Correct Option:
1) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, categorizes species into schedules based on their conservation status and the level of protection required. Schedule I species are accorded the highest degree of protection under the Act. This implies stringent prohibitions against hunting, poaching, and trade, with severe penalties for violations. The tiger (Panthera tigris) is a prominent example of a Schedule I animal, representing the highest protection standard. Therefore, any species listed in Schedule I receives an equivalent level of legal protection.
Incorrect Options:
2) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection, and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
Inclusion in Schedule I signifies that a species is critically endangered or faces a high risk of extinction, necessitating maximum protection. However, it does not automatically mean the species is extinct in the wild or that its extinction is inevitable. Many Schedule I species still exist in wild populations, and conservation efforts aim to prevent their extinction. Captive breeding programs are often part of broader conservation strategies, not an admission of inevitable extinction.
3) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
Endemism refers to a species being native and restricted to a specific geographical area. While many endemic species are indeed threatened and may be listed under Schedule I, endemism is not a prerequisite for Schedule I listing, nor does Schedule I status exclusively imply endemism. A species can be widespread geographically but still face severe threats justifying its inclusion in Schedule I. Conversely, an endemic species might not necessarily be critically endangered to warrant Schedule I protection if its population is stable.
4) Both b and c stated above are correct in this context.
As explained above, neither statement (b) nor (c) accurately or fully describes the implications of a species being declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, this option is incorrect.