Ecological Systems and Conservation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented in 1972?

Establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries

Protecting habitats and restricting trade in wildlife (correct)

Promoting sustainable use of forest resources

Conservation of tribal communities

What was the estimated tiger population in India at the turn of the century?

5,000

1,827

100,000

55,000 (correct)

What is a major threat to the tiger population according to the content?

Deforestation

Climate change

Shrinking habitat and depletion of prey base species (correct)

Natural disasters

What is a traditional use of tiger bones mentioned in the content?

Creating traditional medicines Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a provision of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented in 1972?

Promoting sustainable tourism Signup and view all the answers

What was the tiger population in India in 1973?

1,827 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of forests in the ecological system?

To act as primary producers on which all other living beings depend Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for conserving forests and wildlife?

To maintain ecological diversity and life support systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of biodiversity in agriculture?

It provides a source of traditional crop varieties Signup and view all the answers

What was the demand of conservationists in the 1960s and 1970s?

A national wildlife protection programme Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the decline in wildlife population and forestry?

Loss of ecological diversity and life support systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between humans and nature according to the content?

Harmonious and interdependent Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Madhya Pradesh's total forest area is under permanent forests?

75 per cent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states has a bulk of its forest area under protected forests?

Bihar Signup and view all the answers

What type of forests are managed by local communities in the northeastern states and parts of Gujarat?

Unclassed forests Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Chipko movement in the Himalayas?

To resist deforestation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the difficulty in managing, controlling, and regulating forest and wildlife resources in India?

Difficulty in managing, controlling, and regulating them Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining permanent forest estates?

For producing timber and other forest produce, and for protective reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind the local communities' efforts to conserve forests in India?

To secure their long-term livelihood Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the programme that involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests?

Joint Forest Management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of community afforestation with indigenous species?

Enormously successful conservation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the villagers' efforts in Sariska Tiger Reserve?

They are fighting against mining to protect the habitat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the farmers and citizen's groups in India?

To achieve adequate levels of diversified crop production Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the declaration of 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri'?

It is a protected area from mining Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for preserving certain trees and patches of forest in India?

To honour cultural and religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of local communities being involved in natural resource management?

It promotes people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sacred Groves in India?

They are pristine forests preserved due to cultural and religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of local communities in managing degraded forest land?

They are involved in protection activities and receive benefits in return Signup and view all the answers

What is the cultural significance of specific trees in India?

They are considered sacred and are worshipped during ceremonies and festivals Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of involving local communities in decision-making regarding natural resource management?

It is essential for ensuring that activities are people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Dependence on Ecological Systems

Humans, along with other living organisms, form a complex web of ecological systems, dependent on each other for existence.
Plants, animals, and microorganisms recreate the quality of air, water, and soil, essential for human survival.
Forests play a key role in the ecological system, serving as primary producers, and maintaining ecological diversity and life support systems (water, air, and soil).

Conservation in India

Conservation of forests and wildlife is essential due to the rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry.
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972, with provisions for protecting habitats and restricting trade in wildlife.
The central government has announced projects for protecting specific animals, and established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, while Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have large percentages of reserved forests.

Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources

India has a vast forest and wildlife resource, with North-eastern states and parts of Gujarat having a high percentage of unclassed forests managed by local communities.
Community and conservation strategies are not new in India, with local communities struggling to conserve habitats alongside government officials.

Community Conservation Efforts

In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining, citing the Wildlife Protection Act.
In Alwar district, Rajasthan, five villages have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, rejecting government involvement.
Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme, initiated in 1988, involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests.
Sacred groves, preserved by local tribes, contain diverse and rare species, and have been left untouched due to religious beliefs.

Traditional Methods of Conservation

Nature worship is an age-old tribal belief, preserving several virgin forests in pristine form.
Certain societies revere particular trees, such as mahua, kadamba, tamarind, and mango, which are preserved from time immemorial.
Indian society comprises various cultures, each with its own set of traditional methods of conserving nature and its creations.

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Description

Explore the interconnectedness of humans and ecological systems, and the importance of conservation in India, including the role of forests and maintaining ecological diversity.