Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 September 2026 | 18(9): 29751–29758

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10533.18.9.29751-29758

#10533 | Received 18 March 2026 | Final received 12 August 2026| Finally accepted 02 September 2026

 

 

Schedule III of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: a new legal shield for India’s threatened plant species

 

Monalisa Dey 1  & Avishek Bhattacharjee 2           

 

1 Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India, Rajbhawan, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103, India.

2 Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, B. Garden, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India.

1 drmdey2010@gmail.com, 2 aviorch@gmail.com (corresponding author)

 

 

Editor: Anonymity requested.            Date of publication: 26 September 2026 (online & print)

 

Citation: Dey, M. & A. Bhattacharjee (2026). Schedule III of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: a new legal shield for India’s threatened plant species. Journal of Threatened Taxa 18(9): 29751–29758. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10533.18.9.29751-29758

  

Copyright: © Dey & Bhattacharjee 2026. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

 

Funding: None.

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Acknowledgements: The authors are thankful to the director, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata, head of office (HoO), BSI Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Gangtok, and HoO, Central National Herbarium (CNH), Howrah for extending institutional support and research facilities. They are grateful to Dr U.C. Pradhan, Kalimpong, Dr C. Sathishkumar, Dr S. Suresh, and Dr C.R. Chitra of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Dr K. Prasad, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Dr Sanjay Mishra, BSI Central Regional Centre, Allahabad, Dr Ranjith Layola M.R., CNH, and Ms. Priya Singh Kushwaha, CNH for providing some photographs for publication, and Dr Nilesh Vijay Malpure, S.S.G.M. College, Kopargaon for identification of Ceropegia candelabrum L. We are thankful to the anonymous reviewer(s) for refining our manuscript.

 

 

Abstract: India’s Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 marks a pivotal step in plant conservation by introducing Schedule III for specified plant species. This schedule regulates the cultivation, possession, trade, and transport of threatened and high-value plants through a permit-based system, aligning domestic law with CITES obligations. It shifts focus from outright collection bans to a balanced approach that encourages sustainable cultivation while preventing illegal wild extraction. The amendment enhances biodiversity conservation, supports livelihoods, and strengthens global compliance. Effective implementation can achieve long-term conservation outcomes with streamlined permits, better awareness, scientific support, and community participation.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, CITES, community participation,  illegal trade, IUCN, legislation, livelihood, permit, rare flora, sustainable cultivation.

 

 

India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of plant biodiversity, hosting thousands of endemic, medicinal, ornamental, economically and ecologically significant plant species. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 serves as India’s primary legislation for safeguarding wild animals, birds, plants, and their habitats. Initially, it categorized protection levels into six Schedules (I–VI), each offering varying degrees of legal protection and penalties. The plants listed in Schedule VI of this Act are rare and threatened, and the act prohibits cultivation, possession, and trade without permission aiming to conserve rare flora. However, increasing commercial demand, illegal trade, habitat loss, and unregulated cultivation have placed many valuable plant species under serious threat.

Recognizing these challenges, the Government of India enacted the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which updates and strengthens the original law rather than replacing it. The 2022 Amendment modernizes it to tackle wildlife trafficking, invasive species, global trade, and current conservation challenges. It was passed by Parliament in 2022, signed by the President on 19 December 2022, and came into force on 1 April 2023.  

The 2022 Amendment Act has four (I to IV) Schedules, introducing a new Schedule III dedicated exclusively for protection of specified plant species. The species of plants listed under the Schedule III are defined as ‘specified plants’ under Section 2(27) of the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972 as amended.

This landmark amendment marks a significant shift in India’s conservation framework by extending regulatory protection beyond animals to include high-value and threatened plants, thereby aligning national legislation with international conservation commitments such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Schedule III of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, as amended in 2022, lists specified plant species whose: cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and trade (domestic and international) are now regulated through a permit-based system. While earlier provisions focused primarily on bans on collection from the wild, Schedule III introduces a balanced regulatory approach, allowing controlled cultivation and trade while preventing illegal extraction from the wild.

A separate Chapter IIIA under the heading ‘Protection of Specified Plants’ have been included under the Act and regulatory provisions in respect of the Schedule III specified plants have been mentioned under Sections 17A to 17H in the Act highlighting various legislative guidelines under the following headings:

Section 17A: Prohibition of picking, uprooting etc. of specified plants.

Section 17B: Grants of permit for special purpose.

Section 17C: Cultivation of specified plants without license prohibited.

Section 17D: Dealing in specified plants without license prohibited.

Section 17E: Declaration of stock.

Section 17F: Possession etc. of plants by licensee.

Section 17G: Purchase etc. of specified plants.

Section 17H: Plants to be Government property.

 

Plant Species Included in Schedule III

The schedule includes several ecologically, medicinally, and culturally significant plant species, as listed below:

 Strobilanthes kunthiana (Nees) T.Anderson ex Benth. [‘Neela-kurinji’ – a mass-flowering endemic plant of the Western Ghats; Vulnerable VU A2c (Bachan & Devika 2024 as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Coptis teeta Wall. [‘Gold threat’, ‘Mishmi teeta’ – extensively used as medicinal plant; Endangered EN A2cd (Saha et al. 2015a as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. [‘Tree Turmeric’ – roots are traded under the name ‘Mirmanjal’, used in various systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, folk, Tibetan and Siddha; Data Deficient DD (Ved et al. 2015a as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Taxus wallichiana Zucc. [Common ‘Yew’ or ‘East Himalayan Yew’– extensively used in preparing furniture, cabinet work, candlestick, the alkaloid compounds (taxanes) of the bark are a source for the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol); Endangered EN A2acd (Thomas & Farjon 2011 as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Vanda coerulea Griff. ex Lindl. [‘Blue Vanda Orchid’ – highly prized ornamental orchids for long-lasting, spectacular blooms, preferred for hybridization and also used in traditional medicine, cosmetic and skincare].

 Nepenthes khasiana Hook.f. [‘Pitcher Plant’– India’s only native carnivorous plant, endemic to Meghalaya; Endangered EN B2ab(iii) (Ved et al. 2015b as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Renanthera imschootiana Rolfe [‘Red Vanda Orchid’ – highly ornamental, long-lasting, vibrant orange-red flowered orchid with long branching spikes, also used in traditional medicine].

 Cycas spp.

 Ceropegias spp.

 Aenhenrya rotundifolia (Blatt.) C.S.Kumar & F.N.Rasm. [‘Jewel Orchid’ – highly attractive for beautiful, reticulated leaves; endemic to southern Western Ghats of India; (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Odontochilus grandiflorus (Lindl.) Benth. ex Hook.f. [‘Jewel Orchid’ – threatened, very attractive for its unique flowers with spotty petals and green leaves; earlier endemic to India, but now also found in Myanmar and Vietnam (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Odontochilus tetrapterus (Hook.f.) Av.Bhattacharjee & H.J.Chowdhery [‘Jewel Orchid’ – unique in having four lobed, cruciform epichile and dark velvety green leaves; endemic to Manipur, India; (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Rhomboda pulchra (King & Pantl.) Ormerod & Av.Bhattacharjee [syn. Zeuxine pulchra King & Pantl.; ‘Jewel Orchid’ – leaves adaxially blackish or purplish-brownish; endemic to northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim); (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Vrydagzynea viridiflora Hook.f. [‘Jewel Orchid’ – with white-green flowers and green leaves; (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Zeuxine andamanica King & Pantl. [‘Jewel Orchid’ – with white flowers having yellow blotch on labellum and 5 to many veined leaves; Endemic to India (Andaman Island); (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Ipsea malabarica (Rchb.f.) Hook.f. [‘Malabar Daffodill Orchid’ – a threatened and beautiful yellow flowered ground orchid; endemic to India (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Habenaria barnesii Summerh. ex C.E.C.Fisch. [‘Barnes Habenaria’ – a rare ground orchid of Nilgiris and other parts of the Western Ghats; endemic to southern Western Ghats of India (assessment not yet done as per IUCN Red list Criteria, ver. 3.1)].

 Podophyllum hexandrum Royle [‘Himalayan Mayapple’, ‘Indian Mayapple’, ‘Papra’ – perennial rhizomatous herb found in alpine region, distributed in the entire range of Himalayas from Ladakh to Sikkim, extensively used in traditional systems of medicine; Endangered (EN) A2bd+3cd+4cd (Chauhan 2024 as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

 Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) Kasana & A.K.Pandey [= Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip., Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch, ‘Kuth’ – an important medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine; Critically Endangered CR A2cd (as Saussurea costus) (Saha et al. 2015b as per IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, ver. 3.1)].

Renanthera imschootiana, Nepenthes khasiana, Dolomiaea costus (as Saussurea costus) and Cycas beddomei are listed under Appendix I of CITES, while rest of the Cycas spp., Taxus wallichiana, Podophyllum hexandrum and rest of the above mentioned orchids are listed in Appendix II of CITES. These species have long been vulnerable to over-exploitation and illegal trade, both domestically and internationally, however, only five of these were earlier listed and provided protection under Schedule VI of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Although several species have been added to Schedule III, ladies slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.), listed in Appendix I of CITES and earlier included in Schedule VI of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 are missing from the Schedule III.

 

Linkages of Schedule III species with the Foreign Trade Policy of Govt. of India and exclusion of Paphiopedilum spp. from Schedule III

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), issued the Wild Life (Protection) International Trade of Specimens Rules, 2023 via Notification No. S.O. 5408(E) dated 21 December, 2023. These rules were framed under the authority of Section 63 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to operationalize the provisions of Section 49H. Their primary objective is to regulate the international movement of wildlife specimens, including their import, export, and re-export, while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the CITES and the applicable policies of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). There is a total ban on export of wild orchids from India under the Foreign Trade Policy of Government of India since long. So, although the Paphiopedilum spp. are left out of the purview of Schedule III during 2022 amendments to the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972, the export of the genus of orchids of wild origin remains prohibited from India.

In Schedule III of the amended Act, Cycas L. and Ceropegia L. are just vaguely listed as ‘Cycas spp.’ and ‘Ceropegia spp.’. However, 18 taxa of Cycas (Devi et al. 2025) and 72 taxa of Ceropegia (Ranjan et al. 2024; Chiranjeevi et al. 2026) are found in India. Here, ‘spp.’ may be interpreted as multiple species within the genus Cycas and genus Ceropegia and that all the species within the genus Cycas and genus Ceropegia found in India are deemed to be included under the Schedule III of the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972 as amended. However, an annotation explaining the above facts or a proper clarification (with list) needs to be provided to include all the species and infraspecific taxa of these two genera (Cycas and Ceropegia) in order to provide protection to each taxa against exploitation.

Under the amended Act, permits are required for the cultivation, possession, sale, transport, and trade of specified plants. The state forest departments are appointed as the authorities responsible for issuing these permits. Traceability systems are implemented to differentiate legally cultivated plants from those collected in the wild. Violations, such as unauthorized trade or transport, are subject to penalties and legal action. This framework promotes conservation while allowing sustainable use, benefiting both biodiversity and legitimate growers.

 

Alignment with CITES and Global Conservation Standards

Many species listed under Schedule III are already included in Appendices of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulate international trade. A separate Schedule IV has been incorporated during 2022 amendments to the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972 which includes all animal and plant species listed under the various Appendices to the CITES. Therefore, some of the species/genera are listed both under the Schedule III and Schedule IV of the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972 as amended. Hence, both the provisions under the CITES and Chapter IIIA of the Wildlife (P) Act, 1972 will be applicable during international trade in these CITES listed species. A separate Chapter VB is included under the heading ‘Regulation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as per CITES’ and Sections 49D to 49R describe the various provisions/definitions/regulatory guidelines for implementation of CITES. Since Schedule III includes several CITES listed species/genus, the traders/growers need to understand inter alia both the provisions under the Chapter IIIA and VB. For proper implementation of the provisions under the Act in relation to Schedule III and IV, coordination among State Forest Departments, Customs and CITES Management Authority is imperative. Stakeholders’ awareness regarding 2022 amendments needs to be promoted.

By incorporating these Schedule III plants into domestic law, India strengthens enforcement against illegal export, reduces loopholes exploited by wildlife traffickers and enhances compliance with international conservation obligations. This harmonization improves India’s credibility in global biodiversity governance.

 

Conservation and Socio-Economic Significance

The introduction of Schedule III has multiple benefits, biodiversity conservation by protecting rare and endemic plant species from extinction, providing sustainable livelihoods by encouraging regulated cultivation by farmers, nurseries, and tribal communities, promoting scientific research by facilitating lawful access for research and conservation breeding, and awareness and accountability by bringing plants into mainstream wildlife protection discourse. Importantly, it recognizes that like animals, plants also require legal safeguards due to their ecological and economic value.

 

Challenges

With proper execution, Schedule III can become a model for plant conservation in biodiversity-rich countries. Despite its progressive intent, the introduction of Schedule III for specified plant species has several limitations and practical challenges that may affect its effective implementation.

For legal trade/dealing/possession of any Schedule III species, the growers or traders must obtain a license from the concerned chief wildlife warden of the state/union territories and declare their stock of such specified plants (Schedule III). Also, there is a need for proper identification of the species and their parts/products and derivatives during trade/transit which is a major challenge for the law enforcement agencies. The MoEF&CC, Government of India, notified a list of 23 designated Scientific Authorities under the CITES recently and for identification/scientific advice/ Non-detriment Finding study report, necessary guidance/assistance may be taken from the concerned/appropriate scientific authority designated for the purpose.

The requirement of permits for cultivation, possession, sale, and transport may lead to delays in approvals, increased paperwork and administrative bottlenecks. This can discourage genuine cultivators, researchers, and small-scale nurseries from engaging in legal plant trade. Many farmers, traders, nursery owners, and even local forest officials are unaware of Schedule III provisions and don’t have a clear understanding about permit procedures and compliance requirements. This knowledge gap may result in unintentional violations of the law.

Distinguishing legally cultivated plants from illegally collected specimens from wild remains difficult. Forest departments often face shortage of trained manpower, lack of botanical expertise for species identification, limited infrastructure for monitoring cultivation and trade.

Schedule III mainly regulates trade and possession, but does not directly address survival problems arising due to habitat loss, climate change, or invasive species, and thus, may not fully protect species whose survival depends on ecosystem-level conservation. Local communities and indigenous groups who traditionally use or cultivate these plants may face legal hurdles, reduced access, lack of clear exemptions or simplified procedures. This could negatively affect livelihoods and traditional knowledge systems. Furthermore, Schedule III overlaps with forest laws, Biodiversity Act, 2002, state-specific regulations. Such overlaps may cause confusion, duplication of permissions, and legal complexity.

 

Future Scope and Way Forward for Schedule III of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022

The introduction of Schedule III marks an important milestone in India’s plant conservation regime. However, its long-term success depends on adaptive governance, scientific support, and stakeholder participation. The following measures outline the future scope and strategic way forward.

1. Expansion and periodic revision of Schedule III: i) additional threatened, endemic, and high-value plant species should be scientifically assessed and included based on IUCN status (ver3.1) and trade pressure; ii) regular revision of the Schedule will ensure responsiveness to emerging conservation threats.

2. Development of clear cultivation and certification protocols: i) standardized species-specific cultivation guidelines should be issued in consultation with botanical institutions; ii) a certification and tagging system (QR codes / barcoding) can help distinguish cultivated stock from wild-collected plants, improving traceability.

3. Simplification and digitization of permit systems: i) introduction of a single-window, online permit platform for cultivation, transport, and trade; ii) time-bound approvals of permits/ certificates will reduce processing delays and encourage legal compliance.

4. Strengthening institutional and technical capacity: i) training programs for forest officials in plant taxonomy, trade monitoring, and CITES procedures; ii) engagement of institutions like Botanical Survey of India (BSI), universities, and herbaria for scientific validation and advisory support.

5. Community and farmer participation: i) promote community-based cultivation models involving local farmers, self-help groups, and indigenous communities; ii) provide incentives such as subsidies, technical assistance, and assured buy-back mechanisms for legally cultivated plants.

6. Integration with biodiversity and climate policies: i) harmonize Schedule III implementation with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, National Biodiversity Action Plan, and climate adaptation strategies; ii) focus on ex situ conservation, seed banks, micropropagation, and assisted regeneration programs.

7. Strengthening research and monitoring: i) encourage research on propagation techniques, population dynamics, and sustainable harvest limits; ii) establish national-level databases for tracking trade volumes and conservation status.

8. Public awareness and outreach: i) awareness campaigns targeting traders, nurseries, enforcement agencies, and the public; ii) inclusion of Schedule III species in educational curricula and conservation outreach programs.

9. International cooperation and CITES compliance: i) strengthen coordination with CITES authorities for monitoring cross-border trade; ii) promote India as a leader in plant conservation governance at global biodiversity forums.

 

Conclusion

The introduction of Schedule III under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 represents a historic step in India’s conservation journey. By legally regulating the cultivation and trade of threatened plant species, the amendment strikes a crucial balance between protection and sustainable use. It reinforces India’s commitment to conserving its unique botanical heritage while aligning national law with global environmental standards.

Protecting plants today is essential for securing ecosystems, livelihoods, and biodiversity for future generations. The future of Schedule III lies in transforming it from a regulatory instrument into a science-driven, participatory conservation framework. With improved implementation, technological support, and community engagement, Schedule III can ensure the long-term conservation of India’s threatened plant species while supporting sustainable livelihoods and legal trade.

 

A comparative list between Schedule VI of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and Schedule III of Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 is given below.

 

Plants listed in Schedule VI of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Plants listed in Schedule III of Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022

1

Beddomes’ cycad (Cycas beddomei)

Strobilanthes kunthiana 

2

Blue Vanda (Vanda soerulec) [Vanda coerulea]

Coptis teeta

3

Kuth (Saussurea lappa) [= Dolomiaea costus]

Coscinium fenestratum 

4

Ladies slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.)

Taxus wallichiana 

5

Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana)

Vanda coerulea

6

Red Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana)

Nepenthes khasiana

7

---

Renanthera imschootiana

8

---

Cycas spp.

9

---

Ceropegia spp.

10

---

Aenhenrya rotundifolia

11

---

Odontochilus grandiflorus

12

---

Odontochilus tetrapterus

13

---

Rhomboda pulchra

14

---

Vrydagzynea viridiflora

15

---

Zeuxine andamanica

16

---

Ipsea malabarica

17

---

Habenaria barnesii

18

---

Podophyllum hexandrum

19

---

Dolomiaea costus 

 

For images - - click here for full PDF

 

References

 

Bachan, A.K.H. & M.A. Devika (2024). Strobilanthes kunthiana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T239578615A239579829. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T239578615A239579829.en. Accessed on 06.ii.2026.

Chauhan, H.K. (2024). Podophyllum hexandrum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T61985348A61985350. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T61985348A61985350.en. Accessed on 06.ii.2026.

Chiranjeevi, P. et al. (2026). Ceropegia andrahica (Apocynaceae), a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany e05069. https://doi.org/10.1002/njb.05069

Devi, R. et al. (2025). Cycas species of India: a comprehensive review on health benefits and gaps analysis. Indian Forester 151(5): 504–507. https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i5/170411

Gogoi, K. (2016). Vrydagzynea nuda (Orchidaceae) from Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tinsukia, (Assam): a new record for India. Richardiana 16: 347–350.

Ranjan, V. et al. (2024). A new variety of Ceropegia pubescens (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) from Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong, West Bengal. Nelumbo 66(1): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v66/2024/172835

Saha, D. et al. (2015a). Coptis teeta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T50126583A50131320. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T50126583A50131320.en. Accessed on 9.ii.2026 .

Saha, D. et al. (2015b). Saussurea costus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T50126641A50131430. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T50126641A50131430.en. Accessed on 9.ii.2026.  

Thomas, P. & A. Farjon (2011). Taxus wallichiana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T46171879A9730085. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T46171879A9730085.en. Accessed on 09.ii.2026.

Ved, D. et al. (2015a). Coscinium fenestratum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T50126585A50131325. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T50126585A50131325.en. Accessed on 09.ii.2026.

Ved, D. et al. (2015b). Nepenthes khasiana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T48992883A49009685. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T48992883A49009685.en. Accessed on 09.ii.2026.