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. ✓ UPSC's 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.
Why the answer is (a)
• Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 gives the highest legal protection: absolute prohibition on hunting, the harshest penalties (3–7 years' imprisonment) and no permitted trade.
• The tiger is a Schedule I species, so a tortoise placed in Schedule I enjoys the same level of protection — option (a).
• Schedule listing says nothing about extinction in the wild (b) or endemism (c); it is about legal status, not ecological range.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now…
- Schedule I does not mean extinct in the wild.
- (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
- Schedule I does not imply endemism.
- (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
- Both (b) and (c) are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.