FOREST AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
1. Biodiversity and Ecological System
● Earth is home to millions of living beings: from micro-organisms to whales.
● Biodiversity includes all plants, animals, and micro-organisms.
● Humans are only a part of the complex ecological system and depend on it for:
a. Air quality b. Drinking water c. Fertile soil for food
d. Forests are primary producers and play a key ecological role.
2. Flora and Fauna in India
● Some plant and animal species are unique to specific areas.
● India is among the richest countries in biodiversity.
● Many species are yet to be discovered.
● Flora and fauna are deeply integrated into our lives, often taken for granted.
● These resources are under stress due to environmental insensitivity.
3. Lepcha Folk Song (Cultural Reference)
● The song praises Narak, the Lord of music in Lepcha culture.
● It reflects a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
● Nature’s elements like rivers, forests, and breeze are seen as musical gifts.
4. Conservation of Forest and Wildlife
- Need arises due to:- Rapid decline in wildlife and forests.
- Preservation of ecological diversity (air, water, soil).
- Genetic diversity is important for agriculture and fisheries.
5. Wildlife Protection in India
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
a. Provided legal protection to habitats and banned hunting.
b. Restricted trade in wildlife.
c. Published an all-India list of protected species.
Government Actions:- Establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Launch of species-specific projects.
Species Protected:
● Earlier: Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Kashmir stag (hangul), 3 types of crocodiles, Asiatic lion.
● Recently: Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), great Indian bustard (godawan), snow leopard.
Project Tiger (Launched in 1973)
Purpose: To save the dwindling tiger population and conserve biodiversity.
Tiger Population: Declined from 55,000 (early 1900s) to 1,827 (by 1973).
Threats: 1. Poaching (for skin and traditional medicine)
2. Habitat loss. 3. Depletion of prey base. 4. Human population growth
● Prime Poaching Zones: India and Nepal (habitat for 2/3 of world tiger population)
Key Tiger Reserves:
1. Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand
2. Sunderbans National Park – West Bengal
3. Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh
4. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajasthan
5. Manas Tiger Reserve – Assam
6. Periyar Tiger Reserve – Kerala
- Focus Shift: From species conservation to biodiversity conservation, including insects and plants.
■ Forest Classification in India
1. Reserved Forests
● Over 50% of total forest land 2. Protected Forests
● Most valuable for conservation ● Around one-third of forest area
● Managed by the government ● Protected from further depletion
FOREST AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
4. Permanent Forest Estates:
3. Unclassed Forests ● Reserved and protected forests used for timber
● Include government, private, and community and protective purposes.
forests
● Common in northeastern states and parts of
Gujarat
State-wise Forest Highlights
● Largest area under permanent forests: Madhya Pradesh (75% of its forest area)
● High % of reserved forests: Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West
Bengal, Maharashtra
● High % of protected forests: Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan
● High % of unclassed forests: North-eastern states, parts of Gujarat
Wildlife Protection Expansion
Wildlife Protection Act (1980 & 1986):
● Added hundreds of insects (butterflies, moths, beetles, one dragonfly)
● 1991: First time plants added (6 species)
Community and Conservation in India
Traditional and Local Efforts
● Conservation is a traditional practice in India.
● Forests are homes to indigenous and tribal communities.
● Local communities often work with or without government support to conserve habitats.
Key Examples:
● Sariska, Rajasthan: Villagers opposed mining using the Wildlife Protection Act.
● Alwar, Rajasthan: 5 villages created Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri (1,200 ha) – banned hunting, outsiders’
entry.
People’s Movements
Chipko Movement (Himalayas):
● Prevented deforestation.
● Promoted community afforestation with native species.
Beej Bachao Andolan (Tehri) & Navdanya:
● Promoted ecological farming.
● No use of synthetic chemicals.
● Diversified and sustainable crop production.
Joint Forest Management (JFM)
● Started: Odisha, 1988.
● Involvement: Local village institutions + Forest Department.
● Focus: Protection of degraded forest land.
● Benefits to Communities: - Non-timber forest products.
- Share in timber from successful conservation.
Sacred Groves and Nature Worship
● Tribal and rural communities preserve virgin forests as sacred groves.
● Mundas & Santhals (Chota Nagpur): Worship mahua & kadamba trees.
● Odisha & Bihar Tribals: Worship tamarind & mango trees.
● Peepal & Banyan Trees: Considered sacred across India.
Cultural Conservation - Temples often have macaques and langurs; they are fed and protected.
● Bishnoi Villages (Rajasthan): Protect blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, and peacocks.
● Animals live in harmony with people.
Key Message
● Conservation must be people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding.
● Communities should play a central role in natural resource management.
