Question 44 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Current Affairs (Environm ent)

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the 'vermin' category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Strategy: - Identify key terms: 'Indian Flying Fox', 'vermin', and feeding habits.
- Statement I: Historically, the Indian Flying Fox was classified as 'vermin' under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which aligns with the statement.
- Statement II: The Indian Flying Fox is frugivorous and nectarivorous, not blood-feeding. This statement is incorrect.
- Conclude that only Statement I is correct based on these evaluations.

Key Info: The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius, formerly Pteropus giganteus) is India's largest bat species. It is primarily frugivorous and nectarivorous, consuming fruits like mangoes and guavas, and flower nectar. This diet makes it ecologically vital for pollination and seed dispersal. It does not feed on blood, contrary to some myths, and is not a vampire bat.

Historically, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, classified the Indian Flying Fox as 'vermin' under Schedule V, permitting hunting due to its reputation for damaging fruit crops. However, subsequent amendments and conservation efforts have updated its legal status. Currently, it is listed under Schedule II of the Act, which provides greater protection. The Act itself is India's main legislation for wildlife protection, categorizing species across six Schedules. Overall, the Indian Flying Fox holds significant ecological value and is definitively not a blood-feeder.

Answer

Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the 'vermin' category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Consider the following statements:

The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the 'vermin' category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?