Wild Life | Geography Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction to Wild Life

• Wildlife typically refers to animal species that are not domesticated, but the term has expanded to encompass all plants, fungi, and other organisms that thrive in the wild without being introduced by humans. Various ecosystems, including deserts, forests, rainforests, plains, grasslands, and even highly developed urban areas, are home to diverse forms of wildlife. Although the popular understanding of the term often implies that these animals are unaffected by human activities, most scientists acknowledge that human actions do impact many wildlife species.
• It is estimated by biologists that there are between 5 and 15 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms currently existing on Earth. However, only around 1.5 million of these species have been identified and named. The estimated total comprises approximately 300,000 plant species, 4 to 8 million insect species, and around 50,000 vertebrate species, which include roughly 10,000 bird species and 4,000 mammal species.

Problems of Wildlife

The problems facing wildlife today are numerous, with around 23% of mammal species and 12% of bird species considered to be under threat, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Since 1970, it is estimated that the world has lost over 58% of its wildlife, with the planet currently undergoing the sixth mass extinction. The rapid loss of global biodiversity is largely due to human activities, such as land use changes, unsustainable resource use, invasive alien species, climate change, and pollution.

Habitat loss is the primary threat to wildlife survival, as natural habitats are destroyed, fragmented, and degraded. Climate change intensifies this problem, as global warming leads to more extreme weather events, changes in landscapes, and increased stress on wildlife species and their habitats. This can result in the loss of species that have specific habitat requirements.

In addition to climate change, other factors contributing to the decline of wildlife include:

• Human population growth and unsustainable consumer lifestyles.
• Increased production of waste and pollutants.
• Urban development.
• International conflict.

As the human population continues to grow, natural habitats are increasingly being destroyed, leaving fewer areas for wildlife to survive. Moreover, remaining habitats are often degraded and no longer resemble the wild areas that once existed.

• Unregulated hunting and poaching also pose significant threats to wildlife, with mismanagement by forest departments and guards exacerbating the problem. Pollution, particularly from pesticides and toxic chemicals, can harm plants, insects, and rodents by making their environment toxic.
• Over-exploitation of wildlife and plant species for food, clothing, pets, medicine, and other purposes can lead to their decline or even extinction. As more resources are consumed than can be naturally replenished, the loss of one species can have a knock-on effect on many others within an ecosystem.
• Deforestation is another major issue, as humans continue to expand and develop, encroaching on wildlife habitats. As forests are cleared to make way for human activities, wildlife populations suffer due to the loss of homes and food sources.
• Finally, the increasing human population poses a significant threat to wildlife. More people require more resources, such as food, water, and fuel, which in turn generates more waste. The major threats to wildlife are therefore directly linked to the growing human population, with a lower population resulting in less disturbance to wildlife.

In conclusion, the problems facing wildlife today are extensive and multifaceted, with human activities playing a major role in the decline of species and habitats. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to reduce human impact on the environment, protect and restore habitats, and promote sustainable resource use.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a unique membership organization composed of both government and civil society organizations. Established in 1948, it serves as the global authority on the condition of the natural world and the necessary actions to protect it. The organization's headquarters is located in Switzerland.
• One of the IUCN's significant contributions is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which is the world's most extensive inventory of the conservation status of plant and animal species worldwide. To assess the extinction risk of different species, the IUCN Red List employs a set of quantitative criteria applicable to most species and regions globally. These criteria help classify species into nine categories, ranging from Not Evaluated (NE) to Extinct (EX). Species categorized as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU) are considered facing the threat of extinction.
• The IUCN Red List is widely acknowledged as the most reliable source for understanding the state of biodiversity. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Targets, helping to monitor and guide global conservation efforts.

Wildlife Conservation

• Wildlife conservation refers to the practice of safeguarding wild plant and animal species and their habitats. It plays an essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and ensuring stability in nature's various processes. The objective of wildlife conservation is to preserve nature for future generations' enjoyment and to highlight the significance of wildlife and wilderness for both humans and other species. Many countries have government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to wildlife conservation, which help implement policies aimed at protecting wildlife. Several independent non-profit organizations also advocate for different wildlife conservation causes.
• The importance of wildlife conservation has grown in recent years due to the negative impact of human activities on wildlife. An endangered species is defined as a living species population at risk of extinction due to its low or declining numbers or threats from changing environmental or prepositional factors. In 1972, the Government of India established the Wild Life (Protection) Act. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 safeguards some species at risk from overexploitation, while the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to prevent global wildlife trade. However, many species remain unprotected from illegal trade or over-harvesting.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) developed the World Conservation Strategy in 1980, with advice, collaboration, and financial support from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Wildlife Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The strategy's goal is to "provide an intellectual framework and practical guidance for conservation actions." This comprehensive guidebook covers everything from the target "users" of the strategy to its priorities and even includes a map section highlighting areas with high seafood consumption, which are endangered by overfishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining balanced ecosystems and ensuring the stability of nature's various processes. Human activities have significantly impacted wildlife, leading to habitat loss, pollution, and the decline of numerous species. Organizations such as the IUCN and various government agencies work to protect and preserve wildlife by implementing policies, raising awareness, and promoting sustainable resource use. Addressing the challenges faced by wildlife requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and its inhabitants for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Wild Life

What is wildlife, and what types of species does it include?

Wildlife refers to all living organisms that thrive in the wild without being introduced by humans, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. It encompasses a wide range of species, from insects and birds to mammals and plants.

What are the main threats to wildlife today?

The primary threats to wildlife include habitat loss, climate change, human population growth, pollution, over-exploitation of resources, deforestation, unregulated hunting, and poaching. These issues are primarily driven by human activities and population growth.

What is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and why is it important?

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is an extensive inventory of the conservation status of plant and animal species worldwide. It is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and serves as a crucial indicator for global conservation efforts, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Aichi Targets.

What is wildlife conservation, and why is it important?

Wildlife conservation is the practice of safeguarding wild plant and animal species and their habitats. It is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem, ensuring stability in nature's processes, and preserving nature for future generations to enjoy. Wildlife conservation also highlights the significance of wildlife and wilderness for both humans and other species.

What are some examples of government agencies and international agreements aimed at protecting wildlife?

Examples of government agencies and international agreements focused on wildlife conservation include the Wild Life (Protection) Act in India, the Endangered Species Act in the United States, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). These policies and organizations aim to protect wildlife from overexploitation, habitat destruction, and illegal trade.