Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Statement-I is correct, Statement-II is incorrect
This question tests knowledge about the Indian Flying Fox and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. While the current model answer states both statements are incorrect, the correct answer as per the original marking was Option 3, indicating Statement-I was considered correct at the time of the exam.
✅ Statement-I – Correct (as per original context): Historically, the Indian Flying Fox was placed under Schedule V (vermin category) in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, before the 2022 amendments abolished this schedule.
❌ Statement-II – Incorrect: The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius) is a large frugivorous bat that feeds on fruits, nectar, and flowers, not on blood. Blood-feeding behavior is characteristic of vampire bats found in Latin America, not fruit bats.
📝 Short Notes: Indian Flying Fox and Wildlife Protection
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pteropus medius (previously P. giganteus) |
| Distribution | Indian subcontinent - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar |
| Diet | Frugivorous - feeds on fruits (mangoes, guavas, figs), nectar, and flowers |
| Ecological Role | Important pollinator and seed disperser for many plant species |
| Historical Status | Was placed under Schedule V (vermin) allowing regulated culling |
| Current Status (Post-2022) | Schedule II of Wildlife Protection Act; Schedule V abolished in 2022 amendment |
| Conservation Issue | Faced persecution due to crop damage concerns; crucial for ecosystem health |
Question 1 of 6 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Practice PYQ questions from this topic across all years
First question in this topic
With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following state...