather than a prohibitive one (complete ban). The correct answer A reflects this permission-based cultivation system.
Trap: Schedule VI plants are regulated, not banned - don't confuse with complete prohibition
Trap: Schedule VI has no connection to GM crops or invasive species
Trap: License is required - cultivation is allowed but not freely
Trap: Don't mix up Schedule VI (plants) with Schedule I/II (animals)
Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Environment Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: India's Primary Biodiversity Law
Enacted in 1972 to protect wildlife and control poaching/trade
Establishes National Board for Wildlife and State Wildlife Boards
Creates 7 Schedules classifying species by protection level
Enables creation of Protected Areas - sanctuaries and national parks
Legislative Background
The Wildlife Protection Act was India's first comprehensive legislation for wildlife conservation. It replaced the earlier Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act, 1912, responding to rapid decline in wildlife populations due to hunting and habitat loss.
Act's Key Provisions
# Wildlife Protection Act 1972
## Institutional Framework
- National Board for Wildlife
- State Wildlife Boards
- Chief Wildlife Warden
- Wildlife Wardens
## Species Classification
- 7 Schedules
- Protection levels
- Hunting regulations
- Trade controls
## Protected Areas
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- National Parks
- Conservation Reserves
- Community Reserves
## Enforcement
- Wildlife Crime Control
- Penalties
- Court procedures
- International trade (CITES)Major Amendments
Amendment | Year | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
1991 Amendment | 1991 | Strengthened penalties, added CITES provisions |
2002 Amendment | 2002 | Added Community Reserves, enhanced punishments |
2006 Amendment | 2006 | Created Tiger Reserves, National Tiger Conservation Authority |
Trap: Act was passed in 1972, not 1970 or 1975
Trap: National Board for Wildlife is the apex body, not Wildlife Institute of India
Trap: Act covers both animals and plants (Schedule VI), not just animals
Trap: Community Reserves added in 2002, not originally in 1972
Protected Species Classification
Environment specified plants
India's System for Classifying Protected Species
Wildlife Protection Act uses 7 schedules to classify species protection
IUCN Red List provides global conservation status framework
CITES Appendices regulate international trade in protected species
India has 36 biodiversity hotspots with high endemic species
Classification Framework
India uses multiple classification systems for species protection. The Wildlife Protection Act schedules provide legal framework, while IUCN categories offer scientific assessment of extinction risk globally.
Conservation Status Classifications
System | Categories | Purpose | Example Species |
|---|---|---|---|
WPA Schedules | Schedule I-VII | Legal protection in India | Tiger (Sch I), Sambhar (Sch II) |
IUCN Red List | CR, EN, VU, NT, LC | Global threat assessment | Great Indian Bustard (CR) |
CITES | Appendix I, II, III | Trade regulation internationally | Elephant (App I), Rosewood (App II) |
Endemic Status | Endemic/Non-endemic | Geographic distribution | Nilgiri Tahr (Endemic to Western Ghats) |
Indian Priority Species
Critically Endangered: Great Indian Bustard, Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Jerdon's Courser
Endemic Plants: Neelakurinji (Western Ghats), Brahma Kamal (Himalayas)
Flagship Species: Tiger, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Snow Leopard under special programs
Medicinal Plants: Many Schedule VI plants are traditional medicine sources
Invasive Species: Lantana, Water Hyacinth require different management approach
Trap: Endemic ≠ Endangered - endemic means found only in one region
Trap: IUCN status ≠ WPA schedule - different classification systems
Trap: Invasive species need control, not protection like Schedule VI plants
Trap: CITES regulates trade, WPA regulates domestic protection