SC-NBWL Recommends Restoring Legal Protection to Rhesus Macaque Under Wildlife Act

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has recommended reinstating the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• The decision seeks to restore statutory protection, strengthen enforcement against illegal capture and cruelty, and promote scientific management of the species.

Background and Proposal

• The proposal was supported by the Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO).
• They urged for the restoration of legal protection to the species to prevent cruelty, exploitation, and illegal trade, as noted in the minutes of the committee’s October 29 meeting.

Legal Context

• Reinstating the Rhesus Macaque under Schedule II would give the species protection status similar to many other wild animals under the Act.
• Under Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, state governments hold the authority to manage wildlife species in conflict situations, allowing flexible local action while maintaining federal safeguards.

State-Level Support

• Six states supported the recommendation for reinstatement:
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Gujarat
  • Uttarakhand
  • West Bengal
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Arunachal Pradesh
• These states cited reasons related to protection, prevention of cruelty, and ecological balance.

About Rhesus Macaques

• Scientific name: Macaca mulatta
• Common name: Rhesus monkey
• Native range: Mainland Asia, including large parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and China.
• Known for their high adaptability, rhesus macaques have the widest native range among all non-human primates.
• They have also been introduced outside Asia, including in parts of the United States.

Source: IE