Daily Current Affairs : 27-March-2024

The advent of the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, through the Centre marks an extensive change in how captive elephants may be transferred across regions in India. These new policies aim to simplify the technique while considering the welfare of these astounding creatures.

What are Captive Elephants?

Captive elephants are those elephants owned and cared for by human beings. They serve diverse roles, including:

  • Historical Roles: Used in forest management and timber transport.
  • Cultural Significance: Involved in religious ceremonies.
  • Entertainment: Featured in zoos and other attractions.

Unlike wild elephants, captive elephants are regulated and are subject to precise legal guidelines concerning their care and management.

Background of Captive Elephant Regulations

Captive elephants are categorized as Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA). This classification prohibits their capture and trade to protect them from exploitation. However, translocation is allowed for several reasons, such as:

  • Education: For teaching and awareness purposes.
  • Research: For scientific study and conservation efforts.
  • Population Management: To maintain healthy elephant populations in controlled environments.
  • Zoo Specimens: To enhance zoo exhibits.

Previously, transferring captive elephants required strict permissions from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Amendments made in 2021 relaxed some of these regulations, permitting transfers for religious or other specific motives.

What Are the Updated Rules?

The new regulations introduce numerous changes that make moving elephants simpler under certain conditions:

  • Ownership Challenges: Transfers can occur when the owner is unable to maintain the elephant.
  • Better Upkeep: Elephants can be moved if it is determined to be beneficial for their care.
  • Health Assessments: Before any transfer, health and habitat suitability tests are required.
  • Simplified Permissions: The process for interstate transfers has been made more straightforward.

Concerns Raised by the New Rules

While the new policies aim to facilitate better management of captive elephants, they have also raised concerns:

  • Wildlife Trafficking: There are fears that these guidelines could inadvertently encourage illegal wildlife trade.
  • Treatment of Elephants: The welfare of elephants, particularly in large private zoos, has come under scrutiny.

Important Points:

Definition of Captive Elephants: Elephants owned by humans for roles like forest management, religious ceremonies, and entertainment.

Regulatory Background:

  • Captive elephants are classified as Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA).
  • Capture and trade are prohibited to protect them from exploitation.
  • Translocation is allowed for education, research, population management, and zoo specimens.

Previous Transfer Regulations: Strict permissions required from the Chief Wildlife Warden, with amendments in 2021 for specific transfers.

Updated Rules (2024):

  • Transfers allowed if the owner cannot maintain the elephant or for better care.
  • Mandatory health and habitat suitability assessments before transfers.
  • Simplified permissions for interstate transfers.

Concerns Raised:

  • Potential for increased wildlife trafficking.
  • Scrutiny of elephant welfare in large private zoos.

Why In News

New rules for elephant transfers, known as the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, have been introduced by the Centre, liberalizing conditions for elephant transfers and aiming to enhance the welfare of these animals during relocation.

MCQs about Captive Elephant Transfer Regulations

  1. What are captive elephants primarily used for?
    A. Wild preservation
    B. Transportation of goods
    C. Various human-related roles such as cultural events
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: C. Various human-related roles such as cultural events
    Explanation: Captive elephants are kept for several purposes, including historical roles in forest management, involvement in religious ceremonies, and entertainment in zoos.
  2. Under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), what classification do captive elephants fall under?
    A. Schedule 2 species
    B. Schedule 1 species
    C. Endangered species
    D. Extinct species
    Correct Answer: B. Schedule 1 species
    Explanation: Captive elephants are classified as Schedule 1 species under the WPA, which prohibits their capture and trade to protect them from exploitation.
  3. What major change did the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, introduce regarding elephant transfers?
    A. All transfers are now prohibited.
    B. Transfers can happen without any assessments.
    C. Transfers are allowed when owners cannot maintain the elephants.
    D. Only government facilities can keep captive elephants.
    Correct Answer: C. Transfers are allowed when owners cannot maintain the elephants.
    Explanation: The updated rules allow transfers to occur if the owner is unable to maintain the elephant or if it is deemed beneficial for the animal’s care.
  4. What concerns have been raised regarding the new rules for elephant transfers?
    A. Increased wildlife trafficking
    B. Decreased public interest in elephants
    C. Reduced funding for zoos
    D. Overpopulation of wild elephants
    Correct Answer: A. Increased wildlife trafficking
    Explanation: One of the main concerns about the new regulations is that they could inadvertently encourage illegal wildlife trade, putting captive elephants at risk.

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