Geography Chapter - 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

Chapter - 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources 

Forests and wildlife are vital resources that contribute to ecological balance, biodiversity, and human well-being.

Biodiversity (Biological Diversity) :- It refers to the variety of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) found in different ecosystems, along with their interactions with the environment.

IUCN Classification of Species

The IUCN classifies species into different groups based on their population status and risk of extinction.

Endangered (EN) :- Very high risk of extinction in the near future (e.g., Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion).

Vulnerable (VU) :- Likely to become endangered if threats continue (e.g., Ganges River Dolphin, Snow Leopard).

Extinct (EX) :-  No individuals are left (e.g., Dodo, Indian Cheetah, pink head duck).

Rare Species :- Rare species have small populations and are found in limited areas. They are not yet endangered or vulnerable, but they may become so if their population declines further. Example : -Himalayan, Brown Bear, Wild Asiatic Buffalo, Hornbill, Indian Giant Squirrel

Normal Species :- Normal species have a stable and sufficient population. They are widely distributed and face no immediate threat of extinction. Example :- Cattle, Goats, Rats, Pigeons.

Endemic Species :- Endemic species are found only in a specific geographical area and nowhere else in the world. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and habitat destruction. Example:-  Asiatic Lion (Gir Forest, India),  Lion-tailed Macaque (Western Ghats, India), Nilgiri Tahr (Western Ghats, India), Andaman Wild Pig (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Negative Factors Causing Depletion of Flora and Fauna

The depletion of forests (flora) and wildlife (fauna) is caused by several human and natural factors. These activities disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and lead to environmental imbalances.

• Deforestation for Agriculture
• Industrialization and Urbanization
• Overgrazing by Livestock
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
• Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation
• Pollution (Air, Water, Soil)
• Climate Change and Global Warming
• Introduction of Invasive Species
• Forest Fires (Natural and Man-made)
• Colonial Period :-  We can blamed Colonial forest policies for following reasons 

1. Expansion of Agriculture: Forests were cleared to grow cash crops like tea, coffee, indigo, and cotton.
2. Commercial Logging: Timber (especially teak and sal) was heavily exploited for shipbuilding, railways, and industries.
3. Railway Expansion: Wood was needed for railway sleepers, leading to massive tree-cutting.
4. Plantation Forestry: Natural forests were replaced with monoculture plantations (e.g., teak, rubber)

Himalayan Yew in Trouble :- 

• It is a medicinal plant. A chemical compound called 'taxol' extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree, and its used to treat some cancers.
• The Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana) is a rare and endangered tree species found in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. It is facing severe threats due to overexploitation, poaching, hunting and habitat destruction, etc.

Conservation of Forests and Wildlife in India

India is one of the world’s richest countries in biodiversity, but deforestation, poaching, and habitat destruction have led to the depletion of forests and wildlife. Conservation efforts in India aim to protect, restore, and sustainably manage these natural resources.

1. Government Initiatives for Conservation 

A. Legal Measures 

• Wildlife Protection Act (1972) 
• Provides legal protection to endangered species.
• Establishes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

Forest Conservation Act (1980) 

• Prevents deforestation and promotes afforestation.
• Restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

Environment Protection Act (1986) 

• Regulates pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

B. Protected Areas 

• National Parks – Areas for wildlife protection, where no human activities are allowed.
• Example: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga (Assam).
• Wildlife Sanctuaries – Allow limited human activities but focus on wildlife conservation.
• Example: Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan).

Biosphere Reserves – Protect entire ecosystems, including humans living in harmony with nature.

• Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Tiger Reserves – Part of Project Tiger to protect tigers.
• Example: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal).
• Elephant Reserves – Part of Project Elephant.
• Example: Periyar Elephant Reserve (Kerala).

2. Major Conservation Programs 

A. Project Tiger (1973) 

• Launched to protect Bengal tigers from extinction.
• Increased tiger population through strict anti-poaching laws and habitat conservation.

B. Project Elephant (1992) 

• Focuses on protecting elephants and their habitats.
• Prevents poaching and human-elephant conflicts.

C. Joint Forest Management (JFM) 

• Involves local communities in forest conservation.
• Encourages afforestation and sustainable resource use.

D. Eco-sensitive Zones and Wildlife Corridors 

• Buffer zones around protected areas to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Wildlife corridors connect forests for safe animal movement (e.g., for elephants and tigers).

3. Community and NGO Efforts 

• Chipko Movement (1970s) – Villagers hugged trees to prevent deforestation.
• NGOs like WWF-India, Wildlife Trust of India – Work on conservation projects.
• Sacred Groves – Traditional community-protected forests (e.g., in Meghalaya). Munda and The Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship the tamarid (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) tress during wedding.

4. Afforestation and Sustainable Development 

• Van Mahotsav – Annual tree-planting festival.
• Social Forestry & Agroforestry – Planting trees on farms and public lands.
• Bamboo Mission, Green India Mission – Encourage reforestation.

Types and Distributions of Forest and Wildlife Resources

Reserved Forests (Most Protected) :- 

• These forests are highly protected by the government.
• No human activity (cutting trees, grazing, hunting) is allowed without permission.

Purpose:

• Conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.
• Maintain ecological balance.

Examples:

• Sundarbans (West Bengal)
• Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
• Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

2. Protected Forests (Moderately Protected)

• Some limited human activities like grazing and firewood collection are allowed with restrictions.
• Less protected than reserved forests.

Purpose:

• Balance conservation and human use.
• Protect forests while allowing local communities to use resources sustainably.

Examples:

• Gir Forest (Gujarat) – Home to Asiatic Lions
• Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand)

3. Unclassed Forests (Least Protected)

• No specific government control or management.
• Mostly owned by individuals, communities, or panchayats.
• Used for agriculture, grazing, and timber collection.

Purpose:

• Provide livelihood to local communities.
• Often degraded due to overuse.

Examples:

• Northeastern states (Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh) have large unclassed forests.
• Village forests in tribal areas.

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