According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?

1. Gharial

2. Indian wild ass

3. Wild buffalo

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, wild animals specified in Schedule I, Schedule II, Schedule III, and Schedule IV are protected from hunting throughout the country.

Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits the hunting of any wild animal specified in Schedules I, II, III, and IV, except as provided under Section 11 and Section 12 (e.g., if an animal becomes dangerous to human life or disabled/diseased beyond recovery, or for scientific research/education under specific permission by the Chief Wildlife Warden).

Let us look at the legal status of the animals listed in the question:

1. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence, it receives the highest degree of protection and cannot be hunted.
2. Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur): Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is protected against hunting.
3. Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee): Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is also fully protected from hunting.

Since all three animals—Gharial, Indian wild ass, and Wild buffalo—are protected under Schedule I of the Act, none of them can be hunted except under explicit statutory provisions provided by law.

Therefore, all three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.