WILDLIFE INDIA@50: Saving the Wild, Securing the Future

In 1972, a quarter century post-Independence, India grappled with the lingering colonial legacy of shikar, as trophy hunting, wildlife trade, and habitat loss continued to wreak havoc on the nation’s renowned biodiversity. The dire state of India’s wildlife, with the cheetah extinct and dwindling tiger populations, prompted a crucial intervention. It was in this context that the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 emerged as a beacon of hope, signaling a shift towards conservation. The legislation aimed to address the escalating threats to the country’s diverse fauna by implementing stringent measures against hunting and trade. As India commemorates 75 years of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the Wildlife Protection Act in 2022, “Wildlife India @ 50” serves as a retrospective lens, capturing the nation’s half-century journey in wildlife conservation. Authored by individuals who actively contributed to this trajectory, the compilation offers insights into the challenges faced, the progress made, and the ongoing efforts needed to secure India’s precious wildlife heritage.