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Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Project

The document discusses natural vegetation and wildlife in India, highlighting the importance of various ecosystems such as forests and grasslands in maintaining ecological balance. It categorizes types of natural vegetation and emphasizes the diversity of wildlife, while also addressing the historical impact of colonial policies on forest degradation. The conclusion stresses the need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts to protect these vital resources for future generations.

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672 views2 pages

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Project

The document discusses natural vegetation and wildlife in India, highlighting the importance of various ecosystems such as forests and grasslands in maintaining ecological balance. It categorizes types of natural vegetation and emphasizes the diversity of wildlife, while also addressing the historical impact of colonial policies on forest degradation. The conclusion stresses the need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts to protect these vital resources for future generations.

Uploaded by

soumyaranjan7744
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Interdisciplinary Project: Natural

Vegetation and Wildlife


1. Introduction on Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation refers to a plant community that has grown naturally without
human interference. It includes forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras that have
evolved over thousands of years in response to climate, soil, and topography.
Natural vegetation plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating
the water cycle, preventing soil erosion, and offering shelter and food to various
wildlife species.

2. Types of Natural Vegetation


India has a wide variety of natural vegetation due to its diverse climate and
topography. Major types include:

- Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in regions with heavy rainfall like the Western
Ghats and Northeast India. Trees like ebony, mahogany, and rosewood grow here.
- Tropical Deciduous Forests: Found in central India, these forests shed leaves in the
dry season. Trees include sal, teak, and peepal.
- Thorn Forests: Located in arid regions like Rajasthan, these forests contain shrubs,
cacti, and thorny trees like babool.
- Montane Forests: Found in the Himalayan region, these include both coniferous
and alpine vegetation such as pine, fir, and deodar.
- Mangrove Forests: Found in coastal deltas like the Sundarbans, they are known for
the sundari tree and their adaptation to salty water.

3. Wildlife
Wildlife includes all living animals in forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats.
India is home to a wide range of wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer,
snakes, birds, and marine creatures. Wildlife maintains the food chain and ensures
biodiversity. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries like Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and
Gir Forest are crucial in conserving wildlife. However, poaching, deforestation, and
habitat loss pose serious threats to their survival.
4. Role of Colonial Government in Forest Degradation
During the colonial period in India, British policies contributed heavily to forest
degradation:

- Commercial Exploitation: Forests were cleared for timber, especially for


shipbuilding and railway sleepers.
- Forest Acts: The British introduced laws that denied traditional forest rights to
local communities. Forests were declared as 'state property.'
- Monoculture Plantation: Natural forests were replaced with commercial
plantations like teak and eucalyptus, which affected biodiversity.
- Displacement of Tribals: Indigenous tribes who depended on forests for their
livelihood were evicted, disrupting both their lives and the forest ecosystem.

5. Conclusion
Natural vegetation and wildlife are essential components of the Earth’s ecosystem.
They provide not only aesthetic and environmental benefits but are also crucial for
climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. It is important to learn from the
past, especially colonial exploitation, and ensure sustainable practices for future
generations. Conservation efforts, awareness, and community participation are the
keys to preserving our natural heritage.

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