The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Bishnoi community is a Hindu religious sect found primarily in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. Founded by Guru Jambheshwar in the 15th century, the sect follows 29 tenets, many of which focus on environmental conservation and compassion for all living beings.
Statement 1 is Correct. The Bishnoi community primarily inhabits the arid western parts of Rajasthan, particularly districts like Jodhpur and Bikaner. They are traditionally an agricultural community known for their resource-efficient farming practices in the desert ecosystem.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Bishnois do not consider the blackbuck to be a pest. On the contrary, they hold the blackbuck in high reverence, considering it to be the manifestation of their Guru Jambheshwar. Hunting or killing animals is strictly prohibited in their religious tenets.
Statement 3 is Correct. The community is renowned for actively protecting wildlife, including blackbucks and chinkaras, as well as trees (specifically the Khejri tree) around their villages. They are often referred to as India's first environmentalists due to their fierce defense of the local ecosystem against poachers and hunters.
Key Takeaway: The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan strictly adheres to the principles of non-violence towards nature, actively protecting the Blackbuck (which they consider sacred) and the Khejri tree.