Humane World for Animals India, a dedicated animal protection organization, has expressed strong objections to the recently proposed Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, 2025. The group cautions that these amendments risk undermining crucial conservation efforts and exacerbating human-wildlife conflicts throughout Kerala.
In a detailed letter addressed to Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, the organization argued that the new provisions, which permit the removal, relocation, or even lethal action against wild animals found outside designated forest areas, could inadvertently ‘weaponize’ a law originally designed to safeguard wildlife. They believe these measures offer little in the way of sustainable, long-term solutions.
A primary concern for the group is the inclusion of what they describe as ‘unscientific’ clauses. These provisions would enable the state to classify certain species as ‘vermin’ and allow for the swift killing of wild animals deemed dangerous. Humane World for Animals India fears such actions could circumvent existing protections under the Central Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, potentially leading to indiscriminate culling, an increase in trophy hunting, and a rise in illegal wildlife trade.
Concerns Over Bonnet Macaques
Another significant point of contention is the proposal to downgrade the protection status of bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) from Schedule I to Schedule II. The organization highlights that this move lacks any robust, state-specific scientific study to justify it, suggesting the decision appears to be based more on the animals’ visibility in urban areas rather than accurate population data.
The NGO emphasized that the root causes of human-wildlife conflict are shrinking habitats, inadequate waste management, and food scarcity, not an overpopulation of animals. They also pointed out that the Bill’s proposed clauses contradict central legislation and would therefore require Presidential assent under Article 254(2) of the Constitution before becoming law.