Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (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 ?
A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
C
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Correct Answer
D
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Statement-I is correct because the Indian Flying Fox was historically classified under Schedule V (vermin) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, though it was moved to Schedule II in the 2022 amendment. Statement-II is incorrect because the Indian Flying Fox is a frugivorous bat that feeds on fruits and nectar, not blood. Options (a) and (b) are the most tempting wrong choices for those who confuse the Indian Flying Fox with blood-sucking vampire bats, which are not found in India. The core concept tested is the legal classification of wildlife under Indian law and the biological characteristics of common indigenous species.
Biodiversity & ConservationWildlife Protection ActIndian Flying FoxVerminWild Life (Protection) Act, 1972BatsSchedules