1. Introduction

We have seen in Class VII that Paheli and Boojho had visited the forest along with Prof. Ahmad and Tibu. They were eager to share their experiences with their classmates. Other children in the class were also eager to share their experiences as some of them had visited Bharatpur Sanctuary. Some others had heard about Kaziranga National Park, Lockchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Tiger Reserve, etc.

The purpose of making national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves is to protect our flora and fauna. In this chapter, we will discuss the causes of deforestation and its consequences, and also the steps taken to conserve our rich biodiversity.

2. Deforestation and Its Causes

A great variety of plants and animals exist on earth. They are essential for the well-being and survival of mankind. Today, a major threat to survival of these organisms is deforestation. We know that deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. Trees in the forest are cut for some of the purposes mentioned below:

• Procuring land for cultivation: As the population increases, the demand for food increases. To grow more food, forests are cleared to make way for agriculture.
• Building houses and factories: Urbanization requires land for housing, industries, and infrastructure (roads, dams, etc.). This leads to massive cutting of trees.
• Making furniture or using wood as fuel: Wood is a valuable resource used for furniture, paper, and as fuel. This commercial demand drives deforestation.

Some natural causes of deforestation are forest fires and severe droughts. These natural calamities can destroy vast areas of forest land in a short period.

3. Consequences of Deforestation

Paheli and Boojho recalled the consequences of deforestation. They remembered that deforestation increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth. It increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Ground water level also gets lowered. They know that deforestation disturbs the balance in nature. They were told by Prof. Ahmad that if cutting of trees continues, rainfall and the fertility of the soil will decrease. Moreover, there will be increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and droughts.

Global Warming

How does deforestation reduce rainfall on the one hand and lead to floods on the other? Plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Fewer trees would mean that less carbon dioxide will be used up resulting in its increased amount in the atmosphere. This will lead to global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by the earth. The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall. This could cause droughts.

Desertification

Deforestation is a major cause which leads to the change in soil properties. Physical properties of the soil get affected by plantation and vegetation. Recall from Class VII how trees prevent soil erosion. Fewer trees result in more soil erosion. Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. This is called desertification.

Floods

Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration rate) is reduced. So, there are floods. The other properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture etc., also change because of deforestation.

4. Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Having become aware of the effects of deforestation, Paheli and Boojho are worried. They go to Prof. Ahmad and ask him how forests and wildlife can be saved. Prof. Ahmad organizes a visit to a biosphere reserve for Paheli, Boojho and their classmates. He selects a place named Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. He knows that the plants and animals found here are similar to those of the upper Himalayan peaks and to those belonging to the lower western ghats. Prof. Ahmad believes that the biodiversity found here is unique.

He requests Madhavji, a forest employee, to guide the children inside the biosphere reserve. He explains that preserving areas of such biological importance make them a part of our national heritage.

Madhavji explains to the children that apart from our personal efforts and efforts of the society, government agencies also take care of the forests and animals. The government lays down rules, methods and policies to protect and conserve them. Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves etc., are protected areas for conservation of plants and animals present in that area.

5. Biosphere Reserve

Children along with Prof. Ahmad and Madhavji enter the biosphere reserve area. Madhavji explains that biosphere reserves are the areas meant for conservation of biodiversity. As you are aware that biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms generally found in an area. The biosphere reserves help to maintain the biodiversity and culture of that area. A biosphere reserve may also contain other protected areas in it. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named Bori and Pachmarhi.

6. Flora and Fauna

As the children walk around the biosphere reserve they appreciate the green wealth of the forest. They are very happy to see tall teak trees and animals inside the forest. Suddenly, Paheli finds a rabbit and wants to catch it. She starts running after it. Prof. Ahmad stops her. He explains that animals are comfortable and happy in their own habitat. We should not disturb them. Madhavji explains that some animals and plants typically belong to a particular area. The plants and animals found in a particular area are termed flora and fauna of that area.

7. Endemic Species

Soon the group quietly enters the deep forest. Children are surprised to see a very big squirrel. This squirrel has a big fluffy tail. They are very curious to know about it. Madhavji tells them that this is known as the giant squirrel and is endemic to this area. Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area. They are not naturally found anywhere else. A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state or a country.

Madhavji shows Sal and Wild Mango as two examples of the endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel are endemic fauna of this area. Prof. Ahmad explains that the destruction of their habitat, increasing population and introduction of new species may affect the natural habitat of endemic species and endanger their existence.

8. Wildlife Sanctuary

Soon Paheli sees a board with 'Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary' written on it. Prof. Ahmad explains that killing (poaching) or capturing animals in general is strictly prohibited and punishable by law in all such places. Wildlife Sanctuaries like reserve forests provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. People living in wildlife sanctuaries are allowed to do certain activities like grazing by their livestock, collecting medicinal plants, firewood, etc.

It is a pity that even protected forests are not safe because people living in the neighbourhood encroach upon them and destroy them. Children are reminded of their visit to the zoo. They recall that zoos are also places where animals receive protection. But there is a difference. In a zoo, animals are kept in cages and artificial settings for public display. In a sanctuary, they live in their natural habitat without disturbance.

9. National Park

On the roadside there was another board on which was written 'Satpura National Park'. Children are now eager to go there. Madhavji tells them that these reserves are large and diverse enough to protect whole sets of ecosystems. They preserve flora, fauna, landscape and historic objects of an area. Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India. The finest Indian teak is found in this forest.

Rock Shelters and Painting

Rock shelters are also found inside the Satpura National Park. These are evidences of prehistoric human life in these jungles. These give us an idea of the life of primitive people. Rock paintings are found in these shelters. A total of 55 rock shelters have been identified in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Figures of animals and men fighting, hunting, dancing and playing musical instruments are depicted in these paintings. Many tribals still live in the area.

Project Tiger

As children move ahead, they see a board with 'Satpura Tiger Reserve' written on it. Madhavji explains that Project Tiger was launched by the government to protect the tigers in the country. The objective of this project was to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in the country. Tiger is one of the many species which are slowly disappearing from our forests. But, the Satpura Tiger Reserve is unique in the sense that a significant increase in the population of tigers has been seen here.

Animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction are known as the endangered animals. Boojho is reminded of the dinosaurs which became extinct a long time ago. Survival of some animals has become difficult because of disturbances in their natural habitat.

Madhavji tells Paheli that small animals are much more in danger of becoming extinct than the bigger animals. At times, we kill snakes, frogs, lizards, bats and owls ruthlessly without realizing their importance in the ecosystem. By killing them we are harming ourselves. They might be small in size but their role in the ecosystem cannot be ignored. They form part of food chains and food webs.

10. Red Data Book

Prof. Ahmad explains about Red Data Book to the children. He tells them that Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants. Red Data Books are maintained internationally by an organization. India also maintains Red Data Book for plants and animals found in India.

11. Migration

The excursion party then enters deeper into the forest under the guidance of Madhavji. They sit near the Tawa Reservoir to relax for some time. Paheli observes some birds near the river. Madhavji tells the children that these are migratory birds. These birds have flown here from other parts of the world. Migratory birds fly to far away areas every year during a particular time because of climatic changes. They fly for laying eggs as the weather in their natural habitat becomes very cold and inhospitable. Birds who cover long distances to reach another land are known as migratory birds.

12. Recycling of Paper

Prof. Ahmad draws attention of the children to another cause of deforestation. He tells them that it takes 17 full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Therefore, we should save paper. Prof. Ahmad also tells that paper can be recycled 5-7 times for use. If each student saves at least one sheet of paper in a day, we can save many trees in a year. We should save, reuse used paper and recycle it. By this we not only save trees but also save energy and water needed for manufacturing paper. Moreover, the amount of harmful chemicals used in paper making will also be reduced.

13. Reforestation

Prof. Ahmad suggests that the answer to deforestation is reforestation. Reforestation is restocking of the destroyed forests by planting new trees. The planted trees should generally be of the same species which were found in that forest. We should plant at least as many trees as we cut. Reforestation can take place naturally also. If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it re-establishes itself. In natural reforestation there is no role of human beings.

We have already caused tremendous damage to our forests. If we have to retain our green wealth for future generations, plantation of more trees is the only option. Prof. Ahmad told them that in India we have the Forest (Conservation) Act. This act is aimed at preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests. After some rest Madhavji asks the children to start heading back because it is not advisable to stay in the jungle after sunset. On getting back, Prof. Ahmad and the children thank Madhavji for guiding them through this exciting experience.

Biodiversity refers to the vast variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships, and their relationship with the environment. It includes all forms of life such as plants, animals, and microorganisms living in a particular area. Preserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

Deforestation means the large-scale clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. It is one of the major threats to the survival of many plant and animal species. Human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization are the primary drivers of deforestation globally.

Trees are cut down for various reasons, including procuring land for cultivation to feed the growing population. Building houses and factories also requires clearing large tracts of forest land. Additionally, wood is in high demand for making furniture and as a source of fuel, leading to further forest destruction.

Apart from human activities, nature also contributes to deforestation. Forest fires can destroy thousands of acres of forest in a very short time. Severe droughts can also kill trees and vegetation, leading to the loss of forest cover over large areas.

Deforestation leads to an increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because fewer trees are available to absorb it. Carbon dioxide traps heat rays reflected by the earth, causing the global temperature to rise. This phenomenon is known as global warming, which disturbs the water cycle.

Removal of trees leads to soil erosion, where the fertile top layer of soil is washed away by wind or water. This exposes the lower, hard, and rocky layers which have less humus and are less fertile. Over time, this process converts fertile land into deserts, a phenomenon called desertification.

Trees play a vital role in the water cycle through transpiration, releasing water vapour into the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces this transpiration, leading to reduced rainfall. This disruption can cause severe droughts in some areas while causing floods in others due to poor water absorption by soil.

Roots of trees bind the soil particles together, preventing them from being washed or blown away. When trees are cut down, the soil becomes loose and vulnerable to erosion. Soil erosion removes the nutrient-rich topsoil, making the land unsuitable for agriculture and vegetation growth.

The infiltration rate is the speed at which water enters the soil. Deforestation reduces the water-holding capacity of the soil and decreases the infiltration rate. As a result, water runs off the surface instead of seeping into the ground, leading to floods and lower groundwater levels.

Biosphere reserves are large areas of protected land meant for the conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources. They also help in preserving the traditional life of the tribals living in the area. These reserves are designed to demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and nature.

Flora refers to the plants found in a particular area. For example, Sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver ferns, and arjun are the flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Understanding local flora is essential for conservation efforts and studying the ecosystem.

Fauna refers to the animals found in a particular area. Examples include chinkara, blue-bull, barking deer, cheetal, leopard, wild dog, and wolf in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. The study of fauna helps scientists monitor the health of an ecosystem.

Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area and nowhere else naturally. They are highly vulnerable to extinction if their specific habitat is destroyed or if new species are introduced.

In the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Sal and Wild Mango are examples of endemic flora. Bison, Indian giant squirrel, and flying squirrel are endemic fauna of this area. Protecting these species requires protecting their specific habitats from human interference.

A species is a group of populations which are capable of interbreeding. This means that the members of a species can reproduce fertile offspring only with the members of their own species and not with members of other species. They share common biological characteristics.

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are kept safe from disturbances like hunting and poaching. Unlike zoos, animals in sanctuaries live in their natural habitat. Human activities are restricted, allowing animals to live freely without fear.

In wildlife sanctuaries, certain human activities are allowed but strictly regulated. People living in the sanctuary boundaries may be permitted to graze their livestock, collect medicinal plants, or gather firewood, provided they do not harm the animals or the habitat.

National parks are large and diverse reserves that protect whole sets of ecosystems. They preserve flora, fauna, landscape, and historic objects of an area. They are generally more strictly protected than wildlife sanctuaries, with very limited human activity allowed.

Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India. It represents a significant effort in Indian conservation history. The finest Indian teak is found in this forest, and it is part of the larger Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Rock shelters found inside Satpura National Park are evidence of prehistoric human life in these jungles. These shelters contain rock paintings that depict the life of primitive people, including hunting, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

Project Tiger was launched by the Indian government to protect the dwindling population of tigers. Its main objective was to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in the country by creating dedicated tiger reserves.

Animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction are known as endangered animals. Tigers, lions, elephants, wild buffaloes, and barasingha are examples of animals that have faced such threats and need protection.

Extinct species are those that have completely vanished from the earth. The dinosaur is a classic example of an animal that became extinct a long time ago. Extinction is irreversible, which makes conservation efforts for endangered species critically important.

Small animals like snakes, frogs, lizards, bats, and owls are often killed ruthlessly, but they are vital to the ecosystem. They form key parts of food chains and food webs. Eliminating them can disrupt the entire ecological balance and lead to unforeseen consequences.

An ecosystem consists of all the plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components like climate, soil, river deltas, etc. All these components interact and function together as a unit. Damage to one part affects the whole system.

The Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants. It is maintained internationally to track the status of biodiversity. India also maintains its own Red Data Book for plants and animals found within the country.

Migration is the regular movement of animals, especially birds, from their own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year. This is usually due to climatic changes (like extreme cold) or for breeding purposes.

Migratory birds fly to faraway areas every year during a particular time because the weather in their natural habitat becomes very cold and inhospitable. Examples include the Siberian crane, which migrates to India in winter to escape the harsh cold of Siberia.

It takes approximately 17 full-grown trees to make one tonne of paper. This highlights the significant impact of paper consumption on forests. Reducing paper waste is a direct way to contribute to forest conservation.

Paper can be recycled 5 to 7 times for use. If everyone saves at least one sheet of paper a day, we can save many trees. Recycling paper also saves energy and water used in manufacturing and reduces the use of harmful chemicals.

Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees. The planted trees should generally be of the same species which were found in that forest. It is a crucial step to reverse deforestation and restore ecological balance.

Reforestation can take place naturally also. If a deforested area is left undisturbed for a long time, it re-establishes itself. Nature has its own healing mechanisms, and in natural reforestation, there is no role of human beings.

In India, we have the Forest (Conservation) Act. This act is aimed at the preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests. It provides a legal framework for forest protection.

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Conservation of forests and wildlife is a key component of sustainable development to ensure resources for the future.

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling paper, plastics, glass, and metals helps conserve natural resources, reduces landfill waste, and saves energy required for production.

Many tribal communities rely heavily on forests for their survival. They gather food, fodder, medicinal plants, and firewood from the forest. Protecting forests also means protecting the livelihoods and culture of these indigenous people.

When forest habitats are destroyed, wild animals are forced to move into human settlements in search of food and water. This often leads to conflicts where crops are destroyed, livestock is killed, and humans or animals are injured or killed.

Green wealth refers to the rich variety of flora (plants and trees) that belongs to a country or region. Forests are considered the lush green lungs of nature and a vital part of a nation's wealth that must be preserved.

The loss of biodiversity reduces the resilience of ecosystems. It makes them more vulnerable to natural disasters and diseases. Losing even a single species can have a cascading effect on the food web and the stability of the entire ecosystem.

Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals. It is a major threat to wildlife, driving many species towards extinction. Poachers kill animals for their skin, bones, teeth, and horns, which are sold in the illegal market.

Habitat destruction is the process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. Deforestation, mining, and urbanization are the main causes. It is the leading cause of species extinction worldwide.

Droughts are prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. Deforestation contributes to droughts by disrupting the water cycle and reducing the amount of moisture released into the atmosphere by trees.

Pollution from factories and vehicles can lead to acid rain. Acid rain damages trees by dissolving nutrients in the soil and damaging leaves. This weakens the forest ecosystem and makes it more susceptible to disease and pests.

While zoos keep animals in captivity, they also play a role in conservation through breeding programs for endangered species and education. However, seeing animals in zoos is different from observing them in their natural habitat in a sanctuary.

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a unique area that contains one national park (Satpura) and two wildlife sanctuaries (Bori and Pachmarhi). This combination allows for comprehensive protection of a large and diverse ecosystem.

By recycling paper, we not only save trees but also reduce landfill waste. For every ton of paper recycled, we can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water.

Creating awareness among people, especially children, about the importance of forests and wildlife is crucial. School trips to sanctuaries and parks, and learning about conservation in science interactively, helps build a generation that will protect nature.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism, but are also under threat from humans. The Western Ghats and the Himalayas in India are examples of biodiversity hotspots.

Vulnerable species are those that are likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening their survival and reproduction improve. Monitoring these species helps in taking early preventative action to avoid extinction.

The ultimate goal of conservation is co-existence. Humans must learn to live in harmony with nature, respecting the space and rights of other species. Only through sustainable living and conservation can we ensure that the earth remains a hospitable home for all life forms.