Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Protection Act 1972

The prohibition on trade in tiger bones and other tiger products is enforced through the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, as the tiger is listed in Schedule I. Trading in any article derived from Schedule I animals is a serious cognizable offence. India also implements CITES Appendix I listing of tigers through the WPA 1972 framework.

Correct Answer: C. 3 years

Hunting a Schedule I or Schedule II (Part II) species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 carries a minimum imprisonment of 3 years, which may extend to 7 years, along with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000. Repeat offenders face even stricter penalties. The stringent punishment reflects the seriousness with which the law treats threats to highly protected species.

Correct Answer: C. Blue Vanda Orchid

Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea), a rare blue orchid, is listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as a protected plant. Other protected plants include Red Vanda, Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana), and Saussurea species. Trade or uprooting of these plants without permission is a punishable offence.

Correct Answer: B. Wild animals causing damage to crops or life that can be hunted

Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, vermin refers to wild animals that cause damage to crops, property, or human life and can be hunted or killed without the usual legal protection. The Central Government can declare any species as vermin in a specific area for a defined period. Currently, Nilgai, Wild Pig, Rhesus Macaque, and certain other species have been declared vermin in some states.

Correct Answer: C. Central Zoo Authority

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) regulates and oversees the functioning of all recognized zoos in India. It grants recognition to zoos, sets minimum standards for animal care, and can cancel recognition of non-compliant zoos. CZA also manages the Species Survival Plan for breeding endangered species in Indian zoos.

Correct Answer: B. Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand was the first Tiger Reserve established under Project Tiger in 1973. Project Tiger was launched on 1 April 1973 with the aim of ensuring the maintenance of a viable population of tigers in India. Currently India has over 50 Tiger Reserves spread across various states.

Correct Answer: B. State Government by notification

A Wildlife Sanctuary can be declared by the State Government by official notification in the State Gazette under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Unlike National Parks, the boundaries of a Wildlife Sanctuary can be altered by the State Government without requiring legislative approval. However, activities within sanctuaries are still strictly regulated.

Correct Answer: B. Section 5B

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was constituted under Section 5B of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, inserted by the 2002 Amendment. The NBWL replaced the earlier Indian Board for Wildlife. It serves as the apex policy making body for wildlife conservation in India under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.

Correct Answer: D. Schedule I

The Indian Elephant is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which gives it the highest level of legal protection. The elephant was declared India's National Heritage Animal in 2010. Project Elephant, launched in 1992, works to protect elephant populations, habitat, and movement corridors.

Correct Answer: B. Punishable as if he had committed the full offence

Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, a person who attempts to commit any offence is punishable in the same manner as if he had committed the offence. This provision closes loopholes that would allow perpetrators to escape punishment at the attempt stage. It reflects the zero-tolerance approach of the law toward wildlife crime.