Natural Vegetation-Forest types and distribution, wild life, conservation, biosphere reserves

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In India, at present forest areas cover about 76.5 million hectares of land, which is about 23 per cent of the total geographical area. It ranges from about 87 per cent in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to only about 4 percent in Haryana making to range difference of 83 percent. According to our National Forest Policy, 33% of the total geographical area of the country should be under the forest cover to maintain ecological balance. Unfortunately, it is below the norm outlined in our forest policy. The vegetation found in India can be divided into six main types. They are tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests, tidal forests and mountain forests.

Tropical Evergreen forests grow in the high rainfall areas of the Western Ghats, North –eastern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These forests grow in areas where the monsoon period lasts for several months.

Deciduous forests are found in regions with a moderate amount of seasonal rainfall that lasts for only a few months. Most of the forests in which Teak trees grow are of this type. The Deciduous trees shed their leaves during the winter and hot summer months.

Dry tropical thorn forest occurs in areas of low rainfall. Forest types are saprophytic in nature. Trees are shorter than deciduous type. These forests mostly occur in the scanty rainfall region of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. Most of the species are ‘acacia’ type.

Tidal Forests grow along the coast especially in the river deltas. These Plants are uniquely adapted to be able to grow in a mix of saline and freshwater. They grow luxuriantly in muddy areas covered with silt that the rivers have brought down. The mangrove trees have breathing roots that emerge from the mud banks.

 

Conservation of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity and Wildlife

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the variety of all life forms.Sum total of all the variety of living organisms on earth constitute biodiversity. There are three Levels of Biodiversity:

  • Genetic diversity—the variety of genetic information contained in individual plants, animals and micro-organisms
  • Species diversity—the variety of species
  • ecosystem diversity—the variety of habitats, ecological communities and ecological processes.

Biodiversity is not static; it is constantly changing. It can be increased by genetic change and evolutionary processes, and it can be reduced by threats which lead to Population decline and extinction.

Biodiversity is not uniformly distributed across the geographical regions of the earth. Certain regions of the world are very rich in biodiversity. We call such areas as “mega diversity zones”. We also refer to them as “hot-spots”. For example, India accounts for only 2.4 % of the land area of the world; but it contributes approximately 8% species to the global diversity due to existence of such pockets.

Humans depend for their sustenance, Health, well being and cultural Growth on nature. Biotic Resources provide food, fruit, seed, fodder, medicines and a host of other goods and Services. Importance of Biodiversity is due to:-

  • Food, fibre, medicines, fuel wood and ornamental plants
  • Protection of Water Resources
  • Soil protection
  • Breeding material for crop improvement
  • Nutrient storage and cycling
  • Pollution reduction
  • Climate stability
  • Maintenance of ecological processes

Causes of Loss of Biodiversity:-

  • Direct ways: Deforestation, hunting, poaching, commercial exploitation
  •  Indirect ways: Loss or modification of the natural habitats, introduction of exotic species, pollution, etc.
  •  Natural causes – Climate Change.

International efforts for Biodiversity conservation:-

  • Convention on Biological Diversity :-The objectives of the CBD are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from commercial and other utilization of genetic resources. The agreement covers all Ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
    CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
    The CITES aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Through its three appendices, the Convention accords varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 plant and animal species.
  • CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals :-The CMS, or the Bonn Convention aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. Parties to the CMS work together to conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection for the most endangered migratory species, by concluding regional multilateral agreements for the conservation and management of specific species or categories of species, and by undertaking co-operative research and conservation activities.
  • International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and agriculture :-The objectives of the Treaty are the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their use, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. The Treaty covers all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, while its Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing covers a specific list of 64 crops and forages. The Treaty also includes provisions on Farmers’ Rights.
  • Ramsar Convention On Wetlands (popularly known as the Ramsar Convention) :-The Ramsar Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities.
  • WHC World Heritage Convention (WHC) :-The primary mission of the WHC is to identify and conserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage, by drawing up a list of sites whose outstanding values should be preserved for all humanity and to ensure their protection through a closer co-operation among nations.
  • IPPC International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) :-The IPPC aims to protect world plant resources, including cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests and promoting the appropriate measures for their control. The convention provides the mechanisms to develop the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), and to help countries to implement the ISPMs and the other obligations under the IPPC, by facilitating the national capacity development, national reporting and dispute settlement.
    The Secretariat of the IPPC is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

There are several strategies which are adapted for conservation of Biodiversity. Some of these are:

Legislation Formal policies and programmes for conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity resources dates back to several decades. The concept of environmental protection is enshrined in the Indian constitution in articles 48a and 51a(g). Major central acts relevant to biodiversity include:
• Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries Act, 1897
• Forest Act, 1927
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 1991

In-situ conservation Conserving the animals and plants in their natural habitats is known as in situ conservation. The established natural habitats are:
• National parks and sanctuaries
• Biosphere-reserves/”>Biosphere reserves
• Nature reserves
• Reserved and protected forests
• Preservation plots
• Reserved forests

Ex-situ conservation like Boatanical and Zoological parks
Recording Indigenous Knowledge
Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation,

Natural vegetation is the plant life that grows naturally in a particular area without human intervention. It is an important part of the Earth’s ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife, regulating the climate, and preventing soil erosion.

Forests are the most common type of natural vegetation, covering about 30% of the Earth’s land surface. They are found in a variety of climates, from tropical rainforests to boreal forests. Forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and they play an important role in the global carbon cycle.

Wildlife is the animal life that lives in a particular area. It includes both wild animals and domesticated animals that have escaped from captivity. Wildlife is an important part of the natural world, and it plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Conservation is the protection of Natural Resources, including wildlife, forests, and water. It is important to conserve natural resources because they provide us with food, water, and other essential needs. They also help to regulate the climate and protect the environment.

Biosphere reserves are areas of land or sea that are designated for conservation. They are designed to protect the natural environment and promote Sustainable Development. Biosphere reserves are important because they help to protect biodiversity and ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable way.

Forest types and distribution

Forests are classified into different types based on their climate, soil, and vegetation. The major types of forests are tropical rainforests, temperate forests, boreal forests, and savannas.

Tropical rainforests are found in the equatorial regions of the Earth. They are characterized by high rainfall, warm temperatures, and a dense canopy of trees. Tropical rainforests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and they play an important role in the global carbon cycle.

Temperate forests are found in the mid-latitudes of the Earth. They are characterized by moderate rainfall, cool temperatures, and a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Temperate forests are home to a variety of plants and animals, including deer, rabbits, and birds.

Boreal forests are found in the high latitudes of the Earth. They are characterized by low rainfall, cold temperatures, and a dense canopy of coniferous trees. Boreal forests are home to a variety of plants and animals, including moose, wolves, and bears.

Savannas are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Earth. They are characterized by a mix of Grasses and trees, and a long dry season. Savannas are home to a variety of plants and animals, including elephants, lions, and zebras.

Wildlife

Wildlife is the animal life that lives in a particular area. It includes both wild animals and domesticated animals that have escaped from captivity. Wildlife is an important part of the natural world, and it plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife provides us with food, clothing, and other resources. It also helps to regulate the climate and protect the environment. Wildlife is also a source of recreation and tourism.

Conservation

Conservation is the protection of natural resources, including wildlife, forests, and water. It is important to conserve natural resources because they provide us with food, water, and other essential needs. They also help to regulate the climate and protect the environment.

Conservation can be achieved through a variety of methods, including:

  • Protecting habitats
  • Regulating hunting and fishing
  • Restoring damaged ecosystems
  • Educating the public about conservation

Biosphere reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas of land or sea that are designated for conservation. They are designed to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are important because they help to protect biodiversity and ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable way.

Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO. There are over 600 biosphere reserves in over 100 countries. Biosphere reserves are managed by a variety of organizations, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.

Biosphere reserves are important because they help to protect biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes the variety of plants, animals, and Microorganisms, as well as the variety of ecosystems. Biodiversity is important because it provides us with food, medicine, and other resources. It also helps to regulate the climate and protect the environment.

Biosphere reserves also help to promote sustainable development. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Biosphere reserves promote sustainable development by encouraging the use of natural resources in a way that does not harm the environment.

Biosphere reserves are an important part of the global effort to protect the environment. They help to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and educate the public about conservation.

Natural Vegetation

  • What is natural vegetation?
    Natural vegetation is the plant life that grows in an area without human intervention. It is determined by the climate, soil, and other environmental factors.

  • What are the different types of natural vegetation?
    There are many different types of natural vegetation, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands.

  • What are the benefits of natural vegetation?
    Natural vegetation provides many benefits, including:

    • Oxygen production
    • Water purification
    • Soil erosion control
    • Climate regulation
    • Habitat for wildlife

  • What are the threats to natural vegetation?
    The main threats to natural vegetation are deforestation, climate change, and pollution.

  • What can be done to protect natural vegetation?
    There are many things that can be done to protect natural vegetation, including:

Forest Types and Distribution

  • What are the different types of forests?
    There are many different types of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, boreal forests, and coniferous forests.

  • What are the characteristics of each type of forest?
    The characteristics of each type of forest vary depending on the climate, soil, and other environmental factors. For example, tropical rainforests are characterized by their warm, humid climate and their dense canopy of trees. Temperate forests are characterized by their cooler climate and their mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Boreal forests are characterized by their cold climate and their dominance of coniferous trees. Coniferous forests are characterized by their needle-like leaves and their cones.

  • Where are the different types of forests found?
    The different types of forests are found in different parts of the world. For example, tropical rainforests are found in the tropics, temperate forests are found in the temperate zones, boreal forests are found in the subarctic and Arctic regions, and coniferous forests are found in the northern hemisphere.

  • What are the benefits of forests?
    Forests provide many benefits, including:

    • Oxygen production
    • Water purification
    • Soil erosion control
    • Climate regulation
    • Habitat for wildlife

  • What are the threats to forests?
    The main threats to forests are deforestation, climate change, and pollution.

  • What can be done to protect forests?
    There are many things that can be done to protect forests, including:

    • Planting trees
    • Reducing pollution
    • Conserving water
    • Creating protected areas

Wildlife

  • What is wildlife?
    Wildlife is the animal life that exists in a natural environment. It includes both wild animals and domesticated animals that have escaped or been released into the wild.

  • What are the different types of wildlife?
    There are many different types of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

  • What are the benefits of wildlife?
    Wildlife provides many benefits, including:

  • What are the threats to wildlife?
    The main threats to wildlife are habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.

  • What can be done to protect wildlife?
    There are many things that can be done to protect wildlife, including:

    • Creating protected areas
    • Regulating hunting
    • Cracking down on poaching
    • Educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation

Conservation

  • What is conservation?
    Conservation is the protection of natural resources, including wildlife, forests, and water.

  • What are the different types of conservation?
    There are many different types of conservation, including:

    • Wildlife conservation
    • Forest conservation
    • Water conservation
    • Land conservation

  • What are the benefits of conservation?
    Conservation provides many benefits, including:

    • Protection of natural resources
    • Maintenance of ecosystems
    • Climate regulation
    • Biodiversity conservation

  • What are the threats to conservation?
    The main threats to conservation are habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.

  • What can be done to promote conservation?
    There are many things that can be done to promote conservation, including:

    • Reducing our impact on the environment
    • Supporting conservation organizations
    • Getting involved in conservation projects
    • Educating others about the importance of conservation

  1. Which of the following is not a type of forest?
    (A) Tropical rainforest
    (B) Temperate rainforest
    (C) Boreal forest
    (D) Desert forest

  2. Which of the following is the largest type of forest in the world?
    (A) Tropical rainforest
    (B) Temperate rainforest
    (C) Boreal forest
    (D) Desert forest

  3. Which of the following is the most biodiverse type of forest?
    (A) Tropical rainforest
    (B) Temperate rainforest
    (C) Boreal forest
    (D) Desert forest

  4. Which of the following is the most threatened type of forest?
    (A) Tropical rainforest
    (B) Temperate rainforest
    (C) Boreal forest
    (D) Desert forest

  5. Which of the following is a major threat to forests?
    (A) Deforestation
    (B) Climate change
    (C) Pollution
    (D) All of the above

  6. Which of the following is a way to conserve forests?
    (A) Plant trees
    (B) Reduce deforestation
    (C) Protect wildlife
    (D) All of the above

  7. Which of the following is a biosphere reserve?
    (A) A protected area of land that is home to a variety of plants and animals
    (B) A region that is home to a variety of cultures
    (C) A region that is home to a variety of languages
    (D) A region that is home to a variety of religions

  8. Which of the following is the goal of biosphere reserves?
    (A) To protect biodiversity
    (B) To promote sustainable development
    (C) To educate the public about the importance of biodiversity
    (D) All of the above

  9. Which of the following is a major threat to biosphere reserves?
    (A) Deforestation
    (B) Climate change
    (C) Pollution
    (D) All of the above

  10. Which of the following is a way to protect biosphere reserves?
    (A) Plant trees
    (B) Reduce deforestation
    (C) Protect wildlife
    (D) All of the above