UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 80 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Indian Flying Fox

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?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer

Answer: C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Verdict

Correct answer: Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect → Option (c).

Statement by statement

Statement I – CORRECT: The nectar and fruit-eating flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is generally considered a vermin as they raid orchards. It had a similar official status under Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 until it was put on the Schedule II list, entailing a higher degree of protection.

Statement II – INCORRECT: The Indian Flying Fox is a keystone species causing seed dispersals of many plants in tropical systems. It feeds on fruits and nectar from orchards – not on the blood of other animals. A study in India found that of all orchard crops, Indian flying foxes did the most damage to mango and guava crops.

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