UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2017

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

  1. It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
  2. It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
  3. It is endemic to a particular region of India.
  4. Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

Answer

Correct Answer

It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Explanation

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the highest level of legal protection, the same degree afforded to species like the tiger, with the strictest penalties for violations, regardless of the species' population status or endemism.

Topics: implication of schedule i protection, polity and governance, schedule i species, wildlife protection legislation