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.