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?

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