Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 1
Forest & Wildlife · वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम 1972 · Questions 1–10 of 140
In which year was the Wildlife Protection Act enacted in India?
Correct Answer: B. 1972
The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972, providing a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of wildlife in India. It came into force on 9 September 1972. The Act replaced various older state-level laws that were inadequate to combat poaching and habitat destruction.
What is the primary purpose of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?
Correct Answer: B. Protection of wild animals and birds and matters connected therewith
The primary purpose of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and matters connected therewith. It establishes Protected Areas and prohibits hunting of scheduled species. The Act is the main legal instrument for biodiversity conservation in India.
Originally, how many Schedules did the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 contain?
Correct Answer: C. 6
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 originally contained 6 Schedules, each providing different levels of protection to different species. The 2022 Amendment reduced the number of Schedules from 6 to 4. This rationalization merged some schedules to simplify wildlife protection categories.
After the 2022 Amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, how many Schedules does it now contain?
Correct Answer: B. 4
The Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2022 reduced the total number of Schedules from 6 to 4. Schedules III and IV of the original Act were merged into a single schedule. This change streamlined the legal protection framework while maintaining conservation priorities.
Which Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides the highest level of protection to species?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides the highest level of protection to listed species. Animals listed under Schedule I cannot be hunted, poached, or traded under any circumstances. Violations relating to Schedule I species attract the most severe penalties under the Act.
Which of the following animals is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?
Correct Answer: C. Bengal Tiger
The Bengal Tiger is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which provides the highest level of protection. Other Schedule I animals include the Indian Lion, Asian Elephant, One-horned Rhinoceros, and the Gangetic Dolphin. Hunting or harming Schedule I species is a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
The Indian Rhinoceros (One-horned Rhino) is protected under which Schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: D. Schedule I
The One-horned Rhinoceros (Indian Rhinoceros) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, affording it the maximum legal protection. Its primary habitat in India is Kaziranga National Park in Assam. India hosts the world's largest population of this species, numbering over 2,600.
Schedule V of the original Wildlife Protection Act 1972 listed which category of animals?
Correct Answer: C. Vermin — pests that can be hunted
Schedule V of the original Wildlife Protection Act 1972 listed animals classified as vermin, which could be hunted as they were considered pests. This schedule included crows, fruit bats, rats, and mice. The Central Government could declare any wild animal a vermin for a specified area and period.
Which Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 covers protected plants?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule VI
Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 covers protected plants whose uprooting, damage, or trade is prohibited. This schedule includes species such as Blue Vanda, Red Vanda, Pitcher Plant, and certain orchids. The inclusion of plants in the Act recognizes that plant conservation is equally vital to ecosystem health.
Which authority is responsible for appointing the Chief Wildlife Warden in a state?
Correct Answer: B. State Government
The Chief Wildlife Warden is appointed by the State Government under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The Chief Wildlife Warden is the apex authority at the state level for wildlife administration and enforcement. Each state has one Chief Wildlife Warden who oversees all protected areas within the state.