Forest and Wildlife Resources - Long Answer Questions
Immense variety of life forms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with each other in an ecosystem.
Species which are in danger of extinction. Survival is difficult if negative factors continue. (e.g., Black Buck, Crocodile, Indian Wild Ass, Indian Rhino).
Species whose population has declined to levels where it is likely to move into endangered category in near future. (e.g., Blue Sheep, Asiatic Elephant, Gangetic Dolphin).
Species which are not found after searches of known areas. (e.g., Asiatic Cheetah, Pink Headed Duck).
Species found only in some particular areas. (e.g., Andaman Teal, Nicobar Pigeon, Mithun in Arunachal).
One of the most well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world, launched in 1973. Aimed at conserving tiger population which dwindled from 55,000 to 1,827.
Patches of pristine forests protected by local communities due to religious beliefs (Nature worship). e.g., Sacred groves in Khasi/Jaintia Hills, Aravalli Hills.
Joint Forest Management. A programme involving local communities in management and restoration of degraded forests. Started in Odisha (1988).
A movement in the Himalayas to resist deforestation. Women hugged trees to stop them from being cut.
Movement in Tehri (Uttarakhand) to save traditional seeds and show that diversified crop production without chemicals is possible.
Forests regarded as most valuable for conservation of forest and wildlife. More than half of forest land is Reserved.
Forest lands protected from any further depletion. Amount to 1/3rd of forest area.
The world's fastest land mammal (112 kmph). Declared extinct in India in 1952. (Recently reintroduced).
Taxus wallichiana. A medicinal plant yielding Taxol (anti-cancer drug). It is under threat due to over-exploitation.
Planting of a single commercially valuable species (Monoculture) eliminating other species. (e.g., Teak in South India).
Expansion of railways, agriculture, commercial forestry, and mining caused huge deforestation.
Located in West Bengal. Threatened by dolomite mining.
Implemented in 1972 with various provisions for protecting habitats and banning hunting.
Hunting, pollution, poisoning, forest fires, and large development projects (dams).
In Sariska (Rajasthan), villagers fought against mining. In Alwar, 5 villages declared 1200 hectares as 'Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri' (own rules).
Forest and Wildlife Resources - Important Facts
India has 8% of world's total species (1.6 million).
10% of India's flora is threatened.
20% of mammals are threatened.
Forest cover is 24.56% (2019 data).
Dense forest is only 12%.
Teak monoculture damaged natural forests.
Chir Pine plantations (for resin) replaced Oak.
River Valley Projects cleared 5000 sq km forest (Narmada Sagar).
Grazing and fuel-wood collection are factors.
Habitat destruction is primary threat.
Poaching for skin/bones is a threat.
Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal.
Bandhavgarh National Park in MP.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan.
Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.
Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
JFM passes share of products to village communities.
Nature worship: Mahua/Kadamba (Munda/Santhal), Tamarind/Mango (Odisha/Bihar).
Peacocks are protected.
Black Buck (Chinkara) is protected by Bishnois.
Conservation preserves ecological diversity.
Fisheries rely on aquatic biodiversity.
Forest and Wildlife Resources - Important Dates/Terms
Wildlife Protection Act
Project Tiger
Cheetah declared extinct in India
JFM Resolution (Odisha)