MANAV RACHNA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL EROS GARDEN, CHARMWOOD,
FARIDABAD SESSION 2024 – 25
GRADE: X
SUMMARY - CHAPTER 2
FORESTS & WILDLIFE RESOURCES
What is biodiversity?
It is the existence of a number of different varieties of flora & fauna in a particular area which make a
healthy environment.
Importance of Biodiversity
Importance of Trees
Threats to the Ecosystem
Need to Conserve Forests & Wildlife
Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
• The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting
habitats.
• 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. Eg. Project Tiger, Project Rhino etc.
• The central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
• Under Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly
have been added to the list of protected species.
• In 1991, for the first-time plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.
Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources
In India, much of its forest and wildlife resources are either owned or managed by the government
through the Forest Department or other government departments. These are classified under the
following categories.
a. Reserve Forests – Reserved forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of
forest and wildlife resources are concerned.
b. Protected Forests - Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, as declared by the
Forest Department. These forest lands are protected from any further depletion.
c. Unclassed Forests - These are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and
private individuals and communities.
• Reserved and protected forests are also referred to as permanent forest estates maintained for the
purpose of producing timber and other forest produce, and for protective reasons.
• Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, constituting 75 per cent of its total
forest area.
Community and Conservation
Sacred groves - a wealth of diverse and rare species
• Sacred qualities are often ascribed to springs, mountain peaks, plants and animals like macaques,
langurs, blackbuck, nilgai, peacocks etc. which are closely protected.
Navdanya is an Indian-based non-governmental organisation which promotes biodiversity
conservation, biodiversity, organic farming, the rights of farmers, and the process of seed saving. One of
Navdanya's founders, and outspoken members, is Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist, physicist, and
author. Navdanya" means "nine crops" that represent India's collective source of food security. It has
criticised genetic engineering. Navdanya claims to be a women centred movement for the protection of
biological and cultural diversity.
Joint Forest Management
• The programme has been in formal existence since 1988 when the state of Odisha passed the first
resolution for joint forest management.
• Thus, government should accept only those economic or developmental activities, that are people
centric, environment-friendly and economically rewarding.
QUESTIONS
1. What are threats to the ecosystem? What steps have been taken by the Indian government to
protect the flora & fauna of the country?
2. Write a short note on Project Tiger
3. What the various types forests?
4. Write a short note on community & conservation.
