This is a classic 'Concept Application' question. It does not require knowing the specific tortoise species; it requires understanding the legal definition of 'Schedule I' under the WPA, 1972. It is a fair, static question covered in every standard Environment textbook (Shankar, PMF, NCERT).
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
-
Statement 1:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does it enjoy the same level of legal protection as the tiger?
-
Statement 2:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation mean the species is extinct in the wild?
-
Statement 3:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation mean only a few individuals remain under captive protection?
-
Statement 4:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply it is impossible to prevent the species' extinction?
-
Statement 5:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply the species is endemic to a particular region of India?
-
Statement 6:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply both that the species is extinct in the wild and that it is endemic to a particular region of India?
Statement 1
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does it enjoy the same level of legal protection as the tiger?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
Presence: 5/5
“;a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM
• The Asiatic Lion, endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection. • This project has a 'species Conservation over a large landscape' approach. Besides this approach, the Greater Gir Region (GGR) is being divided into various zones and management approaches.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly states that a species listed in Schedule I (Asiatic Lion example) is to be accorded the highest degree of protection.
- Directly links Schedule I listing with the phrase 'highest degree of protection', implying parity among Schedule I species.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Presence: 4/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why this source?
- Explains that Schedules I to V are a ranked system based on risk of survival, indicating Schedule I is top-tier.
- Shows the Act organizes species into schedules to reflect level of protection.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
Presence: 4/5
“Leatherback and loggerhead are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Except for loggerhead turtles, the remaining foreign species nest along the Indian coastline and islands of India. Sea turtles are an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems and provide a source of revenue for local communities through tourism.
vll/”
Why this source?
- Gives a concrete example of sea turtles (leatherback, loggerhead) being protected under Schedule I — demonstrating tortoise/chelonian taxa can be Schedule I.
- Supports the premise that a tortoise placed in Schedule I would be covered by the Act's top-tier protections.
Statement 2
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation mean the species is extinct in the wild?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"These five species of sea turtles that occur in Indian coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states that five sea turtle species "occur in Indian coastal waters" and are "protected under Schedule I", showing Schedule I denotes legal protection, not extinction.
- Demonstrates species listed in Schedule I can have extant wild populations (they "occur" in the wild).
"The Supreme Court held that as elephants are covered by Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it is illegal to kill or hunt them."
Why this source?
- Explains a legal consequence of being covered by Schedule I — it is illegal to kill or hunt them — indicating Schedule I is a protection status.
- Implicates Schedule I relates to stronger legal protection measures rather than indicating extinction.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 5/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
States that the rating of Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife enlisted in them (a risk-based ranking of conservation status).
How to extend
A student can infer Schedule I denotes high risk to survival (endangerment) rather than extinction, and check whether 'extinct in the wild' is a separate category in conservation systems.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Strength: 5/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why relevant
Says the Act's objectives include providing protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act.
How to extend
A student could extend this by noting 'endangered' implies surviving populations exist and compare legal scheduling to extinction definitions.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
Strength: 5/5
“;a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM
• The Asiatic Lion, endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection. • This project has a 'species Conservation over a large landscape' approach. Besides this approach, the Greater Gir Region (GGR) is being divided into various zones and management approaches.”
Why relevant
Gives an example: the Asiatic Lion is listed in Schedule I and is subject to recovery programmes, implying active conservation of existing wild populations.
How to extend
Use this example to reason that Schedule I supports species recovery in the wild (so listing does not mean the species is already extinct in the wild).
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.6. PROJECT SI{OW LEOPARD :t: > p. 240
Strength: 5/5
“I 1 i i : \ \ \ l \ ) i I States/UTs of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunanchal Pradesh. The cold-desert ecosystem of the Indian Trans-Himalaya also supports other unique wildlife, such as Pallas's cat, Eurasian lynx, black-necked crane, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali and kiang. Due to the large home range sizes of snow leopard, it's considered as the 'flagship' for conservation of the Indian Himalayas under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard. They are categorized as ,Vulnerable, by IUCN and in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (protection) Act 1972, and the J&K Wildlife (protection) Act 1972.”
Why relevant
Notes the snow leopard is categorized as Vulnerable by IUCN and is in Schedule I of the Act, showing Schedule I can include species that are vulnerable (not extinct).
How to extend
A student can compare IUCN categories to the Act's schedules to conclude Schedule I corresponds to threatened statuses rather than 'extinct in the wild'.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
Strength: 4/5
“Leatherback and loggerhead are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Except for loggerhead turtles, the remaining foreign species nest along the Indian coastline and islands of India. Sea turtles are an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems and provide a source of revenue for local communities through tourism.
vll/”
Why relevant
Mentions leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles are protected under Schedule I and that several foreign species 'nest along the Indian coastline', indicating living wild populations exist despite Schedule I listing.
How to extend
Use this concrete example to argue Schedule I protection coexists with extant wild populations (so listing ≠ extinct in wild).
Statement 3
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation mean only a few individuals remain under captive protection?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 5/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
States that the rating of Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife enlisted in them (i.e., higher schedule = higher extinction risk).
How to extend
A student could combine this rule with population data for a tortoise species to infer whether Schedule I status implies severe rarity or merely high risk requiring strong legal protection.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
Strength: 4/5
“Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 consists of 6 schedule lists, which give varying degrees of protection.
Poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed Schedule 1 to schedule 4 are prohibited.”
Why relevant
Explains that the WPA has multiple schedules giving varying degrees of protection and that hunting, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed in Schedules I–IV are prohibited.
How to extend
One could use this to reason that Schedule I brings maximal legal protection (restricting exploitation) but does not by itself state whether individuals are only in captivity.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why relevant
States the Act's objective is to provide protection to endangered species listed in the schedule and legal support to conservation areas.
How to extend
A student could look up whether the tortoise's conservation response under the Act was habitat protection, captive breeding, or both to judge if Schedule I implies captivity of only a few individuals.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 2: Nationalism in India > Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India > p. 30
Strength: 4/5
“Fig. 2.1 Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of protected species was also published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife. Subsequently, central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries about which you have already studied. The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the onehorned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – fresh water crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.”
Why relevant
Notes the Act's thrust is protecting remaining populations of certain endangered species by banning hunting, protecting habitats and initiating recovery projects for specific animals.
How to extend
Use this pattern to check whether Schedule I designation typically triggers recovery projects (which may include captive breeding) or primarily habitat/legal measures, to assess the captive-population claim.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
Strength: 4/5
“;a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM
• The Asiatic Lion, endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection. • This project has a 'species Conservation over a large landscape' approach. Besides this approach, the Greater Gir Region (GGR) is being divided into various zones and management approaches.”
Why relevant
Gives an example (Asiatic Lion) listed in Schedule I and describes a 'species conservation over a large landscape' recovery approach, implying in-situ landscape management rather than only captive protection.
How to extend
Compare this example to tortoise cases: if Schedule I species often receive landscape/in-situ programs, Schedule I does not necessarily mean only a few captive individuals remain.
Statement 4
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply it is impossible to prevent the species' extinction?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"These five species of sea turtles that occur in Indian coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."
Why this source?
- States that multiple turtle species occurring in Indian waters "are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972," showing Schedule I confers legal protection to listed species.
- Indicates the Act is used as a conservation measure for species (marine turtles), which implies protection is intended to prevent harm rather than to state extinction is inevitable.
"The Supreme Court held that as elephants are covered by Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it is illegal to kill or hunt them."
Why this source?
- Reports a Supreme Court holding that because elephants are covered by Schedule I, "it is illegal to kill or hunt them," demonstrating Schedule I carries prohibitions aimed at preventing direct harm.
- Shows Schedule I imposes legal protections (prohibiting killing/hunting), which supports that the designation is protective — not a statement that extinction cannot be prevented.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why relevant
States the Act's main objective is to provide protection to endangered species listed in the schedules and to provide legal support to conservation areas.
How to extend
A student could combine this with basic knowledge of threats (habitat loss, poaching) to judge whether legal listing alone is sufficient to prevent extinction.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 5/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
Explains that Schedules I–V are ranked according to risk of survival (i.e., Schedule I denotes highest risk and greatest protection).
How to extend
Knowing Schedule I is highest-priority protection, a student could ask whether highest legal status necessarily eliminates all extinction drivers in practice.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
Strength: 5/5
“The world conservation strategy has suggested the following steps for biodiversity conservation: • (i) Efforts should be made to preserve the species that are endangered.• (ii) Prevention of extinction requires proper planning and management.• (iii) Varieties of food crops, forage plants, timber trees, livestock, animals and their wild relatives should be preserved; • (iv) Each country should identify habitats of wild relatives and ensure their protection.• (v) Habitats where species feed, breed, rest and nurse their young should be safeguarded and protected.• (vi) International trade in wild plants and animals be regulated. To protect, preserve and propagate the variety of species within natural boundaries, the Government of India passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, under which national parks and sanctuaries were established and biosphere reserves declared.”
Why relevant
Notes that 'prevention of extinction requires proper planning and management' as a general conservation principle.
How to extend
Combine this rule with the fact of legal protection to infer that protection must be accompanied by active management to be effective against extinction.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
Strength: 4/5
“;a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM
• The Asiatic Lion, endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection. • This project has a 'species Conservation over a large landscape' approach. Besides this approach, the Greater Gir Region (GGR) is being divided into various zones and management approaches.”
Why relevant
Gives an example: Asiatic lion is listed in Schedule I and is the subject of a landscape-scale recovery project, implying legal listing is linked to active recovery efforts.
How to extend
A student could use this example to explore whether Schedule I listing typically triggers such recovery programmes and whether those programmes succeed in preventing extinction.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 2: Nationalism in India > Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India > p. 30
Strength: 4/5
“Fig. 2.1 Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of protected species was also published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife. Subsequently, central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries about which you have already studied. The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the onehorned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – fresh water crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.”
Why relevant
Describes the Act's thrust: banning hunting, legal protection of habitats, restricting trade, and central projects for gravely threatened species.
How to extend
A student could assess whether these measures (laws + habitat protection + targeted projects) are sufficient to make extinction impossible by checking real-world enforcement and species' threats.
Statement 5
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply the species is endemic to a particular region of India?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
Presence: 5/5
“Leatherback and loggerhead are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Except for loggerhead turtles, the remaining foreign species nest along the Indian coastline and islands of India. Sea turtles are an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems and provide a source of revenue for local communities through tourism.
vll/”
Why this source?
- Names sea turtles (leatherback and loggerhead) as protected under Schedule I and notes that some listed species (loggerhead) are foreign/non‑endemic yet still listed.
- Provides a direct example showing Schedule I can include species that do not nest exclusively in India (i.e., are not endemic).
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Presence: 5/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why this source?
- States that the rating of Schedules I to V is based on risk of survival of the fauna listed.
- Implying schedule placement reflects threat/status rather than geographic endemism.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Presence: 4/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why this source?
- Explains the Act's main objective is to provide protection to endangered species listed in the schedule.
- Reinforces that schedule listing targets conservation status (endangered/protection), not necessarily regional endemism.
Statement 6
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does that designation imply both that the species is extinct in the wild and that it is endemic to a particular region of India?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"the Indian coastal waters supports five species of sea turtles found worldwide. These are the Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta). These five species of sea turtles that occur in Indian coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states species protected under Schedule I ‘occur in Indian coastal waters’, showing Schedule I listing applies to species that are present in the wild (not necessarily extinct).
- Says these are 'five species of sea turtles found worldwide', indicating Schedule I listing does not imply a species is endemic to a particular Indian region.
"The Supreme Court held that as elephants are covered by Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it is illegal to kill or hunt them."
Why this source?
- Shows Schedule I designation confers legal protection (example: elephants covered by Schedule I cannot be killed), indicating the listing is about protection status, not a statement that a species is extinct or endemic.
- Demonstrates Schedule I is used for protection measures enforceable by law rather than indicating distribution or extinction status.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 5/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
States that the ranking of Schedules I–V is 'in accordance with the risk of survival' of the wildlife enlisted, so Schedule I denotes highest risk/protection, not extinction or endemism per se.
How to extend
A student could infer Schedule I marks high conservation concern and then check standard categories (e.g., IUCN 'extinct in the wild' vs 'endangered') to see that Schedule I does not automatically equal 'extinct in the wild'.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why relevant
Says the Act's main objective is to provide protection to the endangered species listed in its schedules, linking Schedule listing to 'endangered' status rather than to extinction or to being endemic.
How to extend
One could compare the legal term 'endangered' used here with biological definitions of 'extinct in the wild' and test whether Schedule I species include taxa still extant but endangered.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
Strength: 4/5
“;a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM
• The Asiatic Lion, endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection. • This project has a 'species Conservation over a large landscape' approach. Besides this approach, the Greater Gir Region (GGR) is being divided into various zones and management approaches.”
Why relevant
Gives the Asiatic lion as an example: it is endemic to the Gir landscape and is listed in Schedule I — an example that a Schedule I species can be endemic, but it is only one case.
How to extend
A student could collect more Schedule I examples and map their ranges to see whether endemism is universal or only sometimes true.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
Strength: 5/5
“Leatherback and loggerhead are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Except for loggerhead turtles, the remaining foreign species nest along the Indian coastline and islands of India. Sea turtles are an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems and provide a source of revenue for local communities through tourism.
vll/”
Why relevant
Notes leatherback and loggerhead turtles are protected under Schedule I and mentions that some are 'foreign species' that nest along the Indian coast — indicating Schedule I can include non-endemic species and those that are present (not extinct) in the wild.
How to extend
Using species distribution maps, a student could verify these turtles are not endemic to India and are extant, showing Schedule I does not imply endemism or extinction-in-the-wild.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.6. PROJECT SI{OW LEOPARD :t: > p. 240
Strength: 5/5
“I 1 i i : \ \ \ l \ ) i I States/UTs of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunanchal Pradesh. The cold-desert ecosystem of the Indian Trans-Himalaya also supports other unique wildlife, such as Pallas's cat, Eurasian lynx, black-necked crane, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali and kiang. Due to the large home range sizes of snow leopard, it's considered as the 'flagship' for conservation of the Indian Himalayas under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard. They are categorized as ,Vulnerable, by IUCN and in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (protection) Act 1972, and the J&K Wildlife (protection) Act 1972.”
Why relevant
Mentions snow leopard is listed in Schedule I but categorized as 'Vulnerable' by IUCN — an extant threat category rather than 'extinct in the wild'.
How to extend
A student could compare legal Schedule I listings with IUCN categories to confirm that Schedule I includes species that are extant (e.g., Vulnerable), so Schedule I ≠ extinct-in-the-wild.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC tests the 'Functional Equivalence' of legal categories. They want to see if you understand that a tiny Tortoise and a massive Tiger share the exact same legal sanctity if placed in the same Schedule. The pattern is: Law > Implication > Comparison.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is foundational static knowledge found in the 'Legislations' chapter of any Environment book (e.g., Shankar IAS Ch 15/16).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 structure. Specifically, the hierarchy of Schedules I to VI (pre-2022 amendment).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the functional difference: Schedule I & II (Absolute protection, high penalty), Schedule III & IV (Protected but lower penalty), Schedule V (Vermin: Crows, Fruit Bats, Mice, Rats), Schedule VI (Plants: Blue Vanda, Pitcher Plant, Red Vanda, Kuth, Beddomes’ cycad, Ladies Slipper Orchid).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize lists of animals. Ask: 'What is the legal consequence of this list?' The exam tests the *implication* of the law (parity with Tiger), not just the biological traits of the animal.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Schedule I = Highest Degree of Legal Protection
💡 The insight
References state Schedule I species (Asiatic lion example) are to be accorded the highest protection and schedules are ranked by extinction risk.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask what different schedules mean and which species receive maximum legal safeguard. Understanding this helps answer policy, legal and conservation questions and links to topics on wildlife laws and species-specific conservation programmes.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Schedules in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — Purpose & Ranking
💡 The insight
Multiple references describe the Act's use of schedules to list and prioritise species and to provide legal protection to endangered fauna.
Crucial for mains and prelims: knowing that the Act organises species into Schedules and that these reflect protection priority helps interpret legislative intent, examine conservation measures, and answer comparative questions on species protection levels.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
- INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Examples of Schedule I Species (practical anchors)
💡 The insight
References name concrete Schedule I species (sea turtles, Asiatic lion, snow leopard), useful for applying the abstract rule to examples.
Memorable exemplars aid recall in exams and essays; recognising which flagship/charismatic species are Schedule I helps in case studies and in answering questions about species-specific projects and legal status.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.6. PROJECT SI{OW LEOPARD :t: > p. 240
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — purpose and legal protection
💡 The insight
The Act is repeatedly described as providing legal protection to endangered species, habitats and regulating hunting/trade, which is the context for Schedule listings.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often test the objectives and provisions of the Act (protection, sanctuaries, trade regulation). Mastering this links to biodiversity policy, protected areas and conservation programmes and helps answer policy and case-based questions.
📚 Reading List :
- INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
- NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 2: Nationalism in India > Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India > p. 30
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Schedule I — highest degree of legal protection & risk-based ranking
💡 The insight
Sources state that Schedule I confers the highest protection and that Schedules I–V are ordered by risk to survival.
Critical concept: knowing that schedules reflect legal protection level and risk (not extinction) helps in questions distinguishing legal status, conservation priority, and permissible actions under law.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Schedule I lists extant endangered species (examples matter)
💡 The insight
Examples (sea turtles, Asiatic lion, snow leopard) are cited as Schedule I species, demonstrating the schedule applies to living endangered species under conservation, not to denote extinction.
Memorable examples anchor the abstract rule—useful for essays and prelims/GS questions about species-specific conservation projects and legal protections; shows application of the Act to real species.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > t) /E-1 ENV:RONMENT > p. 243
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.6. PROJECT SI{OW LEOPARD :t: > p. 240
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
👉 Significance of Schedules under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
💡 The insight
The statement concerns the meaning of a Schedule I listing; references state that schedules rank species by risk and Schedule I is accorded the highest degree of protection.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask legal classifications and their implications. Understanding schedule rankings helps answer queries on conservation priority, legal status and policy responses. It connects to topics on endangered species, conservation programmes and statutory protections.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > a l..J -lj EN.VINO'NM > p. 232
🔗 Anchor: "In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the..."
The WPA was amended in 2022, reducing schedules from 6 to 4. The new 'Shadow Question' will likely test the NEW Schedule IV, which now specifically implements CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) provisions.
Look at the nature of the options. Options (B) and (C) describe *biological conditions* (extinction, endemism). A 'Schedule' in an Act is a *legal instrument*. A law cannot dictate biology (it can't make an animal extinct or endemic), but it CAN dictate legal status. Option (A) is the only legal consequence.
Connect this to Polity (Constitution): The WPA 1972 operationalizes Article 48A (DPSP - State shall endeavor to protect wildlife) and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty - Compassion for living creatures).