Wildlife of India | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Indian Flora: A Wealth of Native Plants

• India boasts a rich and diverse flora encompassing native plant species with economic, religious, and cultural significance. 
• The country's lush landscapes showcase a wide array of environments, from alpine to tropical forests, and host over 45,000 plant species.
•  These encompass various classifications, including annuals, biennials, perennials, and more. Indian trees, classified based on utility and characteristics, contribute to the nation's botanical richness. 
• The Banyan tree holds the honor of being India's national tree, while the mango tree yields the official national fruit. 
• Furthermore, India's floral zones, such as the Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Ganga plain, and more, emphasize the distribution patterns of this botanical wealth.

Indian Fauna: A Bounty of Wildlife

• India's wildlife is equally impressive, with approximately 410 mammal species, 1301 bird species, and 30,000 insect species. 
• The diverse mammalian population includes iconic species like lions, elephants, and the Royal Bengal tiger, India's national animal. 
• Reptiles, featuring various lizards, snakes, and crocodiles, add to the nation's wildlife diversity. The peacock, India's national bird, exemplifies the avian richness. 
• The detailed census estimates underline the variety of animals, amphibians, reptiles, and fishes inhabiting the Indian subcontinent.

Himalayan Mountain System - Unique Wildlife of the Himalayas

• The Himalayas, acting as a natural border between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent, boast distinctive flora and fauna. 
• The Himalayan foothills exhibit varied vegetation, including sal-dominated moist deciduous forests. 
• Moving to high altitudes, the Western Himalayas feature rhododendrons and alpine pastures, while the Eastern Himalayas showcase oaks, magnolias, and coniferous forests. 
• This geographical region, with its unique biodiversity, reflects the significance of the Himalayas in India's ecological tapestry.

Peninsular Region - Rich Diversity in the South

• The peninsular region, divided into two zones, reveals the ecological richness of both Peninsular India and the Rajasthan desert. 
• With distinct rainfall-dependent vegetation, including tropical moist deciduous and scrub vegetation, this region hosts dominant trees like sal and teak. 
• The West Ghats stand out with evergreen vegetation, resembling the northeastern rainforests. The arid Indian desert, in contrast, supports thorn forests and plant species adapted to prolonged periods of drought. 
• This dichotomy in vegetation highlights the contrasting ecosystems within the peninsular region.

Tropical Rainforest Region - Biodiversity in the Western Ghats and Northeast

• The Western Ghats and northeastern India harbor tropical rainforests with lush flora and diverse fauna. 
• The Nilgiris exhibit evergreen vegetation, featuring ebony trees and a rich variety of species. This region is home to numerous primate species, elephants, and other large animals. 
• The vibrant ecosystems of the tropical rainforest underscore the ecological importance of these areas.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Endemic Species in Island Ecosystems

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, characterized by tropical rainforests, host unique species like the Narcondam hornbill and Nicobar megapode. 
• Endemic floral strains from Indian, Myanmar, and Malaysian origins contribute to the islands' biodiversity. With species classified as Vulnerable, these islands emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect marine fauna.

Mangrove Swamps of Sunderbans - Diverse Ecosystem along the Ganges Delta

• The Sunderbans, a Ganges delta where Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers meet, showcase mangrove vegetation. 
• With diverse plant species adapted to the deltaic environment, the region is a critical habitat for the Bengal Tiger and various other mammals. 
• The mangrove swamps, home to a myriad of wildlife, highlight the delicate balance of ecosystems in coastal regions.

Conservation of Flora and Fauna: Government Initiatives

• The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to conserve wildlife and protect flora and fauna. 
• Establishing biosphere reserves, supporting botanical gardens, and launching eco-development projects like Project Tiger demonstrate the commitment to biodiversity conservation. 
• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, along with the creation of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, further emphasizes the nation's dedication to preserving its natural heritage.

Conclusion: Safeguarding India's Biodiversity