9.

India- Flora and Fauna

"Vegetation is the basic instrument the creator uses to set all of nature in motion."
- Mark Twain

Let's Learn
Natural vegetation Wildlife in India
Significance of forests Conservation of wildlifee
Conservation of forests

Tune In
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Based on the hints given below circle the answers in the
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National animal of India
F WADY Z M UTR B
National bird of India M A P
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National flower of India L L W WHOCU BV

National tree of India

NARL TXI T AH
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National fruit of India DO F S R ZT M WHM N
Fig. 9.1: Grid
Natural Vegetation
India is a land of physical diversity and seasonal variations. Varied landform features and
amount of rainfall received by different parts in the country has resulted in a wide range of
Himalayan Region natural vegetation. Natural vegetation refers
10%
18%% to plant growth in areas without any human
0% The Great Plain of India
interference. India has 23.81% of its total
Peninsular Plateau and geographical land under the forest and tree
Hills
cover. India stands at 10th position for the
Western Ghats and
Western Coastal Plain most forested country in the world.
57%%
Eastern Ghats and
Eastern Coastal Plain Natural vegetation of India can be broadly

Fig. 9.2: Percentage of total forest of India classified into five groups.

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 Thorny/ Desert Tidal/ Mangrove
forests forests

Natural Vegetation
Tropical of India Tropical
Evergreen Deciduous Wet forests
forests forests

Mountain
forests Dry forests

Fig. 9.3: Types of Natural Vegetation in India

1. Tropical Evergreen Forests

Tropical Evergreen Forests are also known
as Tropical Rain Forests. These forests are
found in areas with an annual temperature of
25°C-27°C and an annual rainfall above 250
Cm.

Location in India: The Tropical Evergreen

trees are found on the western slopes of
the Western Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh,
Fig. 9.4: Tropical Evergreen Forest
upper parts of Assam, parts of Manipur and
Mizoram, Nagaland Tripura and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Characteristics of Tropical Evergreen Forests

Lofty, dense, multi layered forests.
Average height of trees between 45 - 60 metres.

Trees have broad leaves.

Different trees shed their leaves at different times oftheyear, so they are called'evergreen'.
Trees form a canopy and don't allow sunrays to reach the ground.
There is an undergrowth of canes,
bamboos, ferns, climbers, etc. Fresh Facts
The largest Tropical Rainforest in the world
Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood etc. are
is the Amazon rainforest in South America.
the variety of trees found in this forest.

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests

The average annual rainfall received by these forest is 100-200 cm. The mean temperature is
about 27°C. Tropical Deciduous Forests can further be subdivided into wet and dry deciduous
forests.

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 Location in India: Areas comprising of
Tropical Deciduous Forests are eastern slopes
of the Western Ghats, Shiwalik range of the
Himalayas, parts of Manipur and Mizoram,
parts of West Bengal, Eastern Madhya Pradesh
and Chhattisgarh, Chhota Nagpur Plateau
region, Odisha, and the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Fig. 9.5: Tropical Deciduous Forest

Characteristics of Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical deciduous forests spread on a larger area than Tropical Evergreen Forest
T h e average height is 25 - 60 metres.

T h e trees shed leaves for about 6 -8 weeks during summer.

T h e trees allow enough sunlight to reach the ground and facilitates growth of climbers.
Teak, sal, sandalwood, shisham and many other trees are found in this forest.

Rapid Round

1. What is the rank of India as the most forested country of the world?

2. Name the two states with Tropical Evergreen Forests.

3. Name the two types of Tropical Deciduous Forests.

4. What is the average height of trees in Tropical Evergreen Forests ?

3. Thorny or Desert Forests

Desert forest type of vegetation is found in
areas that receive annual rainfall less than
75 cm. The temperature of this forest is high
ranging between 25°C 30°C. The average
height of the trees is low, about 6 to 10
metres.

Location in India: Thorny vegetation is

Fig. 9.6: Desert Vegetation

found in the North Western parts of the
country that includes Rajasthan, South
Western Punjab, Western Haryana, Kuchchh, leeside of the Western Ghats covering states
of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

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Characteristics of Thorny or Desert Forests
Scanty vegetation, thus no scope for thick forests.
Trees can withstand dry conditions.

Long roots of trees help them to draw water from deep inside the ground.

Thorny and fleshy leaves, reduces loss ofwater from the plants.

Acacia, babul, cactii, palas, khejra, neem, etc. grow in this type ofvegetation.

Fig. 9.7: Acacia Tree Fig. 9.8: Thorny and Fleshy Leaves

4. Mountain Forests
Moutain forest is a mixed type of vegetation,
consisting of deciduous and coniferous trees.
The annual rainfall ranges between 150 cm
250 cm.

Location in India: Himalayas that covers

parts of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Darjeeling, Sikkim and
Arunachal Pradesh have Mountain Forests
Characteristics of Mountain Forests
Types of tree changes with rise in the
altitude from tropical to alpine trees.

Deciduous trees such as sal and bamb0o

are found at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Fig. 9.9: Mountain Forest

At an altitude between 1500 metres to

3300 metres, coniferous trees of height 30 - 50 metres are found such as Pine, Fir, Cedar,

etc.

Above 3300 metres alpine shrubs and grasslands are found up to permanent snowline.

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5. Tidal or Mangrovve
Forests
Tidal forests are found in areas that
are affected by high and low tides.

Location in India: Tidal Forests

are found in the delta region of
major rivers such as the Ganga, the
Mahanadi, etc. islands of Andaman
and Nicobar, Gulf of Kuchchh and
Fig. 9.10: Mangrove Forest
parts of the Eastern coastal area.

Characteristics of Mangrove Forests

T h e height ofcommon mangrove trees is about 9 metres.

The remarkable feature of mangrove trees is that they can grow in fresh as well as in
saline water.

Trees provide wood for fuel.

Sundri, canes, palms, etc. are examples of this type of vegetation.

The densest mangrove forest is the Sunderban in the Ganga Delta where Sundri tree
grows in abundance.

Rapid Round

1. How much rainfall do Thorny or Desert Forests receive?

2. Name two states that have Mountain Forests.

3. What is the other name of Tidal Forests?

Conservation of Forests
Forests are unique gift of nature. They are a valuable Quick Quiz
possession of the nation. Agricultural and industrial From which tree do we get the
growth ofthe country is directly or indirectly based on the medicine quinine?
conservation of these forests. Need for accommodation of
growing population and increased demands of forests products has led to depletion of forests.

Thus, it is very important that we save the forests or our country will turn into a barren land. Our
Government passed The Forest Conservation Act, in 1980 in order to protect these forests.

Significance of Forests: Forests are important to living beings in numerous ways.

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 prevents
soil
erosion

natural
habitat for oxygen for
wildlife breathing

Significance of wood for

fruits and Forests
vegetables construction

medicines rubber

Fig.9.11: Significance of Forests

Did You Know? Did You Know?

Van Mahotsav is an annual tree planting
festival, celebrated in India in the first
week of July every year. Millions of
saplings are planted during this week all
across the country.
Chipko Movement started in early
1970, when women hugged the trees
and protested their cutting by the
contractors of the Forest Department.
Sunderlal Bahuguna was the leader
of this movement.

Thank You God for the unique gift, thank you God for the prized trees,
Chirping birds and buzzing bees, bright flowers and greeny leaves.
Thank You God for the unique gift.

Rapid Round

1. Why are forests important for us?

2. Name the law passed by the government to protect the forests.

87
Wildlife in India
Animals, birds and insects living together in the forest are referred to as wildlife. Forests in
India offer habita to a large variety of wildlife in India. (Fig. 9.12)
Tiger: It is found in Eastern Himalayan Did You Know?
foothills and parts of Peninsular India. Illegal hunting, killing or capturing of wild
Asiatic Lion: These are found in the Gir animals is called poaching.
forest of Gujarat.

Elephant: Elephant, the largest Indian mammal, is found in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

O n e Horned Rhinoceros: The second

largest mammal of India is found in
Fresh Facts
Tiger deaths in 2013, mortality 38 and
Assam and West Bengal. The number
poaching-42.
of one horned rhinoceros has decreased
and is on the verge of extinction.

Gaur or Indian Bison: This animal is found in the forests of Central India.

Fig. 9.12: Some animals in India

Deer, and monkeys are found in almost

all the forests of India. Did You Know?

First week of October, every year is

Reptiles such as snakes (Cobra, Russel's
Viper) and crocodiles are found in the observed as 'wildlife week', to accelerate

Ganga, the Mahanadi, etc. the awareness of wildlife conservation

among people.
More than 2000 variety of birds are found

88
in India. Peacocks, ducks, flamingos,
cranes, pigeons, owls, eagles, etc. are a few
examples of birds found in India. Many birds
from cold countries around the world fly to
India around November and stay till March.
These birds are knovwn as migratory birds.
Fresh Facts
Beaks of three Flamingo birds were found
near Vashi in Mumbai in the month of
February, 2014. Forest officials fear illegal
trade of these birds in the market.

Conservation of Wildlife
Cutting of trees at rapid rates and hunting has reduced the count of many animals in India.
For this reason certain animals such as one horned rhino and tiger have been listed as
endangered species. The Government of India has set up wildlife and bird sanctuaries and
national parks to protect various animals and birds from becoming extinct. In India, there are
89 National Parks, and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries to protect animals and birds. The government
has also undertaken many projects to save the lives of these animals such as Project Tiger,
Project Elephant, etc. We should all come forward and join our hands to protect these animals.
Table 9.1
Sanctuaries, National Parks and Tiger Reserves in India

Wildlife Sanctuaries Bird Sanctuaries National Parks Tiger Reserves

Kumbhalgarh - Bharatpur Desert National Ranthambor

Rajasthan Rajasthan Park-Rajasthan Rajasthan

Kedarnath Karnala Rajaji- Uttarakhand Corbett

Uttarakhand Maharashtra Simlipal-Odisha Uttarakhand

Kanha - Madhya

Pradesh

Chitrangudi Sanjay Gandhi

Gandhisagar -
Bird Sanctuary National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Tamilnadu Maharashtra Tadoba Tiger
Reserve
Maharashtra

89
 Desu IN DIA
AFGHANISTAN
Chhumanai
Wild Life Sanctuaries
Dachigah
Nai
Gamgul Siahbehi Ochu fun
Kugti"l

Shikari Devi Govind

PAKISTAN Kedarnath CHINA
T1BET
Abohar
Kalesar Nanda Devi
Sonal Rupa
bha
NEPA
Bankatwa BHUTAN Garam.Pani
Tal Chapper Buxa
Jaldaparac Kaziranga
Gautam Mahanad Laokhia
Buddna Gorumare
Kumbhalgarh -.- *

Darah Ram9 Rajgir BANGLADESH

Wild Ass Z Kaimur Bhimbandn
sanctuary.i
Mt. Abu Gandhi Sagar Palama
Gaunar agh
Nal Sarovar Sazanakhali
Marine Pachmarhi
Badrama 2 Holiday Island (i MYANMAR
Lothian Island

Gir Purna Jshakothi

Satkosia Garge
Bhitar Kanika
Bhitar Kanika
Melghat

ransa
Nawegaon Chilka Lake
Sanjay Gandhi
Kawal A Y
Kanker Valfey
Pocharam o F

ARAB IAN
Etuarnagaram BENG AL
SE Hyderabad Papikondatú
Radhanagart Nagarjunasagar
Srisailam Kolleuru lake
Cotigao Dandeli
Tungabhadra
Bhagwan Mahavir
Muttod Ranibennur
Sharavath Papikonaa Pulicat
Melkote Vedantangal
Mukambika
Guindy
waynad

Climere
Periyar,
Apamala' sKatkadMarine "s
Neyyar
Mundanthural SRI
ANKA
LEGEND Map not to Scale

Copyright© 2014 www.mapsofindia.com

Wild Life Sanctuaries INDI AN ocEAN
Map 9.1: Wild Life Sanctuaries of India

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 INDIA
Hemis High Altitude NATIONAL PARKS
AFGHANISTAN
Kistwar
CHINA
Grigat Himalyas

Valley of Flowers
PAKISTAN Corbètt
,
Nam Dapha
Dudhwa
. Kanchanjunga
NEPAL . -.
Desert N.P. Sariska 'BHUTAN
Ranthambore
Gorumara Kaziranga 2
*" Sirohi
Shivpuri Valmiki
Van
Vihar *
Little Rann.
of Kuchchh " Bhopal Zoo; Bandhavgarh"* BANGLADESKeibolLamjao
Hazaribagh
Velavadar Kanha
undarbans
Satpura Pench MYANMAR
Gir *

Nagzari
Vansda Bhitarkanika
Tadoba mdravati
Sanjay
Gandhi N.P
ARABIANN
SEA
iKankar Valiy BAY
OF
BENGAL
Ikshawaka

Molen
Dandeli Suddle
Peak
Banirgatt
Safari
Nagarhole
Guindy Button

Bandipur
Sent
(INDIA) S(INDIA)

SRI
LAKA
Map not to Scale LEGEND
Copyright 2014 www.mapsofindia.com INDIAN OCEAN Naional Parks

Map 9.2: National Parks of India

 Rapid Round
1. Name three animals found in India.
2. Which are the birds that are found in India?
NEWS
Rhino killed in Kaziranga, horn and
ears taken away
An adult male Rhino was killed in Kaziranga
National Park, by the poachers for its horn,
ears and skin. Altogether 38 rhinos were
killed in the year till date. (Nov 25, 2013).
On 22 November, 2013, a parliamentary
standing committee visited the park and
expressed great concern over the killing of
Rhinos by poachers. They have assured
the forest authorities that they will take this
matter to the Central Ministry.
PTI| Nov 25, 2013, 01.20 PM IST
Word Galaxy
barren canopy densest
leeside possession
Officials losing interest in tiger
poaching cases
On 12 December, 2013, the investigating
officer in Ghatang, did not seek extension
of forest custody remand (FCR), of the
two accused in Malghat Tiger kiling case.
Armaan (24) and Mahindra (22) (names
changed) killed the tiger by piercing tiger's
mouth for the poachers. The court had
granted forest custody (FCR) till December
12. Further FCR was not sought by the
forest officials.
TNN| Dec 13, 2013, 04.57 AM IST
depletion extinct
scanty
Let's Exercise

1. Choose the appropriate option.

a) Natural vegetation of India can broadly be classified into groups.
i) 7 ii) 3

ii) 5 iv) 2

b) An example of Tropical Deciduous Forest.

i)Ebony i) Teak

ii) Babul iv) Pine

c) The largest Indian mammal.

i) Asiaticlion ii) Deer
ii) Tiger iv) Elephant
d) Remarkable tree of Sunderban Forest.
i) Rosewood i) Sal

ii) Cactii iv) Sundri

2. Fill in the blanks.

a) Tropical Evergreen Forests are also known as
b) Mountain Forests consists of and trees.
c) is found in the Gir forest of Gujarat.
L
d) Tropical Deciduous forests receive rainfall between to
cm.
e) The densest Mangrove forest in India id

3. Answer the following questions in 10 to 20 words.

a) What is the meaning of 'Natural Vegetation'?

b) Why are trees in Tropical Rain Forests called Evergreen Forests?

c)What is the remarkable feature of the roots of the Mangrove trees?

d) What is the meaning of migratory birds?

e) How many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks are found in India?

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4. Answer the following questions in 50 to 70 words.
a) What are the characteristics of Desert or Thorny Forests?

b) What measures can be taken to protect the wildlife of our country?

5. Poster Making
Forests are valuable resources. Make a poster on 'Save our Forests' with the help of your
teacher and display it on the display board of your school or outside your home. Make
people aware about the need to save the forests through your poster.

6. Life Skills
Should we buy products that are made from body parts of animals (skin, fur, etc)? Give
reasons to support your answers.

7. What does PETA stand for? List three activities undertaken by this
organization to save animals. You can make use of the following link.
http://www.petaindia.com/about/default.aspx

8. Map Work
With the help of your teacher, mark and label the following on a political map of India and
write the state to which they belong.

State
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary

Bandipur National Park

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

People Who Changed the World

Sunderlal Bahuguna (January 9, 1927) was an environmentalist,

well known as a leader of the Chipko Movement. He was a follower
of Mahatma Gandhi's non violence and Satyagraha. Sunderlal
has been awarded with 'Padma Vibhushan' for his work as an
environmentalist.

WEB LINKS
http://www.thewildlifeofindia.com/
http://www.ecoindia.com/flora/flowers/
As on 30.04.2016

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 Concept Map Tropical Evergreen Forests

animals in India
Tropical Deciduous Forests

types Thorny or Desert Forests

birds in India
O wildlife in India natural vegetation Mountain Forests

conservation
of wildlife Tidal or Mangrove Forests
India Flora significance of forests
and Fauna