Q1. When was the Wildlife Protection Act enacted in India?
- 1974
- 1972
- 1981
- 1986
Correct Option: 2. 1972
Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 by the Indian Parliament to address the alarming decline in the country’s wildlife population due to poaching, habitat loss, and commercial exploitation. It laid the foundation for a unified legal framework to protect various species across India. The Act came into force after India participated in the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm (1972), which emphasized the importance of environmental conservation.
Q2. Which article of the Indian Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to protect the environment?
- Article 14
- Article 48-A
- Article 51-A(g)
- Article 19
Correct Option: 3. Article 51-A(g)
Explanation: Article 51-A(g), introduced through the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976, makes it a fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment. This includes safeguarding forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife. While fundamental duties are not enforceable in courts, they act as moral obligations to encourage environmental responsibility among citizens.
Q3. Which schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act provides the highest level of protection to animals?
- Schedule I
- Schedule II
- Schedule IV
- Schedule VI
Correct Option: 1. Schedule I
Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 contains six schedules. Schedule I species are accorded the highest level of protection, and any offense against these animals invites stringent penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines. Examples include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and snow leopard. These species are typically endangered or vulnerable and require comprehensive protection from hunting, trade, and other human interference.
Q4. Which amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act allowed the use of elephants for religious purposes?
- 1991 Amendment
- 2003 Amendment
- 2022 Amendment
- 1986 Amendment
Correct Option: 3. 2022 Amendment
Explanation: The 2022 Amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act made several significant changes, including a modification to Section 43. While the original Act prohibited the transfer of animals listed in Schedule I (like elephants), the amendment allowed the use of elephants for religious or cultural purposes, recognizing their traditional role in some Indian communities. However, such use is subject to regulatory oversight to ensure ethical treatment.
Q5. Which of the following is not a type of Protected Area under the Wildlife Protection Act?
- National Park
- Biosphere Reserve
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Community Reserve
Correct Option: 2. Biosphere Reserve
Explanation: Biosphere Reserves are not defined under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. They are designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. In contrast, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves are legal categories of Protected Areas under the Wildlife Protection Act. Biosphere Reserves focus on conserving biodiversity while supporting sustainable development and research.