Illustrating Protection: A Field Guide to India's Protected Sharks and Rays

Wilson, Livi and Muktha, M and Akhilesh, K V and Kizhakudan, Shoba Joe (2026) Illustrating Protection: A Field Guide to India's Protected Sharks and Rays. Newsletter of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. pp. 216-219.

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Abstract

India has a long and evolving history of safeguarding its wildlife through the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA) - the country’s foremost legal instrument for the protection of both terrestrial and marine fauna. Over the decades, this Act has stood as a pillar of conservation, adapting to meet new ecolog ical challenges and expanding its scope to include vulnerable marine species such as sharks and rays. The inclusion of sharks and rays in earlier amendments reflects that India has long recognized the need to protect these ancient and ecologically vital species. Building on this strong foundation, the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 (WPAA) marked a significant stride forward. The amendment strengthens wildlife protec tion in India by enhancing species classification, enforcement mechanisms, and alignment with international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the amended Act, species listed in Appendix II of the CITES also finds a place in the national schedules, ensuring that India’s marine conservation framework resonates with global wildlife protection standards.

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