The question asks us to identify the correct statements regarding the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We need to evaluate each statement individually.
Based on the evaluation, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
Correct Option: B) 2 and 3 only
The question asks about the specific act or amendment that led to the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This requires knowledge of Indian environmental legislation, particularly concerning wildlife protection and tiger conservation.
Correct Option: A) Amendment Act 2006
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was constituted under Section 38 L (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. This amendment provided a statutory basis for Project Tiger and established the NTCA to strengthen tiger conservation in India by providing a legal framework, ensuring accountability, and facilitating better management of tiger reserves.
The question asks about the primary technique used in earlier tiger censuses. This requires knowledge of the historical methods employed for tiger population estimation.
B) Pugmark Census Technique — The Pugmark Census Technique was the first standardized method for estimating tiger populations in India, widely used from the 1970s until more advanced methods like camera trapping became prevalent. It involved identifying and counting individual tiger pugmarks to estimate the number of tigers in a given area.
The question asks for a technique that uses faecal samples for tiger identification. This implies a method that can extract unique genetic information from waste products to identify individual animals.
Correct Option: B) DNA fingerprinting is a molecular biology technique that uses genetic material (DNA) found in biological samples, including faecal matter, to create a unique genetic profile for an individual. Faecal samples contain cells shed from the intestinal lining, which carry the animal's DNA. This DNA can be extracted and analyzed to identify individual tigers, study their population structure, and monitor their movements without direct capture.
The question asks about the frequency of the All India Tiger Estimation since 2006. This is a factual question related to wildlife conservation efforts in India. Knowing the periodicity of such surveys is crucial for understanding India's commitment to tiger conservation.
B) Every four years — The All India Tiger Estimation has been conducted every four years since 2006. This regular interval allows for effective monitoring of tiger population trends and the impact of conservation strategies.
The question asks about the introduction year of Phase IV of the tiger estimation program in India. This requires knowledge of the timeline and methodology evolution of India's tiger census efforts.
Correct Option: B) 2011. Phase IV of the tiger estimation program, which focuses on continuous monitoring within tiger reserves and specific landscapes, was introduced in 2011. This phase complements the larger quadrennial national tiger census.