The Government of Kerala on March 04, 2026, issued the Kerala Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2026 in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 64 read with Section 40(4) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Through this amendment, the Government has modified Rule 35 of the Kerala Wild Life (Protection) Rules, 1978, particularly regarding the declaration requirement for possession of certain wildlife items such as animals, animal articles, trophies, and salted or dried skins derived from animals listed in Schedule I of the Act. The amendment revises the earlier declaration timeline which previously required submission before September 30, 1991.
Under the revised provision, individuals possessing such specified wildlife items must now make the required declaration within forty-five days from the commencement of the Kerala Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2026. The rules came into force with immediate effect upon publication in the Kerala Gazette.
[Notification No. S.R.O. No. 298/2026]
