Here is a list of several organisations around the world which are engaged in conservation of wildlife.
Wildlife Organisation # 1. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Habitat destruction and unregulated commercial exploitation are the principal causes of the decline of wildlife. In India, jackal exploited for the fur, musk deer for musk pod and rhinoceros for its horn, crocodile for its skin, etc., for fantastic prices in the world market by poachers, traders and smugglers. In order to prevent over-exploitation of wild fauna and flora through international trade, a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed at Washington on 3rd March, 1973. After its ratification by ten countries, it came into effect on 1st July, 1975.
Government of India signed this convention in July 1974 and became a party to it from 18 October 1976. Under this convention, Inspector General of Forests and Director of Wildlife Preservation are the Management Authorities in India supported by Director, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Director, Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Director, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
Wildlife Organisation # 2. Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF):
It is the world’s largest voluntary organisation set up in 1961. Its above name was given in 1990 and its previous name was World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Its headquarter is at Gland, Switzerland, since 1979. Giant Panda is the official symbol of WWF. An executive committee comprises one president and ten members of the Board of Trustees of WWF. They are responsible to the Board for the administration of the fund and also supervise raising and disbursement of fund, etc. WWF depends entirely upon voluntary contributions for raising its fund. WWF works in collaboration with IUCN and is supported by UNO, UNESCO, UNEP and FAO.
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WWF India was formed in 1969 having a Board of 8 Trustees. Its headquarter is in Bombay and three Regional offices in Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai.
Wildlife Organisation # 3. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS):
It is a private organisation, set up in 1983 by seven residents of Bombay. The society collects information and specimens of flora and fauna from India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The society focuses official and public attention to the need for proper understanding, conserving and development of the rich and varied biodiversity of wildlife of India through publications, lectures, films and field visits, etc. It surveyed mammals and birds of India from 1911 to 1923. The society is under the affiliation of University of Bombay and provides M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany and Zoology.
Wildlife Organisation # 4. Wildlife Preservation Society of India (WPSI):
It is a non-government organisation established in 1958 at Dehradun by a group of wildlife conservationists. Its aim is to protect, conserve and propagate wildlife in the country. The Society has to advise and help the government and wildlife administrators in the formation, maintenance and protection of sanctuaries and national parks. It also supports in enforcing Wildlife (Protection) Act. It also promotes wildlife tourism. The Society is publishing a journal named “Cheetal” together with BNHS.
Wildlife Organisation # 5. Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL):
It is the advisory body that advises Government of India in regard to wildlife policy in the country. It was founded in 1952 as an Advisory Body under the chairmanship of Inspector General of Forests in the name of “Central Board for Wildlife”. Its function was to suggest how India’s wildlife could be safeguarded. Later it was renamed as Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL). A Zoological Park was set up in Delhi in 1955 to exhibit animals in open air enclosures. It was due to the efforts of IBWL. India became a party of CITES in 1976 on the recommendation of IBWL. National Environmental Conservation Policy and National Forest Policy have also been formulated on recommendation of IBWL.
Wildlife Organisation # 6. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN):
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IUCN formation started after International Conference for the Protection of Nature held at Paris in 1931 which led to formation of the IUCN. After the last war (Second World War) and in collaboration with the UNESCO (United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation), IUCN General Assembly met at Paris in 1948 and at Finland in 1952.
IUCN is the international, non-government organisation was founded in 1948. Its aim is wildlife conservation. IUCN has more than 475 member organisations and 116 governmental agencies in 110 countries. IUCN prepares Red Data Book for endangered species. It is modified every year and addition or deletion of animal is done in the list of Book on the basis of animal’s status.
Wildlife Organisation # 7. Red Data Book:
Special Survival Commission (SSC) comes under IUCN. Its aim is to conserve biological diversity, save, restore and manage species and their habitats. SSC prepares Red Data Book for endangered species and it is modified every year on the basis of the species status. The animal whose status becomes improved and comes out of endangered category is removed from the list of the Book.