Introduction

Forests and wildlife are essential components of our environment. They provide us with oxygen, timber, medicines, and maintain ecological balance. India is one of the world's 12 mega biodiversity countries with rich flora and fauna.

This chapter explores the diversity of forests and wildlife in India, the threats they face, and the conservation measures being taken to protect them.

Biodiversity in India

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms - plants, animals, and microorganisms - found in an area.

India's Biodiversity Statistics

Classification of Forests

In India, forests are classified based on their legal status:

Forest Cover in India

• Current Forest Cover: About 23% of total area
• National Forest Policy Target: 33% (one-third)
• Gap: 10% deficit from target

States with Maximum Forest Cover: MP (in terms of area), Mizoram (in terms of percentage)

Flora and Fauna

Flora refers to plants, and Fauna refers to animals of a region.

Major Flora in India

• Tropical Evergreen Forests: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood, Rubber (Heavy rainfall areas)
• Tropical Deciduous Forests: Sal, Teak, Sandalwood, Shisham (Moderate rainfall)
• Thorny Forests: Babul, Acacia, Date Palm, Cactus (Low rainfall, semi-arid)
• Mangrove Forests: Sundari tree (Sundarbans), Rhizophora (Coastal areas)
• Himalayan Forests: Pine, Deodar, Oak, Fir, Spruce (High altitude)

Major Fauna in India

• Mammals: Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Leopard, Snow Leopard
• Birds: Peacock (National Bird), Great Indian Bustard, Hornbill
• Reptiles: Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, Sea Turtle
• Aquatic: Gangetic Dolphin, Whale, Shark

IUCN Categories of Species

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies species based on their conservation status:

Causes of Depletion of Flora and Fauna

Historical Causes

• Colonial Period: Large-scale deforestation for railways, ship building, and commercial farming
• Agricultural Expansion: Forests cleared for cultivation to meet food demands
• Timber Extraction: Commercial forestry replaced natural forests

Modern Causes

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Need for Conservation

• Maintain ecological balance
• Preserve biodiversity and genetic diversity
• Protect endangered species
• Ensure sustainable development
• Protect watershed areas and prevent soil erosion

Constitutional Provisions

The Indian Constitution has provisions for protecting forests and wildlife:

• Article 48A: Directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife
• Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife

Important Acts

Major Conservation Projects

National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves

Types of Protected Areas

Important National Parks

Important Biosphere Reserves

Community and Conservation

Local communities have been involved in conservation for centuries. Some notable examples:

Bishnoi Community (Rajasthan)

• Protect trees and wildlife as part of their religious beliefs
• In 1731, Amrita Devi Bishnoi sacrificed her life along with 363 others to protect Khejri trees in Khejarli village
• Protect blackbuck, nilgai, peacocks, and other animals

Chipko Movement (1970s)

• Started in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
• Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent cutting
• Led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and others
• Famous slogan: "Ecology is permanent economy"

Beej Bachao Andolan

• Seed-saving movement in Tehri-Garhwal
• Promotes conservation of traditional crop varieties

Joint Forest Management (JFM)

• Started in Odisha (1988)
• Involves local communities in forest management
• Benefits shared between government and communities
• Now implemented in many states

Sacred Groves

• Patches of forest protected by communities for religious reasons
• Found in: Rajasthan (Orans), Western Ghats (Devarakadu), Meghalaya (Sacred groves)
• Help preserve biodiversity

MCQs for Practice

1. India is one of the world's:

a) 8 mega biodiversity countries b) 10 mega biodiversity countries c) 12 mega biodiversity countries d) 15 mega biodiversity countries

Answer: c) 12 mega biodiversity countries

2. Which is the first National Park of India?

a) Kaziranga b) Gir c) Jim Corbett d) Sundarbans

Answer: c) Jim Corbett (1936)

3. Asiatic Lions are found in:

a) Kaziranga b) Jim Corbett c) Gir d) Sundarbans

Answer: c) Gir (Gujarat)

4. One-horned Rhinoceros is found in:

a) Gir b) Kaziranga c) Ranthambore d) Bandipur

Answer: b) Kaziranga (Assam)

5. Project Tiger was launched in:

a) 1970 b) 1972 c) 1973 d) 1975

Answer: c) 1973

6. Reserved forests constitute what percentage of forests in India?

a) 17% b) 29% c) 54% d) 65%

Answer: c) 54%

7. Which species is extinct in India?

a) Tiger b) Elephant c) Asiatic Cheetah d) Lion

Answer: c) Asiatic Cheetah

8. The first Biosphere Reserve in India is:

a) Sundarbans b) Nilgiri c) Nanda Devi d) Gulf of Mannar

Answer: b) Nilgiri (1986)

9. Chipko Movement was started in:

a) Rajasthan b) Uttarakhand c) Bihar d) Kerala

Answer: b) Uttarakhand

10. Joint Forest Management was first started in:

a) Gujarat b) MP c) Odisha d) West Bengal

Answer: c) Odisha (1988)

Important Questions for Board Exam

1 Mark Questions

1. Name the first National Park of India.
2. Which animal is found only in Gir forest?
3. What percentage of India's forest is reserved forest?
4. When was Project Tiger launched?
5. What is an endemic species?

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

1. Distinguish between endangered and extinct species with examples.
2. What are the different categories of forests based on legal status?
3. Why is biodiversity important?
4. What is Joint Forest Management?
5. Explain the Chipko Movement.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Describe the IUCN classification of species with examples from India.
2. What are the major causes of depletion of flora and fauna in India?
3. Describe the conservation efforts for wildlife in India.
4. Explain the role of communities in conservation with examples.
5. Write a note on any five important National Parks of India.

Quick Revision Points