Department of Forests & Wildlife
Preservation, Punjab
Wildlife Preservation in
Punjab: An Introduction
Wildlife is an important component of our
environment. The Wildlife Preservation Wing, Punjab is
responsible for the protection, conservation and
management of wildlife both in nature as well as in
captivity. The protection works include detection of
wildlife offences and their prosecution in the courts
and enforcement of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The
wildlife conservation and management activities involve
rehabilitation of various species of wildlife to their
natural habitat, management of Zoos and Mini Zoos (Deer
Parks), protection of rare and threatened species of
birds and animals alonwith management and development of
protected areas in the state. Black Buck (Antilope
Cervicapra) locally called Kala Hiran, is the State
Animal. Baz (Eastern Goshawk), the State Bird and
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), the State Tree. The Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 as well as the rules framed
thereunder are effectively implemented in the state. The
Wing also creates awareness about wildlife conservation
through electronic media by publishing and distribution
of literature, posters etc on wildlife, arranging visits
to zoos and deer parks for the children and holding quiz
competitions on wildlife etc. Awareness about forests
and wildlife conservation is spread amongst people
during celebrations on Van Mahotsava, Wildlife Week,
International Wet land day and other important days
through TV and All India Radio. The Wing also encourages
various research institutions to carry out research on
wildlife found in nature as well as in captivity. The
cases of poaching and illegal trade of wildlife in the
state are handled by Divisional Forest Officers
(territorial) and staff of forests and Wildlife wing
under them. A number of trainings for frontline staff of
the forests and wildlife department are arranged in
Forest Training School, Hoshiarpur.
