The correct answer is: All of the above.
Forest encroachment and illegal logging are threats to Bihar’s forests. This can lead to:
- Loss of biodiversity: Forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. When forests are encroached upon or logged illegally, these plants and animals lose their habitat and may become extinct.
- Soil erosion: Forests help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots. When forests are cleared, the soil is more likely to be eroded by wind and rain. This can lead to the loss of fertile land and the siltation of rivers and streams.
- Conflicts with wildlife: When forests are encroached upon, people and wildlife come into closer contact. This can lead to conflicts between people and animals, such as tigers attacking people or people poaching animals.
In addition, forest encroachment and illegal logging can contribute to climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so when they are cut down, this carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming.
Forests are important for many reasons, including providing habitat for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is important to protect forests from encroachment and illegal logging.