Wildlife Protection Act Schedule Classification

All three animals—gharial, Indian wild ass, and wild buffalo—are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection. These animals cannot be hunted by any person except under specific legal provisions and in exceptional circumstances as allowed by the Act. The gharial is an endangered crocodilian; the Indian wild ass (kiang) is an endangered equine species found in the Little Rann of Kutch; wild buffalo (gaur or bison) is a large bovine species. All are critically endangered or vulnerable species that receive stringent legal protection. > Key Insight: Schedule I species represent India's most endangered wildlife and carry maximum hunting restrictions. All three named species fall under this highest protection category. Answer: (d).