Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. Chief Wildlife Warden

The Chief Wildlife Warden is the head of wildlife management at the state level under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Appointed by the State Government, the Chief Wildlife Warden has wide powers including granting permits, ordering search and seizure, and managing protected areas. The position is typically held by a senior IFS officer.

Correct Answer: B. 3-7 years imprisonment + Rs. 10,000 minimum fine

The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prescribes 3 to 7 years imprisonment along with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000 for the first-time offence of hunting a Schedule I species. For repeat offenders, the minimum imprisonment is 3 years but can extend up to 7 years with enhanced fines. These stringent penalties were introduced by the 2002 Amendment.

Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and guidelines by MoEFCC

Eco-tourism within protected areas in India is regulated under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and guidelines issued by MoEFCC. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issues guidelines for eco-tourism in Tiger Reserves. The Supreme Court has also passed orders limiting tourist vehicles and activities in sensitive wildlife zones.

Correct Answer: D. Community Reserve

Community Reserves under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 are specifically designed to involve local communities in conservation and management. A Community Reserve Management Committee, with elected members from local communities, manages these areas. This model recognizes that community cooperation is essential for sustainable wildlife conservation.

Correct Answer: C. Western Ghats

The Malabar Pit Viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The Western Ghats is one of India's four biodiversity hotspots with exceptionally high endemism. Many snake, lizard, and frog species of the Western Ghats are listed in the Schedules of WPA 1972.

Correct Answer: A. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Teal and Nicobar Pigeon are island-endemic species found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands form part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Island species are particularly vulnerable to extinction due to small habitat size and limited range.

Correct Answer: C. Schedule I

The Smooth-coated Otter and Small-clawed Otter — both found in Indian rivers and wetlands — are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Otters are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They are key indicator species for river ecosystem health and face threats from hunting and habitat loss.

Correct Answer: B. 1973

The Bengal Tiger was declared India's National Animal in 1973, coinciding with the launch of Project Tiger on 1 April 1973. Prior to 1973, the Lion was India's national animal. The declaration underscored the urgency of tiger conservation as the species was facing dramatic population decline due to hunting and habitat loss.

Correct Answer: C. 1976

India became a signatory to CITES in 1976, a year after the Convention entered into force in 1975. India's domestic implementation of CITES is carried out primarily through the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which was amended to align with CITES obligations. India has over 900 CITES-listed species within its territory.

Correct Answer: C. Schedule I

The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), India's National Bird, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Hunting, trapping, or trading peafowl or its feathers is a serious offence. However, naturally shed peacock feathers can be collected and sold — a provision unique to this species under Indian law.