Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Biogeography — Policy Changes
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 | 2022 | This amendment aimed to increase the number of species protected under the Act, implement the provisions of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) more effectively, and rationalize the schedules for protected species. It also introduced provisions for the management of invasive alien species and enhanced penalties for wildlife crimes. | Strengthens India's legal framework for wildlife conservation, aligning it with international commitments. The focus on invasive alien species directly addresses a significant threat to native biogeographical patterns and endemic species. Rationalization of schedules helps in better management and protection of species based on their conservation status, which is informed by biogeographical distribution and vulnerability. |
| Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 | 2023 | This amendment sought to clarify the applicability of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, to various types of land, particularly those not recorded as 'forest' but having forest-like characteristics. It also introduced exemptions for certain linear projects of national strategic importance and security, and for creating infrastructure for forest-dependent communities. | The amendment has sparked debate regarding its potential impact on forest cover and biodiversity. While aiming for clarity and development, critics argue it could dilute protection for unrecorded forest areas, potentially fragmenting habitats and impacting wildlife corridors crucial for maintaining biogeographical connectivity. Its long-term effects on India's diverse biogeographical zones, particularly in terms of habitat loss and fragmentation, remain a significant concern for conservationists. |