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?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

17. Ans: b

Explanation:

Section 11. Hunting of wild animals to be permitted in certain cases.

(a) The Chief Wild Life Warden may, if he is satisfied that any wild animal specified in Schedule I has become dangerous to human life or is so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery, by Order in writing and stating the reasons therefor, permit any person to hunt such animal or cause such animal to be hunted . 

Here the satisfaction of  Chief Wild Life Warden matters but not apprehension. Mere apprehension or fear that a wild animal could endanger human life is not a ground for capture or killing. 

Hence, statement 3  is incorrect .

Section 39 – Wild animals, etc., to be Government property. 

wild animal, other than vermin, which is hunted under section 11, kept or bred in captivity or hunted shall be the property of the State Government, and, wheresuch animal is hunted in a sanctuary or National Park declared by the Central Government, shall be the property of the Central Government. 

So wild animals can be the property of government if hunted or bred in captivity but not the property of the government/ private party  when they are in wild .

Hence, statement 1 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 for equal protection for wild animals irrespective of where they are found. 

Hence, statement 2  is correct . 

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