Question 7 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Environment

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

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

Strategy: Identify the core implication of 'Schedule I' status by focusing on the legal protection it provides, and eliminate options related to extinction or endemism.

Key Info: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the legal framework for protecting flora and fauna in India. It categorizes protected species into six Schedules, with Schedule I providing the highest level of protection.

Species under Schedule I, such as the tiger and elephant, are granted absolute protection. Key provisions include:
- Prohibition of hunting, trade, and exploitation.
- The strictest penalties for offences, including heavy fines and imprisonment.

It is important to note that Schedule I status does not equate to extinction, which is assessed by IUCN categories, nor does it require a species to be endemic. The status is for highly threatened species regardless of their geographic origin.

The Act is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), with enforcement carried out by forest departments and wildlife crime control authorities.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: It no longer exists in the wild; a few individuals are under captive protection; and it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: It is endemic to a particular region of India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.