Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Set 12
Forest & Wildlife · वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम 1972 · Questions 111–120 of 140
The purpose of listing species in different Schedules under WPA 1972 is to:
Correct Answer: B. Provide different levels of legal protection based on conservation status
The Schedule system under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides different levels of legal protection to different species based on their conservation status and ecological importance. Schedule I provides the strictest protection while other schedules allow graduated levels of protection and regulation. This tiered system allows the law to be applied proportionately to conservation needs.
The Asiatic Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in India is protected under:
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
The Wild Water Buffalo or Asiatic Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List with its main Indian population in Chhattisgarh's Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. The wild buffalo faces threats from hybridization with domestic buffalo and disease.
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prohibits the picking of flowers from a scheduled plant. This prohibition is under:
Correct Answer: B. Section 17A
Section 17A of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prohibits picking, uprooting, damaging, acquiring, or possessing any plant listed in Schedule VI. Trade in such plants or their derivatives is also prohibited. This provision extends protection from animals to rare and endangered plant species.
Which state has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India?
Correct Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of Wildlife Sanctuaries among Indian states, with over 13 sanctuaries. Madhya Pradesh, often called the 'Tiger State', has the highest number of Tiger Reserves. States with large forests and diverse habitats naturally have more protected areas.
Under the 2022 WPA Amendment, the trade in specimens of scheduled animals listed in CITES can be permitted by:
Correct Answer: C. Directorate General of Foreign Trade with MoEFCC approval
After the 2022 Amendment, trade in CITES-listed specimens requires permits from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in coordination with MoEFCC's CITES management authority. The amendment formalized India's CITES implementation framework. This ensures all international wildlife trade is systematically monitored and permitted.
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nests mass-nest at which famous site in Odisha?
Correct Answer: C. Gahirmatha
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha is the world's largest known rookery (nesting ground) for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, with hundreds of thousands nesting in mass nesting events called 'Arribada'. The Olive Ridley is listed under Schedule I of WPA 1972. Fishing restrictions during nesting season protect turtles from trawler bycatch.
Which of the following is a key difference between a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve?
Correct Answer: C. National Park is a legal category under WPA 1972, while Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO designation with no specific Indian legislation
National Parks are a legally defined Protected Area category under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 with strict statutory protections. Biosphere Reserves, in contrast, are designated under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme and have no specific Indian legislation — they are administrative categories, not legal ones. A Biosphere Reserve may include one or more National Parks or Sanctuaries within its core zone.
The Himalayan Brown Bear is protected under which Schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
The Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, giving it the highest level of legal protection. It inhabits the alpine and subalpine zones of the Himalayas. The Himalayan Brown Bear is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN and faces threats from poaching and habitat degradation.
The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 requires that compensation for damage to crops by wildlife living in a protected area be paid by:
Correct Answer: B. The State Government through the forest department
Compensation for crop and property damage caused by wild animals is paid by the State Government through the forest department under schemes administered under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The amount and process varies by state, but the principle of compensating human-wildlife conflict losses is enshrined in state wildlife policies. This compensation is crucial for maintaining community tolerance toward wildlife.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first Biosphere Reserve (1986), spans how many states?
Correct Answer: B. 3 states
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986 as India's first Biosphere Reserve, spans three states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It was also the first Indian Biosphere Reserve to be included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000. It covers an area of about 5,520 sq km.