Prelims 2024

Q. 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?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper

Explanation : 

1. Statement-I is correct:

– Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, animals are classified into different schedules based on their status and level of protection needed
– Schedule V of the Act includes “vermin” species – animals that are considered as pests/nuisance and receive least protection
– The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) is listed in Schedule V as “vermin”
– This classification allows these animals to be hunted or captured without restrictions
– The reason for this classification is primarily due to their perceived damage to fruit orchards and crops

2. Statement-II is incorrect:

– The Indian Flying Fox is a frugivorous bat species
– Their diet consists mainly of ripe fruits, flower nectar, and pollen
– They do not feed on blood of other animals
– Blood-feeding (hematophagy) is a characteristic of vampire bats, which are a different family of bats found in the Americas

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer as Statement-I accurately describes the legal status of Indian Flying Fox, while Statement-II incorrectly describes its feeding habits.

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