Wildlife Jurisprudence: A Legal and Ethical Evolution in the Rights of Nature and Non-Human Species

Wildlife jurisprudence is a transformative and interdisciplinary legal philosophy that challenges the anthropocentric underpinnings of modern legal systems. By advancing the idea that non-human animals and ecosystems possess intrinsic value and, in some cases, legal rights, this field reshapes the contours of environmental and animal law. Through philosophical inquiry, statutory analysis, and case law review, this thesis explores the emergence, application, and implications of wildlife jurisprudence across multiple jurisdictions. Special emphasis is placed on how courts in India, Ecuador, and Colombia have reinterpreted constitutional and environmental protections to recognize wildlife rights, setting legal precedents that align with ecocentric ethics. The work concludes with recommendations for deepening wildlife jurisprudence through rights-based legal reforms, institutional mechanisms, and cultural shifts.