Wildlife Protection Act, 1980 (Act No. 9 of 1980).

The 4 Parts and 2 Schedules of this Act create a legal framework for wildlife protection, conservation and management. A Chief Wildlife Protection Officer is to be appointed (art. 3) whose duties are spelled out in article 4. These include administration and enforcement of the Act, research and data collection. Wildlife, as defined in article 6, is the property of the Crown and may be hunted, traded or kept in captivity only with licence or permit (art. 10). Offences are listed in article 14. These include: hunting or taking of any protected wildlife or the eggs, fry or young thereof; damaging nests, fry or young specimens; introducing dogs or weapons into wildlife reserves without valid permits. Article 16 regulates the use of hunting gear and methods. Action may be taken by the Minister to protect private property against damage by wildlife (art. 19). The Wild Birds Protection Ordinance is repealed (art. 28). Schedule 1 lists protected wildlife species. Schedule 2 lists partially protected wildlife (birds) and schedule 3 lists unprotected wildlife.