Correct Option
The correct option is Plants.
Explanation
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was enacted to protect wild animals, birds, and plants. While the original Act focused primarily on fauna, subsequent amendments expanded its scope to include flora.
Analysis
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991 introduced significant changes regarding the protection of flora.
- Plants: Prior to 1991, the Act did not contain specific provisions for the protection of plant species. The 1991 amendment inserted a new chapter (Chapter IIIA) titled Protection of Specified Plants and added Schedule VI. This schedule lists specific plant species (such as Beddomes’ cycad, Blue Vanda, Kuth, Ladies slipper orchids, Pitcher plant, and Red Vanda) that are prohibited from cultivation, collection, or trade without a license.
- Butterflies, Dragonflies, and Beetles: These fall under the category of insects (fauna). Various species of insects, including butterflies and beetles, were already covered under different schedules (such as Schedule I and Schedule II) to varying degrees before the specific inclusion of a dedicated schedule for plants.
Key Takeaway: The 1991 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is distinct for extending legal protection to specified plant species by introducing Schedule VI.