The correct option in this context is option 1: "It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger."

When a species is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India, it means that the species is listed under the highest level of protection offered by the act. This implies that the species is considered as endangered and facing the highest level of threat among all other protected species in the country.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the primary legislation in India for the protection of wild animals and plants. It categorizes the protected species into six different schedules based on their level of threat and conservation status. Schedule I lists the most endangered species and provides them with the highest level of protection.

As per the act, any hunting, poaching, or trade of Schedule I species is strictly prohibited, and offenders can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Moreover, the act also provides for the creation of protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves for the conservation of these species and their habitats.

Therefore, when a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India, it means that it enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger, which is also listed under Schedule I of the act. It indicates that the species is under a high level of threat and requires immediate conservation efforts to prevent its extinction.

It is worth noting that the other options, i.e., option 2 and option 3, are not relevant in this context. Option 2 suggests that the species no longer exists in the wild, and a few individuals are under captive protection, which is not necessarily the case for a species listed under Schedule I. Option 3 suggests that the species is endemic to a particular region of India, which may or may not be true for a Schedule I species. The declaration of a species under Schedule I primarily indicates its conservation status and the level of protection it receives under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.