2. Forest and Wildlife Resources
1. Biodiversity – Meaning and Importance
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity (Biological Diversity) refers to the variety of living
organisms present on Earth, including:
- Micro-organisms
- Bacteria
- Lichens
- Plants
- Animals
- Birds
- Aquatic organisms
It includes diversity in:
- Species
- Forms
- Functions
- Ecosystems
Importance of Biodiversity
Humans are a part of the ecological system and depend on it for survival.
Living organisms help in:
- Purifying air
- Maintaining water quality
- Conserving soil fertility
- Producing food
- Maintaining ecological
balance
Role of Forests
Forests are:
- Primary producers in the
ecosystem.
- Providers of food,
shelter and oxygen.
- Home to numerous species.
All living beings depend directly or indirectly on forests.
2. Flora and Fauna in India
Flora
Plant species found in a region.
Fauna
Animal species found in a region.
India – A Mega Biodiversity Nation
India is one of the richest countries in terms of biodiversity because of:
- Diverse climate
- Different landforms
- Vast forest cover
- Varied ecosystems
Many species are still undiscovered.
Why are Flora and Fauna under Threat?
Main reasons:
- Environmental degradation
- Deforestation
- Urbanisation
- Industrialisation
- Over-exploitation of
resources
- Human insensitivity
towards nature
3. Conservation of Forest and
Wildlife
Meaning of Conservation
Protection, preservation and proper management of forests and wildlife.
Why is Conservation Necessary?
Conservation helps to:
- Preserve ecological
diversity.
- Maintain life support
systems:
- Air
- Water
- Soil
- Protect genetic
diversity.
- Improve breeding of
plants and animals.
- Support agriculture.
- Maintain fisheries and
aquatic biodiversity.
4. Wildlife Protection in
India
Demand for Wildlife Protection
During the 1960s and 1970s, conservationists demanded a national wildlife
protection programme.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Government of India implemented the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972.
Main Features
- Protection of habitats.
- List of protected species
prepared.
- Hunting banned.
- Legal protection to
habitats.
- Restriction on wildlife
trade.
5. National Parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries
To conserve wildlife, governments established:
National Parks
Protected areas where wildlife and natural resources are strictly
preserved.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Protected areas where animals are safeguarded from hunting and
exploitation.
6. Species Protected Under
Conservation Programmes
The Government launched projects for protecting endangered species.
Important Species
Mammals
- Tiger
- Asiatic Lion
- Indian Elephant
- Kashmir Stag (Hangul)
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Blackbuck (Chinkara)
- Snow Leopard
Reptiles
- Freshwater Crocodile
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Gharial
Birds
- Great Indian Bustard
(Godawan)
These species received full or partial legal protection.
7. Project Tiger
Launch
Started in 1973.
Why was it launched?
Tiger population declined drastically.
- Around 55,000 tigers at
the beginning of the 20th century.
- Reduced to only 1,827 by
1973.
Causes of Tiger Decline
- Poaching
- Illegal trade of skins
- Use of bones in
traditional medicines
- Shrinking habitat
- Depletion of prey species
- Increasing human
population
Importance of Tigers
Tiger is:
- A key species in the food
chain.
- Important for maintaining
ecological balance.
Objective of Project Tiger
- Protect tiger population.
- Preserve biodiversity.
- Conserve forests and
ecosystems.
Significance
Tiger conservation became not only a programme to save tigers but also an
effort to conserve the entire ecosystem.
8. Shift Towards Biodiversity
Conservation
Earlier conservation focused on a few endangered species.
Now the focus is on:
- Entire biodiversity
- Ecosystem protection
- Habitat conservation
Protection of Insects
Under Wildlife Act notifications of 1980 and 1986:
Protected:
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Beetles
- One dragonfly species
Protection of Plants
In 1991, for the first time:
- Six plant species were
added to the protected list.
9. Types and Distribution of
Forest Resources
Most forests in India are managed by the government.
Forests are divided into three categories.
A. Reserved Forests
Meaning
Forests with maximum protection and restrictions.
Importance
Most valuable for conservation of wildlife and forests.
Coverage
More than half of India's forest area.
Features
- Highest degree of
protection.
- Human activities are
highly restricted.
B. Protected Forests
Meaning
Forests protected from further depletion.
Coverage
Almost one-third of India's forest area.
Features
- Moderate protection.
- Regulated use allowed.
C. Unclassed Forests
Meaning
Forests and wastelands owned by:
- Government
- Communities
- Private individuals
Features
- Least protected category.
10. Permanent Forest Estates
Reserved and Protected Forests together form:
Permanent Forest Estates
Maintained for:
- Timber production
- Forest produce
- Environmental protection
11. State-wise Distribution of
Forests
State with Largest Area under Permanent Forests
Madhya Pradesh
- About 75% of its forest
area.
States with Large Reserved Forests
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Andhra Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra
States with Large Protected Forests
- Bihar
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Himachal Pradesh
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
States with Large Unclassed Forests
- North-Eastern States
- Parts of Gujarat
These forests are mainly managed by local communities.
12. Community and Conservation
Importance
Local communities play a major role in forest conservation.
Many communities protect forests because their livelihood depends on them.
13. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Example
Located in: Sariska Tiger Reserve
Conservation Effort
Villagers:
- Opposed mining
activities.
- Used the Wildlife
Protection Act for conservation.
14. Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri
Located in:
Alwar District
Initiative
Five villages:
- Declared 1,200 hectares
as protected forest.
- Made their own
conservation rules.
- Banned hunting.
- Prevented encroachments.
15. Chipko Movement
Location
Himalayan region.
Objective
To stop deforestation.
Achievements
- Prevented tree cutting.
- Promoted community
afforestation.
- Encouraged planting
indigenous species.
- Created environmental
awareness.
Exam Point
Chipko Movement is a famous people's movement against deforestation.
16. Beej Bachao Andolan
Location
Tehri region.
Objective
Conservation of traditional seeds and biodiversity.
Importance
- Promoted organic farming.
- Opposed excessive
chemical use.
- Encouraged sustainable
agriculture.
17. Navdanya
Objective
- Conservation of
biodiversity.
- Protection of indigenous
seeds.
- Promotion of ecological
farming.
Significance
Proved that diversified crop production is economically viable without
synthetic chemicals.
18. Sacred Groves
Meaning
Patches of forests preserved due to religious beliefs and traditions.
These forests are considered the abode of gods and goddesses.
Characteristics
- Untouched by humans.
- Cutting trees is prohibited.
- Hunting is banned.
- Rich in biodiversity.
Importance
- Protect rare species.
- Preserve natural
ecosystems.
- Maintain ecological
balance.
19. Nature Worship and
Conservation
Many tribes conserve forests through religious beliefs.
Examples
Munda and Santhal Tribes
Worship:
- Mahua Tree
- Kadamba Tree
Tribes of Odisha and Bihar
Worship:
- Tamarind Tree
- Mango Tree
during weddings.
Sacred Trees in India
- Peepal
- Banyan
are considered sacred.
20. Protection of Animals
Through Culture
Around Temples
Protected animals:
- Macaques
- Langurs
These animals are fed and respected by devotees.
Bishnoi Community (Rajasthan)
Protects:
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Nilgai
- Peacocks
No one harms these animals.
21. Joint Forest Management
(JFM)
Meaning
A programme involving local communities in forest protection and
management.
Beginning
Started formally in 1988.
First State
Odisha
passed the first resolution.
Working
Village institutions:
- Protect degraded forests.
- Work with Forest
Department.
Benefits to Villagers
They receive:
- Non-timber forest
products
- Share in timber harvested
after successful protection
Importance
- Community participation.
- Restoration of degraded
forests.
- Sustainable forest
management.
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Exercise
1. Multiple Choice Question
(i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve
community participation?
Answer: (d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries
Explanation: Wildlife sanctuaries are established mainly by the government, whereas
Joint Forest Management, Chipko Movement, and Beej Bachao Andolan involve
active participation of local communities.
2. Match the Following
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
Reserved Forests |
Forests regarded as the most valuable for conservation of forest and
wildlife resources. |
|
Protected Forests |
Forest lands protected from any further depletion. |
|
Unclassed Forests |
Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals
and communities. |
3. Answer the Following Questions in About 30 Words
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity
important for human lives?
Answer:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms found
in an area. It is important because it maintains ecological balance and
provides essential resources such as food, clean air, water, medicine, and
fertile soil.
(ii) How have human activities affected the
depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
Answer:
Human activities such as deforestation, mining, industrialisation,
urbanisation, overgrazing, hunting, and pollution have destroyed natural
habitats. This has led to the depletion and extinction of many species of flora
and fauna.
4. Answer the Following Questions in About 120
Words
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and
protected forests and wildlife in India.
Answer:
Local communities have played a significant role in conserving forests and
wildlife in India. In Rajasthan, villagers of Alwar district declared 1,200
hectares of forest as Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri and banned hunting and tree
cutting. The Bishnoi community protects animals such as blackbuck, chinkara,
nilgai, and peacocks. The Chipko Movement in the Himalayan region successfully
resisted deforestation through community action. Sacred groves protected by
tribal communities preserve many rare plant and animal species. Under the Joint
Forest Management (JFM) programme, local villagers work with the Forest
Department to protect and restore degraded forests. These efforts show that
community participation is essential for the successful conservation of forests
and wildlife.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards
conserving forest and wildlife.
Answer:
Several good practices have helped conserve forests and wildlife in India.
Sacred groves are protected by local communities due to religious beliefs,
helping preserve biodiversity. Nature worship among tribes has encouraged the
protection of trees and animals. The Chipko Movement promoted afforestation and
prevented large-scale deforestation. Organisations such as Beej Bachao Andolan
and Navdanya encourage the conservation of traditional crop varieties and
biodiversity through ecological farming. The Joint Forest Management programme
involves local people in forest protection and restoration. Wildlife protection
laws, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and projects such as Project Tiger
have also contributed significantly to conservation. These practices promote
sustainable use of natural resources and help maintain ecological balance.
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