Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals
Deforestation and Its Consequences
Deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. The primary causes include procuring land for cultivation, building houses and factories, and using wood as fuel or for making furniture.
Consequences of Deforestation:
- Global Warming: Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere trap heat, leading to a rise in the Earth's temperature.
- Droughts & Floods: Reduced rainfall leads to droughts, while the soil's decreased water-holding capacity results in floods.
- Desertification: The removal of the top layer of soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers, turning fertile land into desert.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Destruction of habitats leads to the extinction of many plants and animals.
Biodiversity and Its Conservation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms existing on the Earth, their interrelationships, and their relationship with the environment. To protect our biodiversity, the government has laid down rules and policies to create protected areas.
Key Terms:
- Flora: The plants found in a particular area.
- Fauna: The animals found in a particular area.
- Endemic Species: Those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area. They are not naturally found anywhere else. For example, sal and wild mango are endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Protected Areas for Conservation
1. Wildlife Sanctuary
Areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat. Here, activities like poaching (killing) or capturing animals are strictly prohibited.
2. National Park
Areas reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources. They are large and diverse enough to protect whole sets of ecosystems. Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India.
3. Biosphere Reserve
Large areas of protected land for conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources, and the traditional life of the tribals living in the area. A biosphere reserve may also contain other protected areas in it (e.g., the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named Bori and Pachmarhi).
Tracking and Natural Phenomena
Red Data Book
This is the source book which keeps an international record of all the endangered animals and plants. The book helps in identifying species at risk and planning conservation strategies.
Migration
Migration is the seasonal movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year for breeding or to escape extreme climatic conditions. Birds that travel long distances to overcome harsh conditions are known as migratory birds.
Solutions: Recycling and Reforestation
Recycling of Paper
It takes 17 full-grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Therefore, we should save, reuse, and recycle paper to save trees, energy, and water.
Reforestation
Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees. If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it re-establishes itself through natural reforestation. However, planned planting of trees is a more active approach.
In India, we have the Forest (Conservation) Act. This act is aimed at the preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?
A wildlife sanctuary primarily protects animals in their habitat, with some human activities allowed. A national park protects an entire ecosystem (flora, fauna, landscape) and has stricter restrictions on human activity.
What are endemic species?
Endemic species are plants and animals that are found exclusively in a specific geographical area and nowhere else in the world.
What is the purpose of the Red Data Book?
The Red Data Book maintains a record of species that are facing a high risk of extinction (endangered species), helping to monitor their status and guide conservation efforts.
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