Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 10
Forest & Wildlife · वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम 1972 · Questions 91–100 of 140
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972, as amended in 2022, now has how many Schedules?
Correct Answer: B. 4
The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022 rationalized the number of Schedules from 6 to 4. The original Schedules III and IV were merged into a single schedule under the amended Act. This simplification aimed to reduce legal confusion while maintaining the hierarchical protection framework.
The Gharial (fish-eating crocodilian) is protected under which Schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: D. Schedule I
The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, giving it maximum protection. It is one of India's most endangered reptiles, classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Gharial Sanctuary at Son Gharial Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Chambal Sanctuary are key conservation sites.
The term 'hunting' under WPA 1972 includes which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Killing, capturing, poisoning, snaring, trapping, or injuring any wild animal
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 defines 'hunting' very broadly to include killing, poisoning, capturing, snaring, trapping, or injuring any wild animal or birds listed in the Schedules. It also includes destroying eggs or nests of scheduled birds. This broad definition ensures no form of animal harm escapes the law.
Which WPA amendment first introduced the concept of Community Reserves and Conservation Reserves?
Correct Answer: B. 2002 Amendment
The Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2002 introduced the concepts of Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves as new Protected Area categories. These categories were designed to plug gaps in the protected area network by covering important habitats and corridors. The 2002 amendment also reconstituted the apex wildlife advisory body as the National Board for Wildlife.
The Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer) of Manipur is protected under which Schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
The Sangai or Brow-antlered Deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) is found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur — the world's only floating national park — and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is the state animal of Manipur and classified as Endangered by IUCN. Its habitat on floating biomass islands called 'phumdis' in Loktak Lake is unique.
CITES operates through a system of import-export permits. Who issues the CITES permit in India?
Correct Answer: C. CITES Management Authority — DGFT and MoEFCC
In India, the CITES Management Authority (MA) is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce for export permits, while MoEFCC handles scientific authority functions. Import permits for CITES-listed species are issued after consultation with both authorities. India maintains strict compliance with CITES trade regulations.
The Indian Wild Ass is protected under Schedule I and its primary habitat is:
Correct Answer: B. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Its primary habitat is the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, protected as the Wild Ass Sanctuary. It is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and its population has recovered significantly due to conservation efforts.
The Dugong (Sea Cow) in India is protected under which Schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, giving it the highest legal protection. It is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN globally but is functionally extinct in most Indian waters. Small populations survive in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The first instance of a species being removed from Schedule I of WPA 1972 due to population recovery was:
Correct Answer: B. Crocodile
Crocodiles — particularly the Saltwater Crocodile — saw significant population recovery due to the Crocodile Breeding and Management Project launched in 1975. However, all three crocodilian species in India remain on Schedule I. Schedule changes require formal amendment to the Act and are rare to ensure continued protection.
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 specifically included provisions for implementing which international treaty in Indian domestic law?
Correct Answer: C. CITES
The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022 included specific provisions to align Indian domestic law with India's obligations under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). It introduced stricter controls on import/export of CITES-listed species. The amendment also updated the species lists in the Schedules to align with current conservation status.