Forest and Wildlife Resources in India
32 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

In what part of India is the Lepcha folk song from?

The Lepcha folk song comes from the northern part of West Bengal.

India is one of the world's richest countries in terms of its array of biological diversity.

True

What percentage of the total number of species in the world are estimated to be found in India?

India is estimated to have nearly 8% of the total number of species in the world.

What are endemic species?

<p>Endemic species are found only in specific areas and are indigenous to those areas like the Andamans or the Himalayas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many species of fauna and flora are thought to be present in India?

<p>There are approximately 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora found in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Over 15,000 of the flowering species found in India are endemic to the country.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify some threats faced by India’s recorded wild flora and fauna.

<p>At least 10% of India’s wild flora and 20% of its recorded mammals are considered threatened.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors are considered to be threats to biodiversity in India?

<p>Habitat destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

The destruction of forests and wildlife in India is only a biological issue.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

India's forests are solely managed by the government through the Forest department.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three major types of forests in India, based on their ownership and management?

<p>The three types of forests in India are Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, and Unclassed forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

More than half of India's total forest land is declared ______ forests.

<p>Reserved</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are protected forests important?

<p>Protected forests in India are protected from depletion and help ensure the conservation of the region's biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are unclassed forests, and who manages them?

<p>Unclassed forests are managed by both the government and private individuals, often for resource extraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The largest area under permanent forest cover in India is Madhya Pradesh.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

All of the North-eastern states in India are known for having a high percentage of protected forests.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Community-based conservation strategies are a new and recent development in India.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the traditional practice of 'sacred groves' in India.

<p>Sacred groves are forested areas, often dedicated to deities, that are protected by local communities, showcasing the importance of traditional beliefs for conservation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Chipko movement and what is its significance?

<p>The Chipko Movement is a social and environmental movement, primarily in the Himalayas, where locals hugged trees to prevent their felling, highlighting the importance of community-based conservation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Beej Bachao Andolan works to promote sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the use of a wide variety of crops, without relying on synthetic chemicals.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) program in India?

<p>JFM seeks to involve local communities in managing and restoring degraded forest areas while empowering them to benefit from the forests resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The JFM program is a new initiative in India, implemented only after the turn of the 21st century.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The JFM program is considered to be a very successful model for involving local communities in forest management and conservation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument made by Buddhists regarding the importance of trees?

<p>Buddhists argue that trees offer 'unlimited kindness and benevolence', providing essential resources and shelter for all beings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason mentioned in the text for the depletion of flora and fauna?

<p>Traditional agricultural practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conservation strategies emphasizes the importance of community participation?

<p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following animals with their category of existence based on the IUCN Red List:

<p>Black Buck = Extinct Asiatic Elephant = Rare Andaman Wild Pig = Vulnerable Himalayan Brown Bear = Endangered Pink Head Duck = Endemic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of forest with their respective definitions:

<p>Reserved Forests = These are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities Protected Forests = These are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned Unclassed Forests = These forests are protected from any further depletion</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity and why is it important for human lives?

<p>Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life found in a specific habitat, which is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and providing resources like food, medicine, and clean air and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have human activities impacted the depletion of flora and fauna in India, providing some specific examples?

<p>Human activities have contributed to the depletion of flora and fauna through various factors like habitat destruction for development projects, excessive hunting and poaching, and over-exploitation of resources. Examples include the clearing of forests for agriculture, mining for minerals, and the illegal trade in wildlife products. These actions have negatively impacted biodiversity and threatened the existence of many species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India, including specific examples.

<p>Communities in India have long relied on conservation practices based on tradition and cultural beliefs. This includes the preservation of sacred groves, where forests are dedicated to deities and are protected from exploitation. The Chipko Movement, where local communities embraced trees to prevent felling, is a prominent example of social activism for forest conservation. Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs encourage local communities to play an active role in managing forest resources while benefiting directly from their sustainable use. These practices demonstrate the vital role that communities can play in safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring a healthy ecosystem for future generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give some examples of good practices towards conserving forests and wildlife in India, explaining how these practices can contribute to a sustainable future.

<p>Effective forest conservation practices include promoting sustainable forestry methods, where trees are harvested responsibly and regeneration is ensured. Encouraging the use of alternative fuels, such as solar and wind energy, reduces dependency on wood, minimizing pressure on forests. Educating communities about the importance of biodiversity and involving them in conservation initiatives, such as tree planting programs, is crucial. Supporting local communities who rely on forest resources through fair trade practices and promoting eco-tourism can provide financial incentives for conservation efforts. These practices contribute to a sustainable future by balancing the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forest and Wildlife Resources

  • India is one of the world's richest countries regarding biological diversity, having nearly 8% of the world's species (estimated at 1.6 million).
  • Over 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora are found in India.
  • Approximately 15,000 plant species are endemic (indigenous) to India.
  • Many species are threatened or endangered, with some, like cheetahs, already extinct in India.

Biodiversity or Biological Diversity

  • Biodiversity encompasses a wide array of life forms, from microorganisms to large mammals.
  • It includes a complex web of ecological systems, with humans being a crucial part of the ecosystem.
  • Plants, animals, and microorganisms are essential for maintaining the quality of air, water, and soil.
  • Ecosystems rely on interdependencies among different species.
  • Biodiversity is rich in both cultivated and wild species.

Classification of Species

  • Normal Species: Species with stable populations, such as cattle, sal trees, pine trees, and rodents.
  • Endangered Species: Species at risk of extinction, such as blackbuck, crocodiles, Indian wild asses, Indian rhinoceros, and lion-tailed macaques.
  • Vulnerable Species: Species likely to become endangered if threat factors continue, including blue sheep and the Asiatic elephant.
  • Rare Species: Species with small populations, like the Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic buffalo, and hornbill.
  • Endemic Species: Found only in specific geographic areas due to natural or man-made barriers, such as the Andaman teal and Andaman wild pig.
  • Extinct Species: Species no longer found in their natural habitat, such as the Asiatic cheetah and pink-headed duck.

Vanishing Forests

  • Significant deforestation in India, estimated at over 78.92 million hectares (24.01% of the country), exists.
  • The dense forest cover saw an increase since 1997.
  • Deforestation is caused by agricultural expansion, infrastructure projects (river valley projects), mining, and other factors.

Depletion of Flora and Fauna

  • Loss of forests and wildlife is a consequence of various human activities since the colonial era.
  • Increased agricultural land, railways, commercial and scientific forestry, mining, and shifting cultivation are significant contributors.
  • Forests provide resources like wood, bark, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, and fuel. This direct and indirect dependency on these resources has led to their depletion.
  • The depletion of natural resources also affects communities that rely on these resources.

Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

  • Conservation emphasizes safeguarding ecological balance.
  • Recognizing biodiversity's influence on livelihoods, a national wildlife protection program was implemented with specific policies.
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks were established in certain areas.
  • Community involvement is vital for effective conservation, with examples like the Chipko movement in the Himalayas.
  • Activities like joint forest management (JFM) and the Beej Bachao Andolan demonstrate community-driven conservation measures.

Project Tiger

  • To address dwindling tiger populations, the Project Tiger initiative was launched in 1973.
  • The Project aimed to safeguard tiger populations across the country.
  • Despite initial successes, tiger numbers have fluctuated.

Himalayan Yew

  • The Himalayan Yew is an important medicinal plant.
  • This plant plays a role in cancer treatment; however, over-exploitation poses a threat.
  • Many conservation initiatives focus on sustainable harvesting and biodiversity rather than single components.

Other Concerns

  • Habitat destruction, hunting, poaching, and pollution harm biodiversity.
  • Poverty and inequitable resource distribution exacerbate the environmental burden on women.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Description

Explore the rich biodiversity of India, which hosts nearly 8% of the world's species. This quiz covers various aspects of flora and fauna, including endemic species and the importance of biodiversity in ecological systems. Test your knowledge about the classifications and conservation of wildlife resources in India.

More Like This

Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity
10 questions
Flora and Fauna in India
6 questions
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation
37 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser