Conservation of Forest Flora and Fauna | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

An ecosystem is a complex, interconnected system comprised of both living and non-living elements. The living components, which encompass plants, animals, and bacteria, are referred to as biotic factors. In contrast, the non-living components, essential for sustaining life, include elements like soil, water, and climate. Among the biotic elements, flora and fauna stand out as particularly fascinating.

What is Flora?

Numerous criteria are employed to categorize and distinguish plant life, with their habitat being one of the most significant factors. Some plants thrive in deserts or near water sources, while others prefer hilly terrain, and some are native to specific regions.

Plants have developed adaptations according to their environment. For instance, cacti, commonly found in deserts, have modified leaves or stems to conserve water and protect themselves from predators.

Agricultural flora consists of plants cultivated for human use, while horticulture, often referred to as garden flora, involves the cultivation of visually appealing and vibrant flowers. Therefore, flora can be described as the collective term for all plant life that has ever existed in a particular area or time. It typically refers to the native plant species, but it can also include recently introduced ones. Scientific Latin names have been assigned to the world's plant and animal species.

What is Fauna?

Fauna represents the diverse array of animal life found in a specific place or during a particular era. It is often likened to the "Goddess of Fertility" and encompasses a wide spectrum of animal species. The animal kingdom is well-documented in taxonomy, and it includes various categories such as birds, fish, microorganisms, and cryptofauna (undiscovered species). Avifauna pertains to birds, while Piscifauna relates to fish. Microfauna is a term used for minute organisms like Archaea and bacteria.

In essence, fauna is a collective term encompassing all the animals inhabiting a particular region. This encompasses an interconnected web of species, ranging from birds like pheasants and vultures, mammals such as mice and bison, worms, reptiles, insects, and even the fauna residing in soil and water, among others.

Flora and Fauna in India

India boasts a rich and diverse range of plant and animal species. Notably, the country is home to 500 different animal species, 2,000 bird species, 30,000 insect species, and a variety of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Some of the most well-known animals in India include elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, rhinoceroses, bison, and lions.

India's vegetation includes various types of flora such as alpines, temperate forests, deciduous forests, evergreen forests, oaks, rhododendrons, pine, spruce, deodar, laurels, maples, bamboos, and tall grasses.

Conservation of Flora and Fauna

The government has undertaken several initiatives to conserve and safeguard wildlife and plant life.
Some of these programs include:

• To preserve flora and fauna, the government has established 18 biosphere reserves.
• Among these, 10 of the 18 biosphere reserves, including Sundarbans in West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, and the Nilgiris (spanning Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu), are part of the global network of biosphere reserves.
• Since 1992, the government has extended substantial financial and technical support to numerous botanical gardens.
• To protect flora and fauna, the government has launched various eco-development projects, such as Project Tiger, Project Rhinos, and Project Great Indian Bustard.
• In 1972, India introduced the Wildlife Protection Act.
• In the effort to preserve natural heritage, the government has established 103 national parks, 535 wildlife sanctuaries, and zoological gardens.
• It is essential to recognize the significance of ecosystems for our own survival if we are to put an end to the destruction of the natural environment.

Steps to Conserve Flora and Fauna 

• Protection of Plant and Animal Habitats: Preserving the habitats of plants and animals is crucial. These habitats serve as resources for humans, and their value goes beyond just their utility. For instance, in Africa, forest lands are being converted into agricultural areas, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Coastal mangroves worldwide are being displaced by agricultural and aquacultural activities, and urbanization is encroaching on the natural habitats of many species. It is essential to safeguard these habitats to protect the diversity of life.
• Reduced Focus on Animals and Plants: As living conditions improve in developing countries, there is an increased demand for meat production, as more people can afford meat. This elevated demand places pressure on natural resources used in the meat industry. For example, in the United States, the grains used to feed livestock could potentially feed 800 million people. To meet the demand for meat, humans are further encroaching on natural areas. Consuming less meat would alleviate the strain on various resources required for its production, including food, water, and space.
• Scarcity of Animal and Plant Resources Due to Market Forces: Animal and plant resources are becoming scarcer due to market dynamics. Examples include the decline in elephant and rhino ivory in Africa. The tusks and horns of these animals become increasingly rare and valuable when they become targets for poachers. Buyers are stockpiling ivory in anticipation of its future value. Additionally, prices for Asian wood products like rosewood have surged by up to 90% in the past year. Protecting these resources involves combatting market pressures, including measures like ivory bans and restrictions on logging exports.