The 1978 Act did not envisage total ban on the killing of wild animals.
Controlled hunting of big and small wild animals of many species was permitted
under the license of Department mainly for game purposes.

         The Wildlife Wing existed as Game Preservation Wing in the Forest
Department of Jammu and Kashmir till 1979. In 1979, a Directorate of Wildlife
Protection came into existence vide Government Order No. 132-FST of 1979 dated
13.08.1979 (Annexure-III).

         The present strength of the Department as per SRO 469 dated 21-11- 1985,
SRO 158 dated 12-08-1994 and G.O. No. 32 - FST 2008 dated 16-01-2009
(Annexure -- IV)

         Over a time period of time, the wildlife hunting as a game changed into
organized trade for meeting requirements of various products at domestic and
international markets which resulted into the considerable reduction of wild animal
population in wilderness.

         The J&K Wildlife Protection Department as it exists now came into existence
into the year 1982 and has been responsible for management and maintenance of
various Protected Areas of the State.

         Biodiversity Conservation became the focus of interest following U.N.
Convention on Biodiversity in the Earth Summit at Rio De Janeiro in 1992 and the
Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna
(CITES) on ban on trade in animal articles and trophies. The State's continuing
provisions on hunting and trade of animal articles were in conflict with the changed
scenario. These conflicts were addressed by amending the J&K Wildlife Protection
Act 1978 on 6th May, 2002. The amended Act provided for a complete ban on
hunting except under special circumstances. More endangered species were

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