Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The Indian Flying F

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 ?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
Statement-I is correct. The Indian Flying Fox (*Pteropus giganteus*) is one of the species that can be declared ‘vermin’ by state governments under Section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This is typically done in specific areas where they are considered a threat to agriculture or public health, allowing them to be hunted.
Statement-II is incorrect. The Indian Flying Fox is a frugivorous (fruit-eating) bat. It feeds primarily on fruits, nectar, and pollen. Vampire bats, which are native to the Americas, are the species that feed on blood, but the Indian Flying Fox is not a vampire bat.
Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
Listing an animal as ‘vermin’ under the Wild Life (Protection) Act removes its protection status within specified areas. The diet of the Indian Flying Fox is mainly fruits and nectar, essential for plant pollination and seed dispersal.
The practice of declaring certain animals as vermin is controversial, as it can impact populations and ecosystems. The Indian Flying Fox plays an ecological role as a pollinator and seed disperser.