Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides the highest level of legal protection to endangered species in India. Any species listed under Schedule I, whether a tiger, elephant, or tortoise, receives identical legal safeguards including absolute protection from hunting, trade, and habitat destruction, with the most stringent penalties for violations.

❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: This describes the IUCN Red List category 'Extinct in the Wild', which is a biological conservation status, not a legal designation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Endemism (being restricted to a particular geographic region) is not a criterion for Schedule I listing; species are listed based on the degree of threat and need for protection, regardless of their geographic range.

❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Since both statements B and C are incorrect, this option is also incorrect.

Note: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, has rationalized the original six schedules into four schedules, but Schedule I continues to provide the highest level of protection.