---
title: "Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 safeguards India's wildlife, regulating the management of protected areas, crucial for civil services aspirants."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/wild-life-act-1972"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is the central Indian statute that protects wild animals, birds and plants and provides for declaration and management of protected areas.
- Under which constitutional provision was the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 originally enacted?
- What did the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 change?
- Who has the power to declare a National Park or Sanctuary under the Act?
- Which statutory bodies were created or strengthened by the 2006 amendment?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is the central Indian statute that protects wild animals, birds and plants and provides for declaration and management of protected areas.

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In 2022, Parliament passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act to align India's domestic law with CITES, rationalising the six schedules into four and inserting a dedicated schedule for CITES-listed specimens.

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