In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under…

It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
It is endemic to a particular region of India.
Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

Answer

(a) Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 gives the highest level of legal protection, including stringent penalties for offences. Tiger is also in Schedule I, so this is correct.
(b) Schedule I status does not mean the species is extinct in the wild or only under captive protection. It only indicates maximum statutory protection. Incorrect.
(c) Schedule I listing does not imply the species is endemic to a particular region of India. Endemism and legal protection are different concepts. Incorrect.
(d) Since (b) and (c) are both incorrect, this option is incorrect.