Question

UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

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 not 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 (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for stringent punishment for violation of its provisions.
The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offense(s).
Rare and endangered species found in India, like Tiger, Snow Leopard, Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, Dugong, etc. have been listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby providing them the highest degree of protection. If a tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Act, it enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger and other species listed in the schedule.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation

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