Parliament Question: Wildlife Deaths Linked to Heatwaves

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2456 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 Wildlife Deaths Linked to Heatwaves 2456. ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE: SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state (a) the details of wildlife deaths linked to heatwaves, heat stress, dehydration or water scarcity during the last five years, State/UT, year and species-wise; (b) the number of incidents of mass mortality or distress among wild animals and birds attributed to extreme heat conditions during the said period, State/UT-wise; (c) the details of measures taken to provide water sources, habitat management and emergency response mechanisms for wildlife during the periods of extreme heat; and (d) whether the Government has formulated any national strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change and heatwaves on wildlife, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (d) The protection, conservation and management of wildlife and its habitat is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Governments/Union Territory Administration. The management of wildlife and its habitat is undertaken in accordance with the approved Management Plan/Tiger Conservation Plan/ Working Plan as applicable. The details of death of wild animals are maintained at the level of States/Union Territories. Incidents of mass mortality or distress due to extreme heat condition have not been reported by the States/ Union Territories. The important measures taken by Government for protection of wildlife, including from those attributed to heatwaves, include: i. A network of Protected Areas have been created in the country for protection and conservation of wildlife and its habitat. ii. This Ministry has issued guidelines for preparation of Management Plans, in accordance with Section 33 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The guidelines has a provision for integrating climate change adaptation in management planning of Protected Areas. iii. Financial assistance is provided to State Governments /Union Territory Administrations for management of wildlife and development of its habitat under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger & Elephant’. The activities supported under the scheme include for augmentation of water supply, creation and maintenance of water harvesting/ retention structures like bunds, tanks, wells, check dams, ponds, streams etc. iv. This Ministry has issued an advisory to States/Union Territories, to enhance preparedness for wildlife, zoos and allied sectors in view of ensuing heat wave and flood seasons. v. Technology like Camera traps, drones, wireless, e-surveillance, early warning systems etc. are used for monitoring of wild animals, to manage the human wildlife conflict. ****