According to the Wildlife [Protection] Act, 1972, which of the following animals can not be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for the protection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks. Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.

The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted.

The plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders).

The  plants under Schedule VI are as follows

• Beddomes’ cycad (Cycas beddomei)
• Blue Vanda (Vanda soerulec)
• Kuth (Saussurea lappa)
• Ladies slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.)
• Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana)
• Red Vanda (Rananthera inschootiana)