Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' — 1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest 2. hunting is not allowed in such area 3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce 4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices. How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Chief Wildlife Warden becomes governing authority — Incorrect. A Community Reserve Management Committee is the governing body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Chief Wildlife Warden exercises supervision/control under the Act but is not the governing authority.

2. Hunting is not allowed — Correct. Community Reserve is a protected area category, so hunting is prohibited except under specific legal exceptions in the Act.

3. People are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce — Correct. Community Reserves are designed to conserve habitat without extinguishing community rights, so regulated collection of NTFP/customary forest produce is allowed where such rights exist.

4. People are allowed traditional agricultural practices — Correct. Community Reserves are created on community/private lands where traditional uses and practices of local people may continue, subject to the conservation objective and management plan.

Hence, statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct.