Q. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?

1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• 1 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Notes:

• All of the animals given are protected scheduled animals under the Wildlife Act 1972.
• The gharial is ‘Critically Endangered’ and Water buffalo is ‘Endangered’. Hence, they fall under Schedule I. 
• Indian wild ass is Endangered and it is listed under Schedule I.
• There are six schedules provided in the Wildlife Protection Act based on the degree of protection.
  • Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 provide absolute protection and offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. 
  • Schedule 1 covers endangered species.
  • Schedule 3 and 4: This includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. This list is for species that are not endangered. 
  • Schedule 5: This schedule contains animals that can be hunted.
  • Schedule 6 contains the plants, which are prohibited from cultivation and planting.