UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:

Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Live (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement-II:

The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation:

Indian Flying Fox:

• Bats are the only flying mammals in the world, and the Indian Flying Fox is one of the largest. The name of the species, also called the Great Indian Fruit Bat, eats fruits, feeds on the juice, and helps in seed dispersion and pollination, making them an integral part of the ecosystem. It is native to the Indian subcontinent. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• The nectar and fruit-eating flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is generally considered a vermin as they raid orchards. The Flying Foxes in the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is classified as a vermin. It had a similar official status under Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 until it was put on the Schedule II list entailing a higher degree of protection. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation