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.

Flora 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.  

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.

Project Tiger

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.

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.

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.

• 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.