ThinkRankForest and Wildlife Resources
Overview
This chapter focuses on biodiversity, forest categories, the causes of depletion, and conservation efforts through government and community initiatives.
Learning Objectives
- Explain forest categories in India
- Understand causes of biodiversity loss
- Describe conservation measures and community roles
Key Concepts
Forest Categories
Reserved, protected, and unclassed forests differ in legal protection and permitted use.
Biodiversity Loss
Deforestation, mining, and urban expansion reduce habitats and threaten species.
Conservation Measures
National parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves protect wildlife and habitats.
Community Conservation
Programs like Joint Forest Management involve local communities in protection and sustainable use.
Wildlife Protection Laws
Policies regulate hunting, trade, and habitat destruction to prevent extinction.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Expansion of farms and towns reduces habitats and increases conflict with animals.
Biodiversity Hotspots
Some regions have high species richness and need special protection efforts.
Key Terms
Examples
Chipko Movement
Villagers in Uttarakhand protected forests by hugging trees to prevent logging.
Project Tiger
A national program launched to protect tigers and their habitats.
Quick Check
- Why are forests classified into categories?
- What is JFM?
- How do local communities help conservation?