Protected Indian wildlife in the gun over villager safety fears
Kerala is requesting the Indian government to amend the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to allow local officials to swiftly manage wild animals that threaten lives or damage property.
The state proposes classifying wild boars as vermin for a limited time, removing bonnet macaques from Schedule I protection, and permitting the killing of animals identified as maneaters.
Kerala cites increasing human-wildlife conflict, with 273 of 941 village councils identified as hotspots, and government data showing 919 deaths and nearly 9,000 injuries from wildlife attacks between 2016-17 and January 2025.
State authorities argue that current laws delay urgent action during wildlife emergencies, especially with Schedule I species, and seek to decentralise authority by allowing chief conservators of forests to issue "kill permits."
The proposal has faced criticism from conservationists and ecologists, who warn that relaxing protections and permitting culling could set a dangerous precedent and disrupt ecosystems.
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