Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 7
Forest & Wildlife · वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम 1972 · Questions 61–70 of 140
The Great Indian Bustard is listed under which category of legal protection?
Correct Answer: B. Schedule I WPA 1972
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, providing it the maximum legal protection. It is also classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Supreme Court has passed special orders to protect it from power line collisions in its Rajasthan habitat.
The concept of 'eco-sensitive zone' serves what primary conservation purpose?
Correct Answer: B. To act as a buffer that minimizes the impact of development on protected areas
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) acts as a buffer or transition zone to minimize the impact of development activities on the boundaries of protected areas. By restricting polluting industries, mining, and large constructions near protected areas, ESZs help maintain ecological connectivity. The Supreme Court in 2022 directed that every protected area must have a minimum 1 km ESZ.
Ivory trade from wild elephants is banned under which domestic Indian law?
Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Protection Act 1972
The trade in ivory from wild elephants is banned under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, as the Asian Elephant is listed under Schedule I. The commercial ivory trade ban was implemented after India joined the CITES Appendix I listing of Asian Elephants. Any possession or trade of ivory requires a certificate obtained before the ban.
Under which provision of WPA 1972 can the Central Government declare certain wild animals as 'specially protected'?
Correct Answer: A. Schedule I listing
The highest form of special protection under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is conferred by listing a species under Schedule I, which prohibits any form of hunting. Section 9 of the Act generally prohibits hunting of wild animals listed in the Schedules. Schedule I listing ensures zero tolerance for any harm to the most threatened species.
As per WPA 1972, who constitutes the State Board for Wildlife?
Correct Answer: B. Chief Minister as Chairperson with members including wildlife experts, NGO representatives, and officials
Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the State Board for Wildlife is constituted with the Chief Minister as Chairperson. Its membership includes the Minister of Forests, forest officials, wildlife experts, NGO representatives, and prominent conservationists. The State Board advises the state government on policies for wildlife conservation and makes recommendations regarding protected areas.
The first Wildlife Sanctuary in India was:
Correct Answer: A. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is considered the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, with records dating back to the 18th century when local communities protected it. It was formally declared a Protected Area in 1936. Vedanthangal is a major breeding ground for migratory water birds.
Which animal is known as the 'National Heritage Animal' of India and is protected under Schedule I of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant was declared India's National Heritage Animal in 2010 and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Project Elephant, launched in 1992, is the flagship scheme for elephant conservation. India has the world's largest population of Asian Elephants.
Sea turtles in India are protected under:
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I of WPA 1972
All five species of sea turtles found in Indian waters — Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Loggerhead — are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The Olive Ridley Turtle, which mass-nests at Odisha's Rushikulya and Gahirmatha beaches, is of particular conservation significance. Accidental capture in fishing nets (bycatch) is the biggest threat to sea turtles in India.
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 authorizes which officer to conduct searches and seizures without a warrant in certain cases?
Correct Answer: A. Wildlife Warden or authorized officer
Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, a Wildlife Warden or any officer authorized by the Chief Wildlife Warden can conduct searches and seizures without a warrant in cases where there is reasonable belief of a wildlife offence. This special power of search without warrant is essential for effective wildlife law enforcement. Seized items include animals, weapons, vehicles, and documents related to wildlife crime.
Malabar Large-spotted Civet is classified as which IUCN category and is listed under which WPA Schedule?
Correct Answer: B. Critically Endangered — Schedule I
The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is one of India's rarest mammals, restricted to the southern Western Ghats. Its population is severely threatened by habitat loss and hunting.