GEOGRAPHY

CH2 FOREST AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Q1. Why do we need to conserve our forest and wildlife?

A.1) Conservation preserves the ecological diversity and our life support system like water, air and soil.

2) It preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding.

3) For ex. in agriculture, we are still dependent on traditional crop varieties.

4) Fisheries too are heavily dependent on the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity.

Q2. Explain the different steps taken by the government to protect forest and wildlife resources.

A.1)The Indian Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting
habitats.

2) An all India list of protected species was also published.

3) The main aim of the programme was to protect the remaining population of certain endangered
species by banning hunting, to give legal protection to their habitats and to restrict trade in wildlife.

4. The central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

5. The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals like tigers and
rhino.

6. Cutting and felling of trees is strictly prohibited

Q3. Describe the different types and distribution of forest and wildlife resources.

A.These are classified under the following categories –

1. RESERVED FORESTS- more than half of the forest land. They are regarded as most valuable.

2. PROTECTED FORESTS- covers one third of the total forest area. They are protected from any further
depletion.

3. UNCLASSED FORESTS- are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private
individuals and communities.

Q4. Discuss how communities have conserved and protected forest and wildlife in India.

A.1) Conservation strategies are not new in our country.

2) In some areas of India, local communities are struggling to conserve these habitats along with
government officials.

3. In Sariska Tiger Reserve villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act.

4. In many areas villagers themselves are protecting habitats and explicitly rejecting government
involvement.
5. The inhabitants of five villagers in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of
forest as the Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri, and declared their own set of rules and regulations that do not
allow hunting and also protect it from outside encroachment.

6. Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a good example for involvement of local communities in the
management and restoration of degraded forests.