Wildlife Protection and Biodiversity

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 contains animals that are given the highest level of protection, similar to that afforded to the tiger. Being listed in Schedule I means it is absolutely protected and cannot be hunted except under specific circumstances provided by law. Option (b) is incorrect because Schedule I includes endangered species that still exist in the wild (like Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants). Option (c) is too restrictive as Schedule I species are not necessarily endemic to one region. Option (d) is therefore incorrect. Schedule I designation ensures the same rigorous protection standards as applied to tigers. > Schedule I = Maximum Protection = Tiger-level safeguards. Answer: a.