In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
A
It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
Correct Answer
B
It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
C
It is endemic to a particular region of India.
D
Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
Explanation
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides the highest level of legal protection and mandates the most stringent penalties for offenses, placing any listed species—including specific tortoises—on the same legal footing as the tiger. Option (b) is incorrect because Schedule I status signifies a high risk of extinction requiring maximum protection, rather than a declaration that the species is already extinct in the wild or beyond recovery. The core concept tested is the legal hierarchy and degree of protection afforded to various fauna under India's primary wildlife conservation legislation.
Wildlife Protection LegislationWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Schedules)Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972Schedule Iprotected speciestortoisetigercaptive protectionextinctionendemic