Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Around 100

India currently has around 100-106 National Parks spread across the country. These National Parks collectively cover over 40,000 sq km. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of National Parks among all Indian states. The number has grown steadily since the WPA 1972 was enacted.

Correct Answer: C. UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme

India's Biosphere Reserves are designated under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which began in 1971. Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognized sites for research and monitoring in natural and managed ecosystems. Unlike National Parks, they have three zones — core, buffer, and transition — allowing some human use in outer zones.

Correct Answer: D. Schedule I

The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Nilgiri Tahr is found only in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.

Correct Answer: B. Section 17A

Section 17A of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prohibits the picking, uprooting, damaging, destruction, acquisition, or collection of any specified plant listed in Schedule VI. The prohibited activities include trade or commerce in such plants or their derivatives. Violations are punishable with imprisonment and fines.

Correct Answer: A. 1973, Washington D.C.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) was signed on 3 March 1973 in Washington D.C. and came into force on 1 July 1975. The date of its signing — 3 March — is now observed as World Wildlife Day. CITES currently has 183 member countries (Parties).

Correct Answer: B. Dachigam National Park, J&K

The Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu), or Kashmir Stag, is found only in Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List with fewer than 300 individuals remaining. The Hangul is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Correct Answer: B. Prohibition on any change to boundaries without legislative resolution

A National Park's boundaries cannot be altered without a resolution passed by the State Legislature, a protection not available to Wildlife Sanctuaries. This gives National Parks a higher degree of legal permanence. Wildlife Sanctuary boundaries can be altered by the State Government without legislative approval.

Correct Answer: C. It can be declared on government land adjoining protected areas

A Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 can be declared on government land including community forest land that adjoins existing protected areas. It is designed to protect habitats between or around protected areas for wildlife movement. Conservation Reserves are managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.

Correct Answer: C. Eastern Himalayas

The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and is found in the Eastern Himalayan region, primarily in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal. It is classified as Endangered by IUCN. The Red Panda is the state animal of Sikkim.

Correct Answer: C. Declaration of existing ivory stocks under WPA 1972

After the 1986 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, all existing ivory stocks had to be declared and registered with the government. Subsequent unlicensed trade in ivory became illegal. Only pre-1986 declared and certificated ivory can be traded in a very restricted manner within India.