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Geo CH 2 Notes

The document discusses the rich biodiversity of Earth, particularly focusing on India's diverse flora and fauna, which includes a significant number of endangered species. It highlights conservation efforts such as Project Tiger, the establishment of protected forests, and community-led initiatives that aim to preserve wildlife and habitats. Additionally, it emphasizes the cultural significance of sacred groves and traditional practices in conserving nature.

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33 views5 pages

Geo CH 2 Notes

The document discusses the rich biodiversity of Earth, particularly focusing on India's diverse flora and fauna, which includes a significant number of endangered species. It highlights conservation efforts such as Project Tiger, the establishment of protected forests, and community-led initiatives that aim to preserve wildlife and habitats. Additionally, it emphasizes the cultural significance of sacred groves and traditional practices in conserving nature.

Uploaded by

meenayash368
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction

Earth is the residence of many life forms, ranging from microorganisms,


bacteria, and lichens to majestic banyan trees, elephants, and colossal blue
whales.

• We inhabit Earth with various living creatures, ranging from tiny


organisms to giant trees and animals like elephants and whales.
• Our environment is rich in biodiversity, forming a complex ecological
system where all organisms, including humans, play a crucial role.
• Our survival is intricately linked to this ecosystem. For instance, plants,
animals, and microorganisms contribute to the quality of the air we
breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that yields our food.
• Without these elements, our existence would be impossible.
• Forests are vital components of this ecosystem as they serve as primary
producers, sustaining the life of all other organisms in the chain.

Flora and Fauna in India

• With its extensive biological diversity, India ranks among the world's most
affluent nations, hosting almost 8 percent of the global species count,
estimated at 1.6 million.
• However, concerning India's documented wild flora, 10 percent, and
mammals, 20 percent, face the threat of endangerment.
• A notable portion of these species, including iconic ones like the cheetah
and pink-headed duck, are classified as 'critical,' hovering on the brink of
extinction.

Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity, encompasses the vast variety of wildlife


and cultivated species on Earth. This diversity includes a wide range of
forms and functions, all interconnected through intricate networks of
interdependencies within ecosystems.

• In 1973, "Project Tiger" was launched as a well-publicized wildlife


campaign to conserve and protect tigers.
• Tiger conservation is not only important for saving an endangered species
but also for preserving significant biotypes.
• India has several tiger reserves including Corbett National Park,
Sunderbans National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Sariska Wildlife
Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Periyar Tiger Reserve
• The central government also announced several projects for protecting
specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the
one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of
crocodiles – fresh water crocodile, saltwater crocodile, and the Gharial,
the Asiatic lion, and others.
• Most recently, the Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), the great Indian
bustard (godawan), and the snow leopard, etc. have been given full or
partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India.
• The Government of India launched Project Tiger in 1973 to rescue the
endangered tiger species in the country. Amendments to the Wildlife Act
in 1980 and 1986 expanded the list of protected species to include
several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly. In 1991, a
landmark development occurred as plants were included in the protected
list for the first time, starting with six species.

Project Tiger
• Thetiger population has significantly declined over the years, from an
estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century to only 1,827 in 1973.
• The main threats to tiger population include poaching, habitat loss,
depletion of prey species, and growing human population.
• The trade of tiger skins and bones for traditional medicines, particularly in
Asian countries, has pushed the tiger population to the brink of
extinction.
• India and Nepal are home to about two-thirds of the remaining tiger
population, making them prime targets for poaching and illegal
trading.
• In 1973, "Project Tiger" was launched as a well-publicized wildlife
campaign to conserve and protect tigers.
• Tiger conservation is not only important for saving an endangered species
but also for preserving significant biotypes.
• India has several tiger reserves including Corbett National Park,
Sunderbans National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Sariska Wildlife
Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources


• InIndia, a significant portion of its forest and wildlife assets is under the
ownership or management of the government, overseen by entities like
the Forest Department and other government departments.

Forests in the country are categorized as follows:

1. Reserved Forests: More than half of the total forest land has been
declared as reserved forests. Reserved forests are considered the most
valuable for conserving forest and wildlife resources.
2. Protected Forests: Around one-third of the total forest area is classified
as protected forests by the Forest Department. These forest lands are
shielded from further depletion.
3. Unclassed Forests: These are other forests and wastelands that belong
to both the government and private individuals and communities.

• Reserved and protected forests are areas set aside for growing trees and
other forest products, as well as for safeguarding purposes.
• Madhya Pradesh has the most significant portion of its land dedicated to
permanent forests, making up 75% of its total forest coverage.
• Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
West Bengal, and Maharashtra also have substantial areas designated
as reserved forests within their overall forested regions.
• Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan
primarily have their forests classified as protected forests.
• In the North Eastern states and parts of Gujarat, a large proportion of
forests are categorized as unclassed forests managed by local
communities.

Community and Conservation


• Conservation strategies aren't a new concept in our country.
• In India, forests also serve as homes to some traditional communities.
• Local communities in certain regions of India are facing challenges in
preserving habitats alongside government authorities because only by
doing so can they ensure their own future livelihood.
• In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, residents have opposed mining
activities by referencing the Wildlife Protection Act.
• In numerous areas, villagers themselves are safeguarding habitats and
explicitly refusing government intervention.
• People from five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have
designated 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev
Dakav 'Sonchuri'. They have established their own set of rules that
prohibit hunting and are safeguarding the wildlife from external
intrusions.

• The Chipko movement in the Himalayas successfully stopped cutting


down trees in many places and proved that planting trees with local
species can work well.
• Efforts to bring back old ways of protecting nature or create new ways of
farming without harmful chemicals are becoming more common.
• Farmers and groups like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya
have demonstrated that growing a variety of crops without synthetic
chemicals is feasible and profitable.
• In India, the Joint Forest Management (JFM) initiative showcases how
local communities can help in looking after and reviving damaged forests.
• The program started officially in 1988 after Odisha became the first
state to support Joint Forest Management.
• JFM relies on local groups in villages that work on protecting mostly
worn-out forest areas overseen by the forest authority. In exchange, these
community members receive benefits like forest goods other than wood
and a portion of the wood harvested from areas they've safeguarded
successfully.

Sacred Groves - A Wealth of Diverse and Rare Species


• Nature worship is a tribal belief that has been practiced for a long time. It
is based on the idea that all creations of nature should be protected.
• Sacred Groves, which are pristine forests, have been preserved by these
beliefs.
• Local people have left these forests untouched and any interference with
them is prohibited.
• Some societies revere specific trees and have protected them for
generations.
• For example, the Mundas and Santhal tribes worship mahua and kadamba
trees.

• Tribalsin Odisha and Bihar worship tamarind and mango trees during
weddings.
• Peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred by many.
• Indian society has various cultures, each with its own methods of
conserving nature.
• Springs, mountain peaks, plants, and animals are often considered sacred
and protected.
• Macaques and langurs are found around many temples and are treated
as devotees.
• In Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, animals like blackbuck, nilgai, and
peacocks are an integral part of the community and are not harmed

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