Essay on the Introduction to Wildlife:

Wildlife comprises all living organisms (plants, animals,

microorganisms) in their natural habitats which are neither
cultivated/domesticated nor tamed. But in its strictest sense, it
includes uncultivated mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and
fishes, etc., which are generally hunted.

Wildlife includes “Animals like mammals, birds, reptiles,

amphibians and fishes and their young’s and also eggs of
birds and reptiles” (Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972). It also
includes habitat like land, water or vegetation which is the natural
home of any wild animal.
India has a rich heritage of wildlife. In India wildlife has a long
history and tradition of conservation. The conservation ethic was
observed in Ashrams of our sages which were the seats of learning
in the country’s ancient past.

The Vedas include hymns in praise of animals and the Indian

Mythology is full of references to several animal-like Gods such as
the monkey-headed Hanuman, elephant-headed Ganesh, boar-
headed Varahavatar, lion-headed Narasinghavatar, turtle-like
Koormavtar, fish-like Matsyavatar, snake-like Shesh Nag, etc. We
also learn about snake worship (Nag pooja), eagle worship (Garud
pooja), cow-worship (Gau pooja), and vehicle of Lord Shiva (Bull
Nandi), vehicle of Saraswati (Swan), vehicle of Lord Ganesh (rat),
etc.

King Pandu in Mahabharata was cursed by the hind deer for

shooting her stag in mating. Rama was helped by Hanuman against
Ravana, the flying deer hunted by Kalidas to the safety of rishi’s
ashram, eight celestial points of compass being supposed to be
guarded by Indira’s elephant, lion is one of the many incarnations of
God Vishnu, the mongoose noticed in the Mahabharata as a teacher
of wisdom of King Yudhishthira, the deer is always associated with
God Brahma and the constant companion of Lord Mahadeva, the
wild boar is referred to as the “Boar of Heaven”. About thirty
different mammals are mentioned by name in the Samhitas (four
principal Vedas).
The first recorded game laws were promulgated by Kautilya in his
Arthashastra in the third century B.C. He proclaimed severe
punishment for killing, entrapping animals in protected areas
(sanctuaries). The Great Ashoka enacted laws for the protection of
animals in his kingdom in third century B.C. Even in Christianity,
Francis of Assisi loved and spoke to protect wild animals.

The condition of our wildlife deteriorated in the Moghul rule and

later in British rule when slaughter of animals became the fashion
of the day. Babar and Temur killed thousands of rhinoceroses in
Kashmir and Northern India. Colonel Pollock, military engineer of
British East India Company in Assam, shot a rhinoceros or buffalo
almost daily for breakfast. Former Kings and Nawabs of various
states of India were also very fond of hunting tigers.

Some wild animals are so characteristic that they become symbols

of their home countries. Thus, tiger is associated with India, white
bear with Russia, Giant Panda with China, Kangaroo with Australia,
Kiwi with New Zealand and Springbok with South Africa.

2. Essay on the Importance of Wildlife:

Wildlife is important for the human beings, animals and plants.
These are so closely interlinked that disturbance in one produces
imbalance in the others.

1. Ecological Balance:
Wildlife maintains balance of nature through regulation of
population of different species by self-regulation and feedback,
passage of food and energy through series of different populations
(food chain/food web), circulation of inorganic nutrients between
abiotic and biotic environments, and prevention of leaching and
runoff by plants. Terrestrial and aquatic animals play their role in
the maintenance of balance of nature. Thus, it preserves the
environment as a self-sustaining system. It balances populations
and maintains food-chain and natural cycles.

2. Gene Bank:
Wildlife serves as a gene bank for breeding improved varieties in
agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery. Plant breeders have
been able to produce high-yielding and disease- and stress-resistant
varieties from wild relatives of crop plants which possess useful
genes for the purpose of breeding. Scientists have been constantly
examining the wild relatives of crop plants for the presence of useful
genes that can be introduced to breeding programmes. Hence, gene
bank maintenance is essential. Some old rice varieties from Kerala
saved rice cultivation when brown plant hopper (Nila-parvata
lugens) attacked all modern rice varieties.

The production of high-yielding, disease-resistant crops, livestock

and fish cannot continue without the wild relatives of the cultivated
varieties. This is because of pests and pathogens evolve new strains;
climate change; soils vary; and consumers’ demands change with
time. Man is aware that the rich diversity of organisms today is the
product of natural evolution occurring through 3.5 billion years. A
species once lost cannot be retrieved. Therefore, it would be
unethical to be responsible for the destruction of a species.

3. Plant Propagation:

Insects and birds, etc., are useful in pollinating certain plants which
is very essential in plant propagation. Cross pollination increases
the diversity of genetic recombination and viability of the plant
vegetation.

4. Cleaning of Environment:
Cleaning of environment and keeping it in hygienic state is carried
by scavengers like vultures, eagles, jackals, hyaenas, etc.
Microorganisms feed upon dead animals, convert them into
different nutrients and, thus, release energy back to the soil making
it fertile.

5. Soil Erosion:
Soil erosion is prevented by plant cover, litter, mixing of litter by
movement of wild animals. Microorganisms convert litter into
spongy humus.
6. Scientific Importance:
Scientific studies of many of wildlife species are of direct value to
humans. These studies and researches in anatomy, physiology,
ecology, evolutionary aspects, etc., are of direct value in saving
human life. Sea urchins have helped greatly in the understanding of
human embryology. A desert toad has helped in early determination
of pregnancy. Rhesus monkeys have contributed a lot to the present
knowledge of human blood groups.

Antlers of deer are useful in determining the degree of radioactive

contamination of natural environment. Armadillos contributed to
the development of vaccine for leprosy. We do not know when some
obscure wild animal species may be put to prominence by providing
a clue to human health and survival. When any drug of any disease
is invented, research of its effects and side effects are carried on
wild animals before applying on human body.

Rh factor in human blood was found due to Rhesus monkey.

Chimpanzee helped us in conducting serological protein tests.
Studies on animal behaviour helped the psychiatrist to read the
human mind. Some wild flora and fauna have medicinal values.
Muskpod of musk deer and rhinoceros’ horn are of great medicinal
value. Fat of tiger or hornbill is used for curing rheumatism. Snake
venom is used for preparing antivenom for snake bite.

7. Economic Importance:
Wildlife forms an important natural resource. Various useful
products are obtained from plants such as timber, firewood, paper,
gum, resins, tannins, several drugs, essential oils, spices, lac, silk,
honey, hair, feathers, guano (the faecal matter of sea-fishes used as
manure or the manure made from fish), leather, musk, ivory, etc.,
are obtained from wildlife. Besides these, benefits such as tendu
leaf, cork, rudraksha, etc., are also obtained from wildlife.

Tribals living in forests also get food (tubers, roots, leaves and fruits
of plants and meat from animals), medicines and other commercial
products. The commercial value of wildlife is best seen in the
world’s marine fisheries with an annual output of about 100 million
tons of sea food worth billions of rupees. Freshwater fish and other
aquatic creatures also provide large amount of food for people. Fish
are as big as any other modern industry in respect of employment
and income.

An entire industry for fur trade is supported by fur-bearing animals.

Trade in live and dead animals, though illegal and banned
throughout the world, supports thousands of people and also earns
foreign exchange. For example, an Indian rhinoceros may fetch
equivalent of Rs.1, 25,000 in the world market. Similarly, the ivory
of elephants, the horns of rhinoceros, the glands of musk deer, the
antlers of deer, etc., all provide high prices. Wildlife of a country
may even attract people from abroad and earn foreign exchange.
Wildlife tourism can be made a big source of income.

Thus, it is important to develop more biological reserves, parks,

safaris and zoos for tourism from economical point of view. The
tourist industry of Kenya (East Africa), based on its wildlife, ranks
third after coffee and sisal.

8. Potential Importance:
Just as all present-day cultivated/domesticated plants and animals
are derived from wildlife; new foods, beverages such as tea, coffee,
cocoa, etc., drugs and other useful products may be obtained from
wildlife.

9. Game Importance:
Wildlife has its importance in game also. In several European and
American countries, millions of people hunt or fish for recreation,
spending billions of dollars on these sports.

10. Aesthetic Importance:
There is a great aestheic value of wildlife throughout the world
because of sheer beauty, tranquillity and appeal to the humans. A
world without colourful and melodious birds, graceful beasts and
deep forests would be a poorer place for humans to live. Without
wild animals, a countryside would be static and monotonous.
People feel pleasure, satisfaction and happiness in the presence of
wildlife. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Life would become very
dull and colourless if we did not have these magnificent animals and
birds to look at and to play with.” Smt. Indira Gandhi also said, “A
threat to any species of plant and animal life is a threat to man
himself.”

11. Ethical Importance:
Generally civilised people think that they have no right to destroy
wildlife (plants and animals), rather they feel an obligation for the
conservation of nature and protection of wildlife. In fact, all
religions preach respect and reverence for life and consider it wrong
and unethical to take the life of an animal.

Essay on the Conservation, Preservation, Protection and

Categories of Wild Animals:
1. Conservation:
“Conservation means the maintenance of a reasonable
number of members of every species from the largest
mammals to the smallest invertebrates in their own
habitat without destroying that habitat” -Noel Simon.
According to Indian Forest Record (1965), conservation means,
planned management and wide use of natural resources, so as to
prevent over-exploitation, destruction or neglect, i.e., wildlife
conservation.

2. Preservation:
Preservation is the protection of a species without regard to the
consequences. Preservation is to save and maintain the wild
animals against injury or destruction as well as keeping them safe
and undisturbed from private or public use.

3. Protection:
Guarding the wild species against danger or injury is protection.
Partial protection of certain species is to enforce closing of hunting,
fishing, etc., and restricted shooting. Total protection is achieved by
forming sanctuaries or by legally prohibiting the killing or
minimising of a particular species in any place.

4. Extinction of a Species:
Extinction of a species is a part of a natural process. Extinction is
“biological reality” because no species has as yet existed for more
than a few million years without evolving into something different
or dying out completely. But with the gradual emergence of human
beings being a major evolutionary force, people have been
increasingly exploiting the wildlife.

As many as 500 million kinds of plants, animals, and

microorganisms have made this planet as their home since life
began over 3.5 billion years ago. Today, there are more than 30
million species alive. The rate of decline has been rapid in the last
one hundred years. It is estimated that about 25,000 plant species
and 1000 vertebrate species and subspecies are threatened with
extinction. Several invertebrates are also invariably vulnerable. At
least about 10% of the living species are supposed to be in danger.

5. Extinct Species:
Extinct species are those which were found in the past but became
disappeared and not found now. They are no longer known to exist
in wild, though it may survive in cultivation. According to CITES, a
species is said to be extinct, if it is not definitely known in the wild
during the past 50 years.

Extinction results ecological hazards, imbalances in ecosystem and

food chain/food-web, ultimately affecting present and future
generations of human beings. For example, extinction of cheetah,
two-horned rhinoceros, mountain quail, Pin-headed duck from
India and Dodo bird from Mauritius, etc.

Causes of Extinction:
Causes of extinction are as follows:
(i) Hunting:
Hunting is large-scale destruction of wildlife for food, safety and
pleasure. It was started with the use of fire as a means of hunting.
Man-made forest fires have caused the extinction of several species
in the past. Hunting as a sport and needless killing of wild animals
is dangerous. Disappearance of dodo (Didus ineptus) of Mauritius
and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) from India are recent calamities. A
number of orchids and medicinal plants have also disappeared.
(ii) Destruction of Habitats:
Destruction of habitats of wildlife is also a threat to them. It has
been destroyed due to establishment of new human settlements,
croplands, grazing grounds, quarry in mining sites, etc.
Deforestation caused by jhuming, cutting of trees for timber and
overgrazing, conversion of forest into agricultural land, building of
roads and rails, construction of dams/reservoirs, etc. Damage to the
forest and grasslands are caused by acid rain. Hence, the most
serious depletion of wildlife comes from habitat destruction.

6. Endemic Species:
Endemic species is that which is found in a particular natural
habitat beyond which it is unknown. The plant and animal species
confined to a given region and having originated there are called
endemic species. India has a large number of endemic species like
Ficus religiosa, Butea monosperma, etc.

4. Essay on the IUCN Red List Categories:

The World Conservation Union (WCU), formerly known as
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), has recognised eight Red List Categories of
species.

These are as follows:

1. Extinct (Ex)- A taxon is Extinct where there is no reasonable
doubt that the last individual has died.

2. Extinct in the Wild (EW)- A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when

exhaustive surveys, in known and/or expected habitats, have failed
to record an individual.

3. Critically Endangered (CE)- A taxon is Critically Endangered

when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in wild in the
immediate future.

4. Endangered (E)- A taxon is Endangered when it is not critically

Endangered, but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the
near future.
5. Vulnerable (V)- A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically
Endangered or Endangered, but is facing a high risk of extinction in
the wild in the medium-term future.

6. Lower Risk (LR)- A taxon is Lower Risk when it has been

evaluated and does not satisfy the criteria for Critically Endangered,
Endangered or Vulnerable.

7. Data Deficient (DD)- A taxon is Data Deficient when there is

inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of
its risk of extinction.

8. Not Evaluated (NE)- A taxon is Not Evaluated when it has not yet
been assessed against the above criteria.

The IUCN Red List is a catalogue of those taxa which are facing the
risk of extinction.

The species which are threatened with extinction are

included in Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically
Endangered categories:
Rare Species (R):
Taxa with small world population that are not at present
“Endangered” or “Vulnerable” but are at risk.

In practice, ‘Endangered’ and ‘Vulnerable’ categories may include,

temporarily, taxa whose populations are beginning to recover as a
result of remedial action, but whose recovery is insufficient to
justify that transfer to another category. These taxa are usually
localised within restricted geographical areas or habitats or are
thinly scattered over a more extensive range.

Indeterminate (I):
Taxa known to be ‘Endangered’, ‘Vulnerable’ or ‘Rare’, but where
there is not enough information to say which of the three categories
is appropriate.

The IUCN Red List System was initiated in 1963, and since then
evaluation of the conservation status of species and subspecies is
continuing on a global scale.
The 2000 IUCN Red List contains assessments of more than 18,000
species, of which 11,000 are threatened.

Status of Threatened Species:

According to 2000 IUCN Red List, there are 11,046 species listed as
threatened, i.e., Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable.
Of these 5,485 are animals and 5,611 are plants. 1,939 species are
listed as Critically Endangered, of which 925 are animals and 1,014
are plants.

Essay on the Wildlife Institute of India (WII):

A separate Directorate of Wildlife Environmental Education and
Research was established at the Forest Research Institute and
Colleges, Dehradun, in the Fifth Plan. A post-graduate diploma
course in Wildlife Management, of one academic year’s duration,
for people with forestry qualifications has been started by the
Directorate since 1977.

The Directorate has also sponsored fellowship grants for conducting

research on wildlife topics in the universities. Research in field
oriented management techniques is also being conducted at the
Directorate. Proposals for strengthening the research base and
organising short-term orientation course for decision makers,
administrators and professional groups are being considered for the
Sixth Plan.

To train people and expand the activities in wildlife, Government of

India has established a Wildlife Institute of India (WII) at
Dehradun. This institute is engaged in management and extension
of wildlife. It runs several courses at post-graduate level along with
diploma and other short-term courses in specialised fields. As a
result of training by this institute a number of trained persons are
now engaged in conservation and extension of wildlife in India.

Essay on the Wildlife Act:

Wild animals are the integral part of the ecosystem performing a
vital role in maintaining food chain and food web. Thus, their
existence and survival on the earth planet is so important and
essential for the natural balance and also for the existence of human
life.

India is an under developing country facing many problems like

tremendous growth in human population, poverty, unemployment,
illiteracy and unawareness towards wildlife and nature. As a result,
there is lot of pressure on forest and wild animals. Encroachment of
forest land converting it into agricultural field, illicit felling of trees,
illegal hunting and poaching, smuggling and merciless killings of
wild animals have resulted in dwindling population of wild animals
and shrinkage of their habitats.

Several species have been brought to the endangered/threatened

category, many are on the verge of extinction surpassing the stage of
critical limit, and extinction of many important species has taken
place. Therefore, the forest personnel as well as people should have
holistic view and approach in forest activity whether it is tree
and/or wild animal.

In the year 1800, for the first time in India, the exploitation of
wildlife was started on scientific basis. In 1806, first Forest
Conservator was appointed at Madras Presidency. In 1847, an
eminent botanist was appointed as Forest Conservator at Bombay.
In 1855, the administrative structure of Forest Department was
framed. In 1864, Sir Brandis became the first Forest Inspector
General. In 1887, first systematic law in India was enacted by the
British called “Wild Birds’ Protection Act of 1887”.

But due to wanton killing of wild animals and birds, a

comprehensive legislation was passed, i.e., “Wild Birds and Animals
(Protection) Act, 1912”. Again in 1935, the Act was amended calling
it “Wild Birds and Animals (Protection) Act, 1935”. All these laws
were aimed at not hunting the game animals and trade in products
derived from wild animals. Much attention was not taken in
conserving and propagating the wild animals throughout the
country.

Before independence, the protection of wildlife was the

responsibility of native rulers and local forest officers under the
Indian Forest Act, 1927. There was rapid depletion in the
population of wild animals. British rulers realised the importance of
conservation of wildlife and enforced various laws like Rhino
Protection Act, Elephant Protection Act, Arms Act, etc., from time
to time to save them.

During Second World War the wild animals were mercilessly

hunted by the soldiers and army officers wherever they halted.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a private agency,
established in 1883 took the first step in formulating a
comprehensive Act for Bombay in 1951 called Bombay Wild Animals
and Wild Birds Protection Act, 1951. After independence, in 1952 an
advisory board calling Central Board for Wildlife was set up, which
was renamed as Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).

Later Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was formulated to conserve

and propagate the wild animals with the salient provisions of
creating sanctuaries and national parks as well as penalties against
illegal hunting, poaching and trading, etc. The Act provides legal
protection to the wildlife and to the endangered species of fauna
listed in different Schedules.

This Act has been amended in 1982, 1986, 1991 and 1993.
Amendment in 1991 has imposed total ban on hunting, constituted
Central Zoo Authority, recognition of zoos, emphasising protection
of plants, etc., amendment of certain sections, omission of words
such as Special Game, Big Game and Small Game from the
Schedules, addition of one more Schedule VI enlisting certain
plants.

Need of Wildlife Management/Conservation:

In ancient years, the wildlife in India were found sufficient; but due
to enormous growth in human population, deforestation started for
converting forest land into agricultural purposes and subsequently
the habitat of wildlife started shrinking and their population
depleted and still depleting. The period of Second World War was
the most devastating period for wildlife as the wild animals were
killed mercilessly wherever the militaries got shelter.
Following are the main reasons causing depletion in
wildlife population:
(i) Conversion of forests into agricultural fields.

(ii) In ancient time, hunting was done rudely (wantonly), recklessly,

mercilessly and unscientifically.

(iii) Creation of forest roads as well as allowing there the hunters

with their vehicles.

(iv) Use of firearms in hunting and hunting were not done selflessly.

(v) Increase in livestock, grazing by them in forest areas resulting in

loss of food and shelter of wild animals as well as infection of
diseases.

(vi) Establishment of industries in forest areas, quarrying of mines,

etc.

(vii) Pollution of environment, rivers, water reservoirs and ocean by

insecticides, polluted gases and water from industries as
byproducts.

(viii) Use of insecticides on the large scale in agricultural fields.

(ix) Misuse of licensed firearms.

(x) Lighting of fire by the local people inside the forest.

These factors not only depleted the number of wildlife but some
became extinct, some are threatened and some are on the verge of
extinction. Their number has come to such a stage that the benefit
derived from them is negligible.

Problems of Wildlife Management in India:

Mitra (1980) pointed out that the management of wildlife in India is
beset with several problems. The shrinkage and degradation of
forest and non-forest wildlife habitats as well as serious decline in
the status of wild animals; conservation efforts started gathering
momentum in the country in the early 1970s. The National Wildlife
Action Plan was drawn up against this background.

It is a document setting out an agenda of countrywide activities in

the field of wildlife conservation, which was released by the late
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in November, 1983.

The Action Plan covers a period of 5 years and contains

ten sections, each representing a major area of activity in
the field of wildlife which are as follows:
1. Establishment of Representative Network of Protected Areas (PA
= Sanctuary and National Park);

2. Management of Protected Areas and Habitat Restoration;

3. Wildlife Protection in Multiple-use Areas;

4. Rehabilitation of Endangered and Threatened Species;

5. Captive Breeding Programmes;

6. Wildlife Education and Interpretation;

7. Research and Monitoring;

8. Domestic Legislation and International Conventions;

9. National Conservation Strategy;

10. Collaboration with Voluntary Bodies.

The National Wildlife Action Plan has provided a vital framework

for conservation and management of India’s diverse wildlife
resources and a yardstick by which progress can be measured.

Methods of Wildlife Conservation:

In wildlife conservation, the objective is that the wildlife is to be
conserved in such a way that it may remain in the nature in peak
status.
The most commonly adopted methods for the
conservation of wildlife, in brief, are as follows:
1. Habitat Management:
Habitat management includes ecological study of the habits and
habitats of wildlife species, protection, preservation and
improvement of habitats, census and statistical data regarding
species to be conserved, etc.

2. Establishment of National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and

Wildlife Sanctuaries:
The establishment of national parks, wildlife reserves and
wildlife sanctuaries and zoological gardens serves many
purposes such as:
(i) To conserve the species in their wild state;

(ii) To provide scientific, educational and recreational

opportunities; and

(iii) To earn revenue from tourists by attracting them.

3. Breeding in Captivity:
Tree species, such as ginko and metasequoia, have survived only in
captivity. Tiger, White Tiger and Indian Lion today live in National
Parks. Gorilla is protected in the National Park of Alberta. The
European Bison, saved at the eleventh hour, survives in the
National Park of Biolowieska in Poland. Similarly Pere David’s
Deer, Whooping Crane, Hawaiian Goose, Parma Wallaby and
Arabian Gazzelle, once threatened with extinction, are considered to
be already ‘on the way back’ as a result of captive breeding.

4. Reintroduction of Species:
Several animal species which were almost extinct, such as Arabian
Oryx, Vicuna of High Andes, Russian Antelope or Saiga, Trumpeter
Swan, Black Buck, Flamingos, etc., were allowed to reproduce and
flourish in suitable places similar to the original ones. Later these
were reintroduced in several parks and sanctuaries and areas of
their original natural habitats.

5. Mass Education:
For any conservation programme, there is a great need of education
to the people to achieve their participation.

To achieve this objective, the methods adopted are as

follows:
(i) Celebration of wildlife week every year;

(ii) Publicity through media and film shows;

(iii) Holding essay competitions, lectures, seminars, conducted

tours, etc.;

(iv) Setting up nature clubs in educational institutions;

(v) Publication of wildlife books and journals, etc.;

(vi) Establishment of Natural History Museum, etc.

6. Promulgation of Laws:
All the countries have promulgated laws for the protection and
conservation of wildlife. In India, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a
comprehensive Central Government Legislation, was enacted in
1972. Killing, capturing and hunting of wildlife without prior
permission from competent authority, and poaching have become
punishable under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In 1976, 42nd
amendment in the Indian Constitution, protection of wildlife has
been included in Concurrent List. Further amendment in law is
required for severe and deterrent punishment to poachers.