Forest Resources: Forests are ecosystems rich in biodiversity and provide vital services such as timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, fodder, and non-timber forest products. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting watersheds, and regulating the climate.
Wildlife Resources: Wildlife includes all native species of animals, birds, insects, and plants living in the wild. They are essential for ecological stability, pollination, seed dispersal, food chains, and cultural significance.
Table of Contents
Importance
India is a megadiverse country:
- It holds 8% of the world’s biodiversity with about 90,000 animal species and 45,000 plant species.
- Forests cover about 21.71% of the geographical area (India State of Forest Report 2021).
- Rich wildlife diversity includes iconic species like Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Elephant, Rhinoceros, etc.
Types of Forests in India
- Tropical Evergreen Forests – Western Ghats, North-East India
- Tropical Deciduous Forests – Central India, foothills of Himalayas
- Thorn Forests – Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Montane Forests – Himalayas
- Mangrove Forests – Sundarbans (West Bengal), Andaman & Nicobar
Major Threats to Forest and Wildlife Resources
➤ Deforestation
- Due to agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, and urban expansion.
➤ Poaching and Illegal Trade
- Hunting for skins, bones, tusks, horns (especially of tigers, rhinos, elephants).
➤ Habitat Fragmentation
- Roads, dams, and human settlements divide natural habitats, threatening species survival.
➤ Forest Fires
- Both natural and man-made fires cause extensive damage.
➤ Invasive Species
- Non-native species outcompete indigenous flora and fauna.
➤ Climate Change
- Alters ecosystems and leads to the migration or extinction of sensitive species.
Conservation of Forest and Wildlife Resources
1. Legal and Policy Measures
- Indian Forest Act (1927) and Forest Conservation Act (1980) regulate forest use.
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Prohibits hunting and protects habitats.
- Environment Protection Act (1986): Framework for all environmental laws.
2. Protected Areas Network
- National Parks: No human activity allowed (e.g., Kaziranga, Jim Corbett).
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Limited human activity allowed (e.g., Periyar, Gir).
- Biosphere Reserves: Large areas with core, buffer, and transition zones (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere).
3. Conservation Programs
- Project Tiger (1973) – For tiger protection; now expanded under National Tiger Conservation Authority.
- Project Elephant (1992) – For elephant habitat and corridors.
- Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats – Funding for biodiversity conservation.
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund) – For forest restoration due to development.
4. Community Participation
- Joint Forest Management (JFM) – Involves local communities in forest protection and benefits sharing.
- Examples: Chipko Movement, Appiko Movement, tribal forest guardians.
5. Education and Awareness
- Wildlife Weeks, school programs, documentaries, eco-clubs.
- Promotes coexistence and reduces human-animal conflict.
Global Efforts Supporting India
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- UN REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
Conclusion
Forests and wildlife are integral to India’s ecological and cultural heritage. Their conservation is not just about protecting flora and fauna, but about ensuring food security, water availability, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of millions. A combined effort involving laws, technology, community involvement, and education is essential to conserve these precious resources for future generations.