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Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources

Introduction

Earth is the residence of many life forms, ranging from microorganisms, bacteria, and lichens to majestic banyan trees, elephants, and colossal blue whales.
  • We inhabit Earth with various living creatures, ranging from tiny organisms to giant trees and animals like elephants and whales.
  • Our environment is rich in biodiversity, forming a complex ecological system where all organisms, including humans, play a crucial role.
  • Our survival is intricately linked to this ecosystem. For instance, plants, animals, and microorganisms contribute to the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that yields our food.
  • Without these elements, our existence would be impossible.
  • Forests are vital components of this ecosystem as they serve as primary producers, sustaining the life of all other organisms in the chain.

 

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife ResourcesFlora and Fauna in India

  • With its extensive biological diversity, India ranks among the world's most affluent nations, hosting almost 8 percent of the global species count, estimated at 1.6 million.
  • However, concerning India's documented wild flora, 10 percent, and mammals, 20 percent, face the threat of endangerment.
  • A notable portion of these species, including iconic ones like the cheetah and pink-headed duck, are classified as 'critical,' hovering on the brink of extinction.
Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity, encompasses the vast variety of wildlife and cultivated species on Earth. This diversity includes a wide range of forms and functions, all interconnected through intricate networks of interdependencies within ecosystems.  

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Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Conservation plays a crucial role in safeguarding ecological diversity and our essential life support systems—water, air, and soil.
  • In response to the demands of conservationists, the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972, incorporating various provisions to safeguard habitats.
  • The primary objective was to protect the remaining populations of endangered species by prohibiting hunting, legally safeguarding their habitats, and restricting wildlife trade.
  • The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – fresh water crocodile, saltwater crocodile, and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.
  • Most recently, the Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), the great Indian bustard (godawan), and the snow leopard, etc. have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India.
  • The Government of India launched Project Tiger in 1973 to rescue the endangered tiger species in the country. Amendments to the Wildlife Act in 1980 and 1986 expanded the list of protected species to include several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly. In 1991, a landmark development occurred as plants were included in the protected list for the first time, starting with six species.
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Project Tiger

  • The tiger population has significantly declined over the years, from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century to only 1,827 in 1973.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources

  • The main threats to tiger population include poaching, habitat loss, depletion of prey species, and growing human population.
  • The trade of tiger skins and bones for traditional medicines, particularly in Asian countries, has pushed the tiger population to the brink of extinction.
  • India and Nepal are home to about two-thirds of the remaining tiger population, making them prime targets for poaching and illegal trading. 
  • In 1973, "Project Tiger" was launched as a well-publicized wildlife campaign to conserve and protect tigers.
  • Tiger conservation is not only important for saving an endangered species but also for preserving significant biotypes.
  • India has several tiger reserves including Corbett National Park, Sunderbans National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

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What was the main objective of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act enacted in 1972?
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Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources

  • In India, a significant portion of its forest and wildlife assets is under the ownership or management of the government, overseen by entities like the Forest Department and other government departments.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources

Forests in the country are categorized as follows:

  1. Reserved Forests: More than half of the total forest land has been declared as reserved forests. Reserved forests are considered the most valuable for conserving forest and wildlife resources. 
  2. Protected Forests: Around one-third of the total forest area is classified as protected forests by the Forest Department. These forest lands are shielded from further depletion. 
  3. Unclassed Forests: These are other forests and wastelands that belong to both the government and private individuals and communities. 
  • Reserved and protected forests are areas set aside for growing trees and other forest products, as well as for safeguarding purposes.
  • Madhya Pradesh has the most significant portion of its land dedicated to permanent forests, making up 75% of its total forest coverage.
  • Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra also have substantial areas designated as reserved forests within their overall forested regions.
  • Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan primarily have their forests classified as protected forests.
  • In the North Eastern states and parts of Gujarat, a large proportion of forests are categorized as unclassed forests managed by local communities.

Community and Conservation

  • Conservation strategies aren't a new concept in our country. 
  • In India, forests also serve as homes to some traditional communities.
  • Local communities in certain regions of India are facing challenges in preserving habitats alongside government authorities because only by doing so can they ensure their own future livelihood.
  • In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, residents have opposed mining activities by referencing the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • In numerous areas, villagers themselves are safeguarding habitats and explicitly refusing government intervention.
  • People from five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have designated 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri'. They have established their own set of rules that prohibit hunting and are safeguarding the wildlife from external intrusions.
  • The Chipko movement in the Himalayas successfully stopped cutting down trees in many places and proved that planting trees with local species can work well.
  • Efforts to bring back old ways of protecting nature or create new ways of farming without harmful chemicals are becoming more common.
  • Farmers and groups like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya have demonstrated that growing a variety of crops without synthetic chemicals is feasible and profitable.
  • In India, the Joint Forest Management (JFM) initiative showcases how local communities can help in looking after and reviving damaged forests.
  • The program started officially in 1988 after Odisha became the first state to support Joint Forest Management.
  • JFM relies on local groups in villages that work on protecting mostly worn-out forest areas overseen by the forest authority. In exchange, these community members receive benefits like forest goods other than wood and a portion of the wood harvested from areas they've safeguarded successfully. 

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Which trees are considered sacred by the Mundas and Santhal tribes?
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Sacred Groves - A Wealth of Diverse and Rare Species

  • Nature worship is a tribal belief that has been practiced for a long time. It is based on the idea that all creations of nature should be protected.
  • Sacred Groves, which are pristine forests, have been preserved by these beliefs. 
  • Local people have left these forests untouched and any interference with them is prohibited.
  • Some societies revere specific trees and have protected them for generations.
  • For example, the Mundas and Santhal tribes worship mahua and kadamba trees.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources

  • Tribals in Odisha and Bihar worship tamarind and mango trees during weddings.
  • Peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred by many.
  • Indian society has various cultures, each with its own methods of conserving nature.
  • Springs, mountain peaks, plants, and animals are often considered sacred and protected.
  • Macaques and langurs are found around many temples and are treated as devotees.
  • In Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, animals like blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks are an integral part of the community and are not harmed.
The document Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources is a part of the Class 10 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 10.
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FAQs on Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes - Forest and Wildlife Resources

1. What is the importance of Project Tiger in India?
Ans. Project Tiger is important in India as it aims to conserve and protect the tiger population in the country. It helps in preserving the natural habitat of tigers, ensuring their survival for future generations.
2. How are sacred groves contributing to the conservation of forest and wildlife resources?
Ans. Sacred groves are contributing to the conservation of forest and wildlife resources by serving as protected areas for various plant and animal species. They help in maintaining biodiversity and preserving rare and diverse species.
3. What are the different types of forest and wildlife resources found in India?
Ans. India is home to various types of forest and wildlife resources, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, deciduous forests, grasslands, and diverse wildlife such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and various bird species.
4. How do communities play a role in the conservation of forest and wildlife resources?
Ans. Communities play a crucial role in the conservation of forest and wildlife resources by actively participating in conservation efforts, sustainable resource management, and promoting eco-friendly practices. They help in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.
5. What is the significance of the distribution of forest and wildlife resources in India?
Ans. The distribution of forest and wildlife resources in India is significant as it reflects the country's rich biodiversity and ecological importance. It highlights the need for conservation and sustainable management of these resources to ensure their long-term survival.
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