essay on natural vegetation and wildlife

Biodiversity

• Tourist Places
• Privacy Policy

Natural Vegetation And Wildlife [A Detailed Guide]

Natural vegetation and wildlife represent nature’s beauty and diversity and are essential to our planet’s ecosystem. Wildlife and vegetation consist of a wide variety of plant and animal species.

These plants and animals contribute in different ways to maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth.

Natural vegetation, from dense forests to vast grasslands, provides habitat for numerous organisms and offers vital environmental benefits such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation.

Similarly, wildlife represents the intricate web of life, with each species contributing to ecosystem functionality and biodiversity. However, these invaluable resources face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution.

Understanding and protecting vegetation and wildlife is necessary to promote a balance between humans and nature, ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.

Table of Contents

What is Natural Vegetation and Wildlife?

Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows without human interference or cultivation in a particular region or ecosystem.

It is composed of plant species that have adapted to the environmental conditions of their specific habitat over time.

Natural vegetation refers to the plant life that grows and flourishes in a specific region without human intervention. Natural vegetation includes various kinds of plants, trees, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation that naturally grow in an ecosystem.

The types of plants that can flourish in a particular place are often influenced by elements including climate, soil characteristics, and geographic position, which affect natural vegetation.

These plant communities are self-sufficient and maintain a delicate balance with their surroundings, adapting to the environment’s dynamics.

Wildlife is defined as several different animal species inhabiting different ecosystems. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other creatures living in their natural habitats.

To maintain the balance and ecosystem biodiversity, wildlife plays a vital role. They assist in plant pollination, seed dissemination, nutrient cycling, and the operation of food chains.

Depending on elements, including habitat accessibility, weather circumstances, and interactions with other species, wildlife populations can vary significantly.

Characteristics of Natural Vegetation

Characteristics of natural vegetation include:

Natural vegetation consists of various plant species, each with unique characteristics and adaptations.

The plant species within a natural vegetation community maintain a delicate balance with each other and their surroundings.

Natural vegetation undergoes ecological succession, where plant species change over time in response to natural disturbances or environmental changes.

Types of Natural Vegetation

There are several major types of natural vegetation found across the globe. Here are the main categories:

Forests are characterized by a dense growth of trees, which provide a canopy cover. Forests are characterized by a dense growth of trees, which provide a canopy cover. Different types of trees, herbs, and shrubs grow in forests.

Forests are classified into temperate, mangrove, boreal, and tropical rainforests.

Grasslands are areas dominated by grasses, herbs, and non-woody plants. They are usually found in regions with moderate rainfall and are classified into different types like prairies, steppes, pampas, and savannas.

Deserts are arid regions with little rainfall, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature variations. They are further classified into hot and cold deserts based on climatic conditions.

Wetlands are areas where the land is saturated or covered by water for extended periods. They support unique vegetation adapted to wet conditions and can be categorized into marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.

Tundra refers to treeless landscapes found in the Arctic and high mountain regions, characterized by low temperatures and a short growing season. Low-lying vegetation like mosses, lichens, and shrubs covers the Tundra.

Each natural vegetation type has distinct features, plant adaptations, and ecological significance.

You May Like To Read: Natural Vegetation of Jammu and Kashmir

Role of Natural Vegetation

Natural vegetation is crucial in maintaining a healthy environment and supporting various ecological processes. Here’s an explanation of its key environmental benefits:

Environmental benefits

The benefits of natural vegetation for the environment include:

Oxygen production

Natural vegetation, especially forests, and plants, contributes significantly to oxygen production through photosynthesis.

Plants make their food via. photosynthesis during this process, they release oxygen that helps to maintain the Earth’s oxygen levels. Photosynthesis is necessary for the survival of all living organisms on Earth.

Carbon Sequestration

Natural vegetation, particularly forests, is vital in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air, use sunlight to turn it into biomass, and store it in their branches, stems, and roots—this process aid in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change.

Soil Erosion Prevention

Plants help prevents soil erosion, and vegetation-grasslands, forests, and wetlands, aid in preventing soil erosion.    

The roots of plants bind the soil together, providing stability and reducing the risk of soil erosion caused by wind or water.

Vegetation also acts as a natural barrier, reducing the impact of heavy rainfall and preventing runoff, which can carry away fertile topsoil.

Habitat for Wildlife

Natural vegetation provides crucial habitats for various plant and animal species.

Forests, fields, swamps, and various other natural environments are essential for thousands of birds, insects, water creatures, and reptiles as they provide them with food, shelter, and reproductive habitats.

Reserving natural vegetation ensures these species’ survival and maintains overall biodiversity.

Cultural And Aesthetic Significance

Natural vegetation holds immense cultural and aesthetic value for human societies.

It inspires art, literature, and cultural practices, serving as a source of beauty and tranquility.

Mountains, rivers, and forests, which are nature’s landscapes contribute to tourism, recreation and spiritual well-being and improves the quality of life for people around the world.

The role of natural vegetation in providing environmental benefits extends far beyond the points mentioned above. It helps regulate climate patterns, purify air and water, support nutrient cycling, and provide ecosystem services essential for human well-being.

Preservation and restoration of natural vegetation is crucial for creating a sustainable and healthy planet that can be passed on to future generations.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Wildlife encompasses all living organisms that inhabit their natural environments, comprising animals, birds, insects, and plants. It encompasses the diverse range of species found on Earth.

Conversely, biodiversity encompasses the range of life forms present in an ecosystem or across the entire planet. It includes the diversity of species, genetic diversity within species, and the variety of ecosystems.

Importance of biodiversity conservation

Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functioning of ecosystems.

Here are some key reasons why biodiversity conservation is essential:

Ecosystem Stability

Biodiversity helps maintain the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Each species plays a specific role in the food chain, nutrient cycling, and other ecological processes.

Economic Benefits

Biodiversity provides various ecosystem services with direct economic value, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. These services contribute to human well-being and support industries like agriculture, medicine, and tourism.

Cultural Significance

Biodiversity is intertwined with human cultures and traditions. Many indigenous communities rely on biodiversity for their livelihoods, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices.

Scientific Discoveries

Biodiversity holds immense scientific value. Studying different species and their interactions helps scientists understand ecological processes, genetics, and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Threats to Wildlife and Biodiversity

Unfortunately, wildlife and biodiversity face several threats that can disrupt ecosystems and lead to species loss. Here are some significant threats:

Habitat Loss

One of the significant threats to wildlife is the destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of habitats. Human activities lead to loss of habitat for several species these activities include deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.

Climate Change

The changing climate poses a significant threat to wildlife and biodiversity. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt ecosystems, affect breeding cycles, and impact species’ ability to adapt.

Pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, threatens wildlife. Chemical pollutants, waste disposal, and improper land management practices can harm species directly or indirectly by contaminating their habitats.

It is essential to address these threats through conservation efforts, sustainable land use practices, and international cooperation to ensure wildlife protection and biodiversity preservation.

Forest Ecosystems

Forest ecosystems are diverse and complex systems characterized by a dense concentration of trees and various other plant and animal species.

Here are some critical characteristics of forest ecosystems:

Canopy Structure

Forests have a multi-layered structure with a dominant upper layer called the canopy, composed of tall trees that form a continuous cover. This canopy provides shade and regulates light levels for the lower layers.

Forests are known for their high biodiversity, housing many plant and animal species. They provide habitat and food sources for numerous organisms, contributing to a complex web of ecological interactions.

Carbon Sink

Forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass, helping mitigate climate change.

Water Regulation

Forests contribute to regulating water cycles. They help maintain a balance of moisture in the air, influence rainfall patterns, and prevent soil erosion by absorbing and retaining water.

Nutrient Cycling

Forests facilitate nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and promoting new vegetation growth.

Types of Forests

Forests can be classified into different types based on geographical location, climate, and dominant tree species. Here are the main types of forests:

Tropical Rainforests

High temperatures, ample rainfall, and enormous biodiversity are features of tropical rainforests found close to the equator. They are home to numerous plant and animal species and feature dense vegetation.

Temperate Forests

Temperate forests occur in regions with moderate climates and distinct seasons. They have diverse tree species, including deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter and evergreen trees.

Boreal Forests

Boreal forests, or taiga, are found in subarctic regions with cold temperatures and low precipitation. Coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir, and pine, dominate them.

Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests thrive in coastal areas and brackish water environments. They are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs adapted to the unique challenges of living in tidal zones.

Each forest ecosystem type has its distinct characteristics, flora, and fauna, adapting to the specific environmental conditions of their respective regions.

Grasslands and Savannas

Grasslands are vast landscapes dominated by grasses, herbs, and non-woody plants. They occur in regions with insufficient rainfall to support the growth of large trees or forests.

Here are some key features and distribution patterns of grasslands:

Vegetation Composition

Grasslands primarily consist of various grass species, flowering plants, and herbs. These plants are adapted to withstand drought, fire, and grazing.

Despite the seemingly uniform appearance, grasslands harbor diverse plant and animal species. They are home to numerous grazing animals, insects, and birds, as well as specialized plants and unique adaptations.

Grasslands are often characterized by moderate to seasonal rainfall patterns and experience hot summers and cold winters. These grasslands can be found in various climatic zones-temperate, tropical, and semi-arid environments, among others.

Soil Composition

Grassland soils are typically deep and fertile, with high organic matter content. They are well-suited for the growth of grasses and support the nutrient needs of the diverse plant communities.

Types of grasslands

Grasslands can be further classified into specific types based on their geographical location and unique characteristics. Here are some common types of grasslands:

Prairies are vast, treeless grasslands primarily found in North America. Tall grasses and herbaceous plants characterized them and were historically home to large herds of bison.

Steppes are grasslands in regions with a continental climate, such as Eurasia and North America. They have lower rainfall than prairies and support a mix of short and tall grass species.

Pampas are extensive grasslands found in South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay. They are known for their fertile soils and support a variety of grasses, including the iconic pampas grass.

Savannas are grasslands in tropical and subtropical regions characterized by a combination of grasses and scattered trees. They experience distinct wet and dry seasons and are home to many wildlife, including large herbivores and predators.

Each grassland type has unique characteristics, plant and animal communities, and adaptations to the prevailing environmental conditions.

Wetlands and Marshes

Wetlands are areas where the land is saturated or covered by water for extended periods, permanently or seasonally. They play a crucial role in the environment and provide various benefits. Here’s a brief definition and the importance of wetlands:

Wetlands are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Waterlogged soils, diverse vegetation, and unique hydrological conditions characterize wetlands.

Wetlands are essential for several reasons:

Wetlands support various plant and animal species, including specialized and rare ones. They provide habitat for waterfowl, fish, amphibians, and numerous other wildlife.

Wetlands help regulate water flow and prevent flooding by absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall. They act as natural sponges, reducing the impact of storms and preventing downstream flooding.

Water Filtration

Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by trapping sediments and pollutants. They improve water quality by removing excess nutrients and chemicals.

Carbon Storage

Wetlands are significant carbon sinks, storing large amounts of organic matter. They play a vital role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Recreation and Tourism

Wetlands provide recreational opportunities like birdwatching, boating, and nature walks. They attract tourists and contribute to local economies.

Types of wetlands

Wetlands can be classified into several types based on physical and ecological characteristics. Here are some common types of wetlands:

Marshes are wetlands characterized by shallow water and herbaceous vegetation. They are often found along the edges of rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. Marshes support grasses, reeds, and various wetland plants.

Swamps are wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, and other woody vegetation. They occur in low-lying areas and are typically associated with slow-moving or stagnant water. Swamps can be freshwater or saltwater, depending on their location.

Bogs are wetlands with acidic and nutrient-poor conditions. They are typically fed by rainfall and are characterized by the accumulation of organic material known as peat. Bogs are often home to unique species like sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants.

Fens are wetlands similar to bogs but with a higher nutrient content. They receive water from surface and groundwater sources, resulting in higher mineral content. Fens support diverse vegetation, including sedges, grasses, and mosses.

Each type of wetland has its distinct characteristics, hydrology, and plant and animal communities, contributing to the overall diversity and ecological significance of wetland ecosystems.

Deserts and Xeric Shrublands

Desert ecosystems are characterized by extreme aridity, limited rainfall, and sparse vegetation. Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are home to a surprising diversity of life. Here are some critical characteristics of desert ecosystems:

Deserts are defined by their arid climate, with meager annual precipitation. They often experience high temperatures during the day and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Water Scarcity

Water is scarce in deserts, and plants and animals have adapted to survive with limited water availability. Desert organisms have evolved mechanisms to conserve water, such as reducing water loss through specialized leaves or storing water in their tissues.

Adaptations

Desert plants and animals have unique adaptations to cope with the harsh environment. These include drought tolerance, water storage capabilities, efficient water and energy use, and specialized anatomical features like spines, thorns, and thick waxy coatings.

Deserts support a surprising amount of biodiversity, including various plant species, insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Many desert species have evolved specific adaptations to survive extreme temperatures and rely on specialized behaviors to find food and water.

Types of Deserts

Deserts can be classified into different types based on geographical location, climate, and specific characteristics. Here are some common types of deserts:

Hot Deserts

Hot deserts are characterized by high temperatures throughout the year.

These deserts are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa’s Sahara Desert or North America’s Mojave Desert.

Cold Deserts

Cold deserts experience low temperatures, particularly during the winter season. Cold deserts are found in higher altitudes or latitudes like Asia’s Gobi Desert or South America’s Patagonia desert.

Xeric Shrublands

Xeric shrublands, also known as desert shrublands or semi-deserts, are transitional areas between deserts and more fertile regions. They have slightly higher rainfall than true deserts, allowing drought-tolerant shrubs and other xerophytic vegetation to grow.

Xeric shrublands and Their Adaptations

As transitional zones between deserts and more favorable environments, Xeric shrublands have unique adaptations and characteristics. Here are some notable points:

• Xeric shrublands have vegetation dominated by drought-resistant shrubs, small trees, and xerophytic plants adapted to survive in arid conditions.
• These ecosystems often mix desert-adapted species and species that can tolerate slightly higher moisture levels.
• Xeric shrublands typically exhibit adaptations such as deep root systems, water-storing tissues, reduced leaf surface area, and specialized physiological and reproductive strategies to withstand prolonged dry periods.
• Some common plant species found in xeric shrublands include cacti, succulents, desert shrubs, and grasses that can thrive in semi-arid environments.

Each type of desert ecosystem, including hot deserts, cold deserts, and xeric shrublands, has distinct characteristics, plant and animal adaptations, and ecological dynamics.

Tundra and Arctic Ecosystems

Tundra ecosystems are found in the Arctic and some high-altitude regions, characterized by freezing temperatures, a short growing season, and a lack of trees. Here are some key features of tundra ecosystems:

Cold Climate

Tundras experience long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average temperatures remain below freezing for most of the year, limiting plant growth and biological activity.

Permafrost is a permanently frozen soil layer beneath the tundra’s surface. It restricts plant roots’ penetration and influences the ecosystem’s hydrological processes.

Low Biodiversity

Tundras have relatively low biodiversity compared to other ecosystems. The harsh climate, limited plant growth, and short growing season contribute to the presence of specialized and hardy species adapted to survive in these conditions.

Low-lying plants, such as mosses, small shrubs, lichens and grasses consist the vegetation of Tundra.  Trees are primarily absent due to the cold temperatures and shallow permafrost.

Adaptations of plants and animals in the tundra

Plants and animals in the tundra have evolved unique adaptations to cope with extreme cold and challenging conditions. Here are some notable adaptations:

Plant Adaptations

Plants adopt unique characteristics to survive in Tundra these are: 

Tundra plants grow close to the ground to minimize exposure to harsh winds and retain heat from the ground.

Shallow Root Systems

The permafrost restricts the depth to which plants can grow their roots. Many tundra plants have shallow root systems to access nutrients in the upper layers of soil.

Cushion Growth Forms

Some plants, like cushion plants, grow in compact, low-lying forms that help them retain heat and protect against wind.

Animal Adaptations

Likewise animals in Tundra adopt certain adoptions to survive. 

Many tundra animals have thick fur or feathers that provide insulation against the cold. This helps them conserve body heat in freezing temperatures.

Some animals, such as caribou and birds, migrate long-distance to find food and suitable breeding grounds during the short summer.

Hibernation

Certain tundra animals, like bears, undergo hibernation to conserve energy and survive the winter when food is scarce.

Threats to Tundra Ecosystems

Tundra ecosystems face various threats that can disrupt their delicate balance and unique characteristics. Here are some significant threats to tundra ecosystems:

Tundras are highly vulnerable to climate change.  As temperatures rise, permafrost has the potential to thaw, leading to transformations in the landscape and the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. It can also disrupt the timing of plant and animal life cycles.

Human Activities

Human activities like oil and gas exploration, infrastructure development, and mining can directly impact tundra ecosystems. They can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbance of wildlife.

Overgrazing

Excessive grazing by introduced herbivores can disrupt the delicate vegetation balance in tundra ecosystems. Overgrazing can lead to soil erosion, reduced plant cover, and changes in plant community composition.

Pollution from industrial activities and long-range transport can contaminate tundra environments. Pollutants can accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to plant and animal species.

Preserving tundra ecosystems is crucial to maintaining their unique biodiversity and the ecological services they provide. Conservation efforts, sustainable land use practices, and addressing climate change are essential for protecting these delicate and fragile environments.

Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

Marine and costal ecosystems are vital ecosystems on our planet

Importance of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

Marine and coastal ecosystems are vital components of the Earth’s biodiversity, providing numerous benefits to the environment and human populations. Here’s an explanation of their importance:

Marine and coastal ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and other habitats offer shelter, feeding grounds, and breeding sites for countless marine organisms, contributing to rich biodiversity.

These ecosystems play a vital role in supporting the fishing industry and serve as a crucial food source for millions of people worldwide. Healthy marine habitats sustain fish populations, supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Climate Regulation

Oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate. They absorb a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change’s impacts. Additionally, coastal wetlands and mangroves act as carbon sinks, storing carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Coastal Protection

Mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs act as natural buffers, protecting coastlines from erosion and the destructive forces of storms and waves. They serve as a frontline defense against coastal erosion and mitigate the impacts of tsunamis and storm surges.

Tourism and Recreation

Coastal regions are attractions for tourists, offering abundant opportunities for recreational activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Among these attractions, coral reefs stand out as highly sought-after destinations for ecotourism, making significant contributions to local economies.

Coral Reefs and Their Significance

Coral reefs are diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems built by coral polyps, tiny organisms that secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons. Here’s why coral reefs are significant:

Biodiversity Hotspots

Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems and are considered one of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet. They provide a home for a wide variety of marine organism s pecies, including fish, invertebrates, and plants.

Their vibrant colors and unique marine life attract divers and snorkelers worldwide.

Fisheries and Food Security

Many fish species rely on coral reefs for shelter and food, making them essential for fisheries and ensuring food security for coastal communities.

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from wave erosion and storm damage. They absorb the energy of waves, reducing their impact on the shore.

Medicinal Properties

Coral reefs are a potential source of new medicines, as some marine organisms found in reefs have shown promise in pharmaceutical research.

Tourism and Economy

Coral reefs support a thriving tourism industry, generating income and employment opportunities for communities near reef systems.

Mangroves and Seagrass Beds

Mangroves and seagrass beds are critical coastal habitats that offer a range of ecological benefits:

Nursery Habitats

Mangroves and seagrass beds serve as nursery areas for juvenile fish and other marine species, providing protection and food sources during their early life stages.

Erosion Control

Mangroves have extensive root systems that stabilize shorelines and protect coastal areas from erosion caused by waves and tides.

Water Quality

Both mangroves and seagrass beds filter and purify water, removing pollutants and excess nutrients from runoff before they reach the ocean.

Mangroves and seagrass beds are highly efficient at capturing and storing carbon dioxide, making them valuable assets in the fight against climate change.

Biodiversity Support

These habitats provide habitat for a wide range of marine life, including birds, crustaceans, and various fish species.

Conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems are crucial to safeguarding their numerous benefits to the environment, economies, and human well-being.

Endangered Species

Endangered species are organisms that face a high risk of extinction in the near future. They are typically characterized by a decline in population size, loss of habitat, or other factors threatening their survival.

The criteria for categorizing a species as endangered may vary depending on the specific classification system, but here are some common factors considered:

Population Size

Endangered species often have a small population size, making them vulnerable to various threats and reducing their genetic diversity.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation to Endanger Species

Destruction, degradation, or fragmentation of their natural habitat significantly impacts endangered species, limiting their ability to find food, mates, and suitable conditions for survival.

Overexploitation

Unsustainable hunting, fishing, or trade can bring species to extinction. Illegal wildlife trade and poaching pose significant threats to many endangered species.

Alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise due to climate change can adversely affect endangered species’ habitats and life cycles, making them more vulnerable to extinction.

Examples of Endangered Species and Their Conservation Status

Numerous species across the globe are currently classified as endangered. Here are some examples of endangered species and their conservation status:

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii): Critically Endangered, habitat loss, illegal hunting, and the palm oil industry have drastically reduced their populations.

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Endangered, poaching for ivory, and habitat loss are significant threats to these majestic creatures.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Critically Endangered. Overexploitation of their shells, destruction of nesting beaches, and marine pollution pose severe risks to their survival.

Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae): Critically Endangered. Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poaching have driven this subspecies to the brink of extinction.

Conservation Efforts and Success Stories

Conservation efforts are vital in saving endangered species and reversing their decline. Here are some examples of conservation efforts and success stories:

Protected Areas

Establishing and effectively managing protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, help safeguard the habitats of endangered species. These areas provide safe havens where species can thrive and reproduce.

Habitat Restoration

Efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded habitats can create suitable environments for endangered species to recover. Restoration activities may include reforestation, wetland restoration, or coral reef rehabilitation.

Anti-Poaching Measures

Strict law enforcement, anti-poaching patrols, and raising awareness about the consequences of illegal wildlife trade are crucial in protecting endangered species from poaching and exploitation.

International Cooperation

Collaborative efforts between countries, organizations, and communities are essential for addressing cross-border issues and implementing conservation strategies on a global scale.

Breeding Programs

Captive breeding programs, such as those for pandas or condors, have successfully increased the populations of critically endangered species and reintroduced them to the wild.

While progress has been made in conserving endangered species, many challenges remain. Continued efforts in habitat protection, wildlife management, and addressing the underlying causes of species decline are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species and promote global biodiversity conservation.

Conservation Strategies

Protected areas and national parks are essential conservation strategies that safeguard natural habitats and biodiversity. Here’s an explanation of their significance:

Conservation of Biodiversity

Protected areas and national parks serve as havens for various plant and animal species. By designating specific areas for protection, these strategies help preserve the diversity of life and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Habitat Protection

These areas provide refuge and protection for endangered species, allowing them to thrive without the threats posed by habitat destruction, hunting, or other human activities.

Scientific Research and Education

Protected areas and national parks facilitate scientific research, enabling experts to study ecosystems, monitor species populations, and develop conservation strategies. They also serve as educational sites, promoting public awareness and appreciation of nature.

Sustainable Tourism

Many protected areas and national parks are open to visitors, offering opportunities for sustainable tourism. This generates income that can be used for conservation efforts while providing educational and recreational experiences for visitors.

Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Restoration

Wildlife corridors and habitat restoration initiatives are vital for maintaining ecological connectivity and rehabilitating degraded habitats. Here’s an explanation of their role in conservation:

Ecological Connectivity

Wildlife corridors are strips of habitat that connect fragmented areas, allowing wildlife to move between regions. They facilitate the migration of animals, gene flow, and the recolonization of suitable habitats, contributing to species’ long-term survival.

Mitigating Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation caused by human activities can disrupt ecological processes and isolate populations, increasing the risk of local extinction. Wildlife corridors help counteract the negative impacts of fragmentation by providing connectivity and promoting genetic diversity.

Habitat restoration involves repairing or rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. It aims to bring back native vegetation, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity.

Restoration efforts can include reforestation, wetland rehabilitation, or removing invasive species to restore the natural balance of ecosystems.

Sustainable Land Use

Incorporating wildlife corridors and habitat restoration into land-use planning promotes sustainable practices that balance conservation and human activities. It allows for the coexistence of communities and wildlife, minimizing conflicts while preserving natural habitats.

Sustainable Development and Community Involvement

Conservation strategies prioritizing sustainable development and involving local communities are crucial for long-term success. Here’s how they contribute to conservation efforts:

Balancing Conservation and Development

Sustainable development seeks to meet the needs of present and future generations while conserving the environment. It involves responsible land use, resource management, and minimizing the ecological footprint of human activities.

Community Involvement

Engaging local communities in conservation efforts fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. It recognizes their traditional knowledge, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and ensures conservation initiatives align with local needs and aspirations.

Environmental Education and Awareness

Promoting environmental education and raising awareness about the importance of conservation within communities fosters a culture of environmental stewardship. It helps people understand the value of natural resources and encourages sustainable practices.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Integrating conservation goals with sustainable livelihood opportunities, such as ecotourism or sustainable agriculture, provides economic incentives for communities to support conservation efforts. It ensures that local communities benefit from protecting natural resources.

Comprehensive conservation strategies can effectively preserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and nature by combining protected areas, wildlife corridors, habitat restoration, sustainable development, and community involvement.

Implementing these strategies may vary depending on each region or project’s specific context and conservation goals.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Economic and ecological benefits of ecotourism:

Ecotourism, a form of sustainable tourism focusing on nature and conservation, offers several benefits for local communities and the environment. 

Job Creation: Ecotourism creates employment opportunities, particularly in rural and remote areas where other economic activities may be limited. It generates jobs in various sectors, such as guiding, hospitality, transportation, and crafts.

Local Revenue: Ecotourism contributes to the local economy by generating income through visitor spending on accommodations, food, transportation, and souvenirs. This revenue can be reinvested in community development and conservation initiatives.

Diversification of Income: Communities that engage in ecotourism can diversify their sources of income, reducing their dependence on unsustainable activities such as logging or poaching.

Ecological Benefits

Conservation Funding: Ecotourism revenue can be directed toward protecting and managing natural areas. Funds can support conservation projects, habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and the establishment of protected areas.

Environmental Education: Ecotourism provides opportunities for visitors to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts. This educational component fosters environmental awareness and promotes a sense of responsibility towards nature.

Habitat Preservation: By attaching economic value to intact ecosystems, ecotourism incentivizes the conservation and preservation of natural habitats. It creates financial incentives for local communities to protect biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance.

Examples of Successful Ecotourism Initiatives

Several ecotourism initiatives worldwide have demonstrated positive outcomes for conservation and local communities. Some examples are:

Costa Rica: Costa Rica is renowned for its successful ecotourism practices. The country has established a network of national parks, private reserves, and eco-lodges that attract visitors interested in experiencing its rich biodiversity.

Ecotourism has significantly contributed to the country’s economy and has played a crucial role in conserving natural resources.

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia: The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an ecotourism destination known for its desert landscapes, wildlife, and community involvement. Local communities run lodges, guide tours, and manage conservation initiatives.

The park’s success highlights the potential for ecotourism to empower local communities and support wildlife conservation.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: The Galapagos Islands have implemented strict regulations and sustainable tourism practices to preserve the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. Visitors must follow guidelines to minimize their impact on the delicate ecosystem.

Tourism revenue contributes to conservation efforts and supports research and monitoring programs.

Responsible Travel Practices

Responsible travel practices ensure that ecotourism remains sustainable and beneficial for the environment and local communities. Some fundamental principles of responsible travel:

• Minimize Environmental Impact
• Respect Wildlife and Habitat
• Observe animals from a safe distance.
• Follow designated trails.
• Avoid disturbing their natural behavior or habitats.
• Reduce Waste and Use Resources Wisely
• Practice proper waste management
• Minimize water usage
• Support accommodations that prioritize sustainability.

Support Local Communities:

Respect local culture and traditions. Learn about local customs, traditions, and etiquette, and be respectful in your interactions with local communities.

Choose Locally Owned Businesses

Support local businesses, accommodations, and guides to ensure economic benefits directly benefit the community.

Educate Yourself and Others

Learn about the Environment: Educate yourself about the destination’s biodiversity, conservation challenges, and local conservation initiatives.

Share Knowledge

Spread awareness about responsible travel practices and the importance of conservation among fellow travelers.

By embracing responsible travel practices, visitors can contribute to the long-term sustainability of ecotourism destinations, support local economies, and conserve natural areas.

It is notable that the success and impact of ecotourism initiatives may vary depending on the destination, management practices, and the involvement of local communities.

Major Environmental Organizations of the World

Numerous organizations worldwide are dedicated to the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife. Some prominent organizations actively working in this field:

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The WWF is one of the largest and most well-known conservation organizations globally.

It focuses on protecting the world’s most ecologically important regions and endangered species.

The WWF’s initiatives include habitat conservation, sustainable development, protection of wildlife, and combating climate change.

Conservation International (CI)

CI aims to safeguard biodiversity by promoting sustainable practices and protecting ecosystems.

It collaborates with local communities, governments, and businesses to implement conservation programs.

CI’s work includes protecting forests and marine habitats and addressing environmental challenges through science-based solutions.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

TNC is committed to conserving lands and waters on a large scale, emphasizing the protection of critical habitats.

It collaborates with governments, communities, and businesses to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.

TNC’s focus areas include forests, oceans, freshwater systems, and sustainable agriculture.

BirdLife International

BirdLife International is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats worldwide.

It works through a network of partner organizations in over 100 countries, conducting research, advocacy, and habitat restoration.

BirdLife International’s efforts contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and the protection of threatened bird species.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The IUCN is a global organization that brings together governments, NGOs, and scientists to address conservation challenges.

It provides scientific expertise, assesses species’ conservation status, and promotes sustainable development practices.

The IUCN also maintains the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species , a comprehensive database of species at risk of extinction.

Rainforest Trust

Rainforest Trust focuses on protecting tropical rainforests and other threatened habitats worldwide.

It partners with local organizations and communities to establish protected areas and promote sustainable land use practices.

Rainforest Trust’s approach combines land acquisition, scientific research, and community engagement to ensure long-term conservation.

These organizations and many others play vital roles in advocating for protecting natural vegetation and wildlife. Through their efforts, they contribute to preserving biodiversity, mitigating habitat loss, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.

Remember that these are just a few organizations. Numerous other organizations are working diligently to conserve these natural resources globally and locally.

Natural vegetation and wildlife conservation are of utmost importance for the well-being of our planet and future generations. The rich biodiversity and intricate ecosystems supported by natural vegetation play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment.

From providing oxygen and sequestering carbon to preventing soil erosion and serving as a habitat for wildlife, natural vegetation is an integral part of the Earth’s ecological balance. However, these invaluable resources are under threat due to human activities and climate change.

We must take action and support conservation efforts to address this critical situation. We can make a difference by promoting sustainable practices, supporting organizations working toward conservation, and advocating for the protection of natural habitats.

Each of us has a role to play in preserving the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Together, let’s take a stand and ensure the conservation of vegetation and wildlife for a sustainable and thriving planet.

Our collective efforts today will secure a better future for generations to come.

Recent Posts

Air and Water Pollution: Causes, Impacts, and Prevention

Conservation of Biodiversity- Importance and Challenges

Pollution Caused by Agricultural Activities

Effective Ways to Prevent Water Pollution

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Wildlife conservation.

Wildlife conservation aims to protect plant and animal species as the human population encroaches on their resources.

Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Storytelling, Photography

Loading ...

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats . Wildlife is integral to the world’s ecosystems , providing balance and stability to nature’s processes. The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure the survival of these species, and to educate people on living sustainably with other species. The human population has grown exponentially over the past 200 years, to more than eight billion humans as of November 2022, and it continues to rapidly grow. This means natural resources are being consumed faster than ever by the billions of people on the planet. This growth and development also endangers the habitats and existence of various types of wildlife around the world, particularly animals and plants that may be displaced for land development, or used for food or other human purposes. Other threats to wildlife include the introduction of invasive species from other parts of the world, climate change, pollution, hunting, fishing, and poaching. National and international organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the United Nations, and National Geographic, itself, work to support global animal and habitat conservation efforts on many different fronts. They work with the government to establish and protect public lands, like national parks and wildlife refuges . They help write legislation, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 in the United States, to protect various species. They work with law enforcement to prosecute wildlife crimes, like wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting (poaching). They also promote biodiversity to support the growing human population while preserving existing species and habitats. National Geographic Explorers, like conservation biologist Charudutt Mishra and conservation technologist Rebecca Ryakitimbo, are working to slow the extinction of global species and to protect global biodiversity and habitats. Environmental filmmakers and photographers, like Thomas P. Peschak and Joel Sartore, are essential to conservation efforts as well, documenting and bringing attention to endangered wildlife all over the world.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

May 9, 2024

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Essay on Wildlife Conservation

500+ Words Essay on Wildlife Conservation

Going by the importance of climate change and associated topics are garnering importance worldwide, an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English is an expected topic in the English exams. To prepare well in advance Vedantu has brought this essay for you. It is written by experts having expertise in English. Enough data and content are brought to you so that you can recall maximum points in the exam. This will ensure you achieve amazing marks in the English examination.

Let’s Being with the Essay on Wildlife Conservation for Students in English

Like forests, wildlife consisting of animals, birds, insects, etc. living in the forest is a national resource, which not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but is also beneficial for various economic activities that generate revenue from tourism. The rich flora and fauna also play a major role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region. There was a time when human needs were minimal and there was bare interference in the wildlife. There is no denying the fact that due to urbanization, pollution, and human interventions wildlife is rapidly disappearing from the planet.

Today the biodiversity of the world is threatened due to the extinction of species. There are thirty-five hotspots around the world, which supports 43% of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as endemic. The IUCN has compiled a list of species and has classified the different species under extinct, critically endangered, less endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concerned. This list is called the Red Data Book. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the number of birds, animals, marine and freshwater creatures has dropped by almost one-third of its earlier population.

Causes for Decline or Threat to Wildlife

One of the major reasons for the constant decline of wildlife is human’s ever-increasing demands and greed that have led to deforestation and habitat destruction. For development and urbanization, man has chopped down trees to build dams, highways, and towns and this has forced the animals to retreat further and further into the receding forests.

Rapid industrialization and urbanization due to the fast growth in population in recent decades have taken a heavy toll on wildlife. Global warming and extensive environmental pollution have largely threatened wildlife as they lead to habitat destruction and rising temperature.

There is a huge demand for animal fur, skin, meat, bone, etc. across the globe that has led to a decrease in the wildlife population. Poachers kill the animals for the illegal trading of their body parts. For example, elephants are massively poached for ivory, rhinoceros are poached in Assam for their horns. The desire to keep animals in captivity or their desire to consume certain animals as exotic food has resulted in the disappearance of many animal species such as tigers and deer.

Forest fires, food shortage, increase in the number of predators, extreme weather conditions and other extraneous reasons have led to the extinction and endangerment of many species. For instance, the recent forest fires in the Amazon (Brazil), Uttarakhand (India), Australia, etc. lead to the death of many animals every year. 

Many types of animals, birds, and fauna are needed to retain the ecological balance. They are considered necessary for scientific research and experiments that will benefit mankind.

Steps to Conserve Wildlife

The protection and conservation of wildlife is the need of the hour. Some conservation efforts which are widely implemented are given below:

Afforestation:

First and most importantly, humans need to have control over their needs. We need to prevent man from felling trees unnecessarily. Trees should be replanted if they are felled.

Pollution is one of the major causes that have led to the destruction of the habitat of animal species. Pollution of the environment like air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution hurts the entire ecosystem. It has become of utmost importance to control environmental pollution.

More campaigns must be launched to raise awareness in humans on the need to keep our environment clean. A man should be responsible to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem so they should be cordial with the environment. More organizations like PETA should be set up to create awareness among people for the protection of wildlife.

Population:

The man should consciously put a check on the rapid growth of the population. The slow growth of population will decrease the rate of urbanization and that will have a major impact on the preservation of wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Wildlife sanctuaries should be made to ensure the protection of the areas of ecological significance. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 various provisions for protecting habitats of wildlife are made by constructing national parks and sanctuaries. These parks and sanctuaries ensure the protection and maintenance of endangered species.

Ban of Illegal Activities:

Illegal activities like hunting, poaching, and killing animals, birds, etc. for collections and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns, feathers, etc. should be strictly prohibited and severe punishments and fines should be imposed on people who do these kinds of activities.

Community initiatives

Communities come together to take various conservation initiatives such as the establishment of community forests, raising their voice against illegal activities, creating awareness among the masses, raising voice for the rights of the animals, conserving animals of cultural significance, and many more. For example, members of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan are very vocal against poaching activities in the region.    

Many countries have taken the initiative to help animals by proclaiming various birds and animals either as national animals or as protected species. In India, the government has launched a program of Joint Forest Management to protect the wildlife and their habitat. Under this program, responsibilities have been assigned to the village communities to protect and manage nearby forests and the wildlife in them.  Animal species have the right to live just like humans. Therefore, we should take every step to conserve them and ensure their survival and betterment.

Wildlife is an integral part of our planet. Wildlife plays a significant role in the ecology and the food chain. Disturbing their numbers or in extreme cases, extinction can have wide-ranging effects on ecology and humankind. Valuing and conserving forests and wildlife enhance the relation between man and nature. We want our future generation to be able to hear the lions roar and peacocks dancing with their extravagant feathers and not just see them in picture books. We must take steps today or else it will be too late and we should always remember 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

FAQs on Essay on Wildlife Conservation

1. How is Wildlife Important for Humankind?

Wildlife comprises animals, birds, insects, and aquatic life forms. They provide us with a number of products, such as milk, meat, hides, and wools. Insects like bees provide us, honey. They help in the pollination of flowers and have an important role to play as decomposers in the ecosystem. The birds act as decomposers by feeding on insects. Birds like vultures are known as scavengers and cleansers of the environment by feeding on dead livestock. Thus, wildlife helps in maintaining ecological balance.

2. Why Should we Conserve Biodiversity?

We should conserve biodiversity because it is very significant for all living organisms and for the environment. We must conserve biodiversity to save it from becoming extinct.

3. Why are Animals Poached?

The animals are hunted and poached for collection and illegal trade of skins, fur, horns, skins, and feathers.

4. Write Two Steps that the Government has Taken to Conserve Wildlife.

The two steps that the government has taken to conserve wildlife are:

In order to conserve wildlife, the government has established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

Many awareness programs are launched by the government to create awareness of protecting wildlife.

5. What is the importance of essays on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation is a topic given to students because it serves many purposes and holds a lot of importance in the present times. Before starting the essay, students will do adequate research to get enough data about the topic. In the process, they will learn a lot about wildlife conservation. While writing this essay they will learn to empathize with the plight of the animals. Also, they will become better at expressing themselves in written words by writing an essay on this topic as it is a very sensitive topic. This essay will not just help them in fetching excellent marks but it will also sensitize them about the current happenings.

6. What message does an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carry?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carries a very significant message that emphasizes the importance of the conservation efforts taken and that are needed. The essay talks about the efforts which have already been taken and are under implementation and it also talks about what needs to be done in the future. It also talks about why we need to conserve wildlife and what significance it holds. Overall the central message of the essay is to conserve and protect the wildlife as much as we can.  

7. What important points should be covered while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

As such there are no rigid pointers that you need to cover while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation, but you may use the following pointers for reference:

Definition of wildlife conservation

Explain the reasons for conserving the wildlife with valid points

Efforts that are taken by international agencies. This should also include various treaties and protocols signed 

Mention the efforts that are taken by the Indian government. Talk about various laws and legislations present.

Mention various provisions on the local level

Talk about various popular civil movements such as efforts undertaken by the Bishnoi Community

What can you do as students to conserve wildlife? Give suggestions and examples.

8. What steps taken by the government should be mentioned in the essay on Wildlife Conservation?

The Indian government has undertaken various measures to conserve wildlife in the country. You can mention some of these in the essay on Wildlife Conservation:

Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972

Schedules involved and protections provided to the animals

Conservation efforts for particular animals like tigers, elephants, etc.

Formation of various protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, etc.

Awards and accolades received by India on various international forums

Various international treaties and agreements were signed by India. 

Mention names of international grouping dedicated to conservation efforts whose India is a part of

You may refer to Vedantu’s forum to get more information about steps to conserve wildlife. 

9. In how many words should one write an essay on Wildlife Conservation?

Word count for writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English can vary depending on which standard the student is studying in. it can range from 300 words to 800 words. Accordingly, the level of writing and richness of the content should vary. You can refer to Vedantu’s guide on essays for further understanding the demand of any given topic. If the essay is being written by a student studying in class 10 then the essay should be data and opinion-driven. It should reflect the ideas and thoughts of the student that are substantiated with authentic data and valid reasons.

Essay on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Students are often asked to write an essay on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Introduction.

Forests and wildlife are vital parts of our ecosystem. They provide shelter, food, and even oxygen. Sadly, these natural resources are under threat due to human activities.

Importance of Forests and Wildlife

Forests absorb harmful carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change. They are also home to countless species of animals. Wildlife, on the other hand, contributes to biodiversity, crucial for ecosystem balance.

Threats to Forests and Wildlife

Deforestation and hunting are major threats. Forests are being cleared for agriculture or urbanization, while animals are hunted for their body parts.

Conservation Efforts

Protecting these resources involves creating protected areas, enforcing laws, and promoting sustainable practices. Education also plays a key role in conservation.

250 Words Essay on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Forests and wildlife are integral to maintaining ecological balance. They serve as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Wildlife, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in pollination, pest control, and maintaining a balanced food chain.

Impacts of Deforestation and Loss of Wildlife

Deforestation and loss of wildlife have far-reaching impacts. It disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, leading to severe climatic changes, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The extinction of a single species can have a domino effect, causing the collapse of an entire ecosystem.

Conservation Strategies

Conservation strategies revolve around sustainable use and management of natural resources. These include the establishment of protected areas, implementation of laws against illegal hunting and logging, and promotion of eco-tourism. Additionally, reforestation and afforestation programs can help restore degraded habitats.

The conservation of forests and wildlife is not just an environmental issue; it’s a matter of survival for future generations. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we use our resources sustainably, preserving the balance of our ecosystems. Through concerted efforts and global cooperation, we can protect and preserve our natural heritage.

500 Words Essay on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

Forests and wildlife are integral parts of our planet’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They not only support a diverse range of flora and fauna but also provide essential resources for human survival. However, with rapid industrialization and urbanization, the conservation of forest and wildlife has become a pressing issue.

The Importance of Forests and Wildlife

Wildlife, on the other hand, contributes to the biodiversity of the planet. Each species, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the ecosystem. They help in pollination, pest control, decomposition, and much more. Wildlife also has intrinsic value, enhancing our world with their beauty and diversity.

Unfortunately, human activities pose significant threats to forests and wildlife. Deforestation, driven by the need for agricultural land, timber, and urban development, is causing a rapid loss of forest cover. This not only results in a loss of habitat for wildlife but also contributes to climate change.

Efforts towards the conservation of forest and wildlife must be multi-pronged. Legal measures, such as implementing strict laws against deforestation and poaching, can deter destructive activities. Protected areas, like national parks and wildlife reserves, should be established and effectively managed to provide safe havens for wildlife.

Community involvement is also crucial. Local communities should be educated about the importance of conservation and encouraged to participate in conservation efforts. Sustainable practices, such as community forestry and eco-tourism, can provide economic benefits while preserving the environment.

The Role of Technology and Research

The conservation of forest and wildlife is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of our survival. As we continue to exploit nature for our needs, we must also take responsibility for its protection. By understanding the value of forests and wildlife, implementing effective conservation strategies, and harnessing the power of technology and research, we can ensure a sustainable future for all life on Earth.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Geography Notes

Essay on natural vegetation and soils of asia.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The natural vegetation is perhaps the best summary of the physical environment, for it reflects the temperature, rainfall, drain­age, elevation and soil conditions. In nature, all physical phenomena are interre­lated; together, these provide us with an understanding of the physical environ­ment.

The patterns of their distribution and interactions are of crucial importance to us, as we have to depend on these for our sustenance. However, we have sub­stantially modified the natural vegetation and the soils that were present before hu­man intervention and that have been replaced by other forms.

It is important to note that over one- third of the continent’s surface has been cleared for human settlement or given to permanent agriculture. Vegetation in such areas no longer remains “natural”. In most areas of dense settlement the original vege­tation has been entirely removed and no trace of undisturbed forest remains.

Thus, the Indus-Ganga plains in India, lower Chao plains in Thailand, the lower basin of Huanghe, Chang Jiang, and Xi Jiang riv­ers in China are almost covered with cropland. Throughout these and other in­tensely settled areas in Java (Indonesia) and Japan, imported plants have replaced the indigenous vegetation.

Original cover can only be found in the remote and inhospitable areas, such as northern and northeastern Siberia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Reflecting the growing awareness of the consequences of deforestation and loss of natural vegeta­tion, reforestation is becoming increasingly popular, and preservation and recovery of forest areas has become a national priority for several Asian nations, although this practice is not as widespread as in the U.S.A. or in the European nations.

The nations in the Indian subconti­nent, because of their enormous populations and deficiency in timber re­sources, are sensitive to the issue and have launched several reforestation pro­grammes. China, Malaysia, and Turkey have also included in their national plans aimed at increasing forest lands and in the case of Turkey to reduce timber imports.

Asia’s enormous territory, immense variety of relief and a wide range of cli­mates combine to produce most types of vegetation forms. A dominant feature of the continent’s vegetation is that a larger territory on the western side has no oce­anic border, and receives scanty rainfall in relation to summer temperatures that can allow appreciable forest growth. The broad pattern of natural vegeta­tion generally follows the climatic types; it is thus convenient and useful to describe it in association with the climatic patterns of Asia.

The Tundra:

The Tundra climatic type correlates with its namesake vegetation, Tundra vegetation that borders the Arctic Ocean. It is a region of cold, treeless plains with permanently frozen subsoil. Lichens, mosses, sedges and some grasses may oc­cupy more favored locations. The Tundra belt extends to 70°N and with further south extensions on high altitudes (Chersk, Verkhoyansk and Kamachatka mountains).

South of the Tundra region is the Taiga, a belt of coniferous forests, or the needle-leaf evergreen forest, with a small, transitional zone of “wooden tun­dra”. It covers most of Siberia from the Urals to the Pacific and northern part of Japan. The trees have small leaves, deep roots, and thick bark, and thus most spe­cies (pine, spruce, fir, etc.) are successful in cold and dry environment. Further east and southwest of Siberia is a transitional zone of coniferous forest mixed with hardy, deciduous trees such as aspen and birch, with sections of grass and shrubs in the drier areas.

Temperate Grasslands, the Steppes :

To the south of Taiga is elongated, unbro­ken stretch of the Steppes from Ukraine to Manchuria—a broad belt of several thou­sand miles of temperate grasslands in southern Siberia— a parkland country of open grasses. There is some precipitation although the winters are still very cold, but the extreme temperature ranges of the Taiga are softened by the warm summers. However, the higher elevations in the mountains are covered with forests, and the dry valleys are bare except for the occa­sional cultivated oases.

Mediterranean Scrubland and Forest :

A belt of scrub forest that is particularly at­tuned to the Mediterranean climatic regime rims the eastern shore of the Medi­terranean that includes the countries of Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the pla­teaus of Turkey and Iran. The summers are hot and dry; the winters mild and moist. Thus, the circumstances for the plant community are unusual; winters be­come the growing period.

Plants must adapt to conditions of drought and higher temperatures in summers. They share the adaptive characteristics of small plant size, short leaves, deep roots, and thick barks to retain moisture. The most distinctive vege­tation community of this region consists of a scrubland and short trees.

Desert Vegetation:

The desert climatic and associated vegetation types are found in the trade wind deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, the deserts of Tibet, Mongolia, and the desert-like steppe-lands bordering the Caspian Sea. The mid-latitude deserts of Tibet and Mongolia in the interior re­semble the Arabian Desert only in aridity, but contain a clear altitudinal zonation of vegetation.

Plant cover in the deserts is sparse, with a considerable bare ground dotted by a scattering of individual plants. Typically, the plants are moisture-combat­ing, waxy, deep-rooted or thorny shrubs and sporadic stunted trees. The upper reaches of the highlands in Tibet or Mon­golia may be bare, or contain Taiga- and Tundra-like vegetation depending on the amount of available moisture.

Monsoon Region:

This region is asso­ciated with monsoon climates. The natural vegetation varies with the amount of an­nual rainfall. Areas receiving between 40 and 80 inches of rainfall annually contain tropical deciduous (shedding leaves season­ally) forests, and those which receive less than 40 inches have savanna (tall grasses) and steppe-like (of short grasses) vegeta­tion, below which semi-desert and desert vegetation prevails. The monsoon lands have been extensively modified by human settlement and put to cultivation, and little trace of the original vegetation survives.

Tropical Rainforest:

Tropical rain-forests are typical to the equatorial regions. In Malaysia and Indonesia rainforests cover large section of the countries, whereas in southern Sri Lanka and Java they have almost entirely replaced by agricultural landscapes where plantations of tea, coconut palms, and rubber trees cover the Mountain slopes and hills.

The vegetation consists of evergreen, broad-leafed tall, 2ense, high-crowned trees of several species having a dense canopy above the floor because the region gets a high amount of precipitation throughout the year, and is constantly warm. The savannas and deciduous trees cover the ground, the subequatorial and the areas that lie in the rain shadow on the leeward slopes.

Vegetation in the Mountains:

The mountains of southern and eastern Asia show a remarkable altitudinal zonation in natural vegetation. A zone of forest fol­lowed higher up by meadows, and snow cover at the highest elevations is charac­teristic. On the lower slopes are the broad-leafed deciduous forests, and on higher ground the coniferous trees occur.

Still higher up stunted trees, subalpine meadows and near the highest ridges per­ennial snow, and glaciers are found in a vertical zonation pattern. Elsewhere in the equatorial region in Malaysia and Greater Sunda Islands, (Indonesia) where the snow line is very high and moist-hot conditions predominate, the vegetation zonation is practically absent.

Along with the climate the distribution of soils is critically important to agricultural productivity, and thus has a special signifi­cance for nations of Asia, as most Asians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. In the preceding paragraphs, wide range of interacting natural phenomena: climate, natural vegetation, parent rock material and relief features that determine the de­velopment and nature of soils have been discussed for the Asian continent.

Soil classification is both complicated and subject to constant revision. In the case of Asia, the difficulty is compounded by the fact that a large part of it is physi­cally remote, or climatically inhospitable for field surveys. Most of Asia has been surveyed unequally based on different sys­tems with the result that comparable knowledge of soil types and their charac­teristics is difficult to obtain.

Some part of the continent still remains un-surveyed. In addition, the most commonly used current classification at the present time—that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture known as the Seventh Approximation— has not gained much acceptance in most Asian nations.

It may be interesting and sobering to realize that a small fraction of Asia’s land surface is blessed with really rich soils that have given sustenance to a large mass of humanity.

At the broad scale of our study, it may be convenient to generalize the distribu­tion patterns of soils by recognizing that there are basically three complex processes by which soils are formed; those of the hu­mid latitudes, of the tropical regions and of the deserts. Each of these processes are re­sponsible for the formation of specific types of soils which can be defined in broad terms.

The processes produce either the pedocals or calcium-bearing soils, or the pedalfers, the aluminum-bearing or nitro- gen-bearing soils. The letters “cal”, “al”, “fe” representing three distinctive ele­ments in soils. In simple terms, this division separates the basic soils from the acidic soils. Soil patterns based on such classification point to some general tropi­cal regions.

Two fundamental soil-forming processes operate in the humid regions; podzolization in the cool, wet regions, and Laterization in the hot, wet regions. Podzolization is thought to remove the soluble salts, iron and aluminum com­pounds from the surface horizons, leaving a gray silica residue; and laterization begins by removing the salts, and transferring the iron and aluminum compounds near the surface with clays accumulating just under­neath them.

Soils in the tropical areas are generally lateritic, having varying degrees of red or black color. The soils are rich in aluminum and iron oxides, low in silica; are nearly structureless and generally of low fertility. Most soils of South and Southeast Asia be­long to this category. In the Arabian Desert and deserts in Central Asia the soils are usually high in their content of unleached minerals, but may be deficient in their con­tent of nitrogen and humus (decomposed vegetative materials of the wet tropics).

Where the water-table is high, evaporation salts have accumulated in excess near the surface, the soils are alkaline. Such red de­sert soils cover much of the Arabian Peninsula and northwest India, while higher desert soils cover the rest of south­west Asian countries.

Large parts of northern Asia are cov­ered by podzolic soils of varying, but generally low fertility. These soils cover the mid-to high-latitude locations in the re­gion of well-distributed rainfall (in coniferous forest of a taiga forest zone) from the Urals to Kamchatka. In much of northern China and Manchuria soils be­long to the gray-brown podzolic category.

In the Mediterranean lands the pattern of soils is complicated. While cool tem­peratures and some rainfall produce podzolic conditions during winter, hot summers complicate the conditions when surface evaporation exceeds rainfall and moisture moves upward through capillary action and the podzolization process no longer operates. The grasslands of western Siberia, Manchuria, and most of Anatolia plateau of Turkey are underlain by black prairie and chernozem soils which have good tex­ture and are of generally high fertility.

From the standpoint of agricultural productivity, the most important soils in Asia are the relatively immature soils of al­luvial origin that are found in the river valleys. These soils are among the richest in plant nutrients which can maintain their fertility through periodic inundatation by silt-bearing waters from the rivers in flood.

Alluvial soils cover the river val­leys of the Tigris-Euphrates, the plains of Indus-Ganga Rivers, the lower Irrawaddy basin, the deltas of the Mekong and the lower basins of Chang Jiang, Huanghe Rivers, as well as the river plains of smaller rivers in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. These, in a very large measure, provide substance to the growing population of Asia.

Several islands of Indonesia and south­ern Philippines contain active volcanoes that periodically provide a new layer of rich basic soils of recently deposited vol­canic materials (not all volcanic soil consists of basic material; some retain their fertility for long periods as these are re­newed occasionally by new deposits, and account for enormous densities of rural population in Java and some areas of the Philippines).

Soils in the hilly and mountainous re­gions are produced by geologic structure, altitude, and temperature conditions to a greater degree than elsewhere. These may be lumped together as montane soils. A good part of the Asian surface of the uplands is too steep for the formation of deep soils. Skeletal soils are found in such areas, much of which are cropped by shift­ing cultivation, in which the cyclical use of land provides periodic regeneration of plant nutrients.

In northwest China some areas are covered by a thin layer of wind-blown ma­terial dating from the retreat of the ice sheet during the most recent Ice Age. This material is known by the term loess, and adds considerably to the natural fertility of the soil and thus to the agricultural pro­ductivity of the area.

Surveying the overall picture of soil distribution in Asia, it can be concluded that for its size, much of the continent of­fers limited opportunities for productive agricultural land. No more than 20 percent of the land surface is estimated to contain soils suitable for agriculture and a good quarter of this percentage contains soils of marginal value.

Tropical and subtropical soils are generally immature and unpro­ductive. The soils of the middle latitudes are themselves suitable, but lack of water is often a key factor. Only the alluvial soils of the river plains and the basic soils pro­duced by the volcanic ejecta are productive soils.

Several of the river basins, where the soils are rich, have been settled for hun­dreds of centuries and the soil cropped by hundreds of generations of farmers, and where enormous population densities are straining agricultural productivity. In such lands good soil management is an impor­tant factor as an agricultural resource.

Most Asian farmers have not taken to farming practices restoring plant nutrients to the soils they farm. The diffusion of the Green Revolution is still limited to a few, selected areas in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Taiwan where farmers have been making use of superior seeds of hybrid plant varieties, chemical fertilizers, and mechanized farming.

Related Articles:

• Classification of Natural Vegetation in India
• Monsoon Climate: Location and Natural Vegetation | Climatology|Geography
• Hot Desert Cli­mate: Location and Natural Vegetation | Climatology |Geography
• Mediterranean Climate: Location and Natural Vegetation | Climatology | Geography

Privacy Overview

• Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World

Have you noticed that the plants and animals everywhere are not the same? Some are large leafy green trees, and some are thorny bushes. In the same way, even animals differ from each other depending upon their habitat and other natural factors surrounding them. They have basically adapted to their natural environment around them, so they can survive. This is basically what we mean by natural Vegetation and wildlife in India .

Suggested Videos

Natural vegetation.

Natural vegetation refers to the plant life (flora) that grows in a region according to the climatic conditions and other such factors prevailing in that region. In general, there are about five broad varieties of natural vegetation in the world. Let us take a quick look.

Browse more Topics under Resources Of India And World

• Agriculture of India and World
• Animal Husbandry and Fishery
• Industries of India and World
• Soils of India and World
• Transport and Communication of India and World

Types of Vegetation in the World

• Forests : A forest is a dense area with a lot of trees, so much that they shade the ground below them. But not all forests are same. The trees in the forest largely depend on the climatic conditions of the region. And the forests are generally classified by the kind of trees found in them. Some examples are Evergreen Forests, Temperate Forest, Mixed Forest Rain forests etc
• Grasslands : The name here is self-explanatory. These are flat regions that extend miles, and the primary form of vegetation here is grass. Here also there are types such as temperate grasslands, savannas etc. The Savannas of Africa are the most famous ones. Grasslands are the important source of weeds and crops such as oats which are cattle fodder.
• Desert : As you can imagine due to the dry and arid conditions there is not a lot of vegetation in deserts. The soil too mostly consists of sand and gravel. So the plants that grow in these regions have adapted to such conditions. They have long roots and stems that can store water . Cactus is the most valid example of such vegetation.
• Tundra : This type of vegetation is found in the coldest regions of our planet like the Arctic region. Vegetation is limited to some shrubs and few patches of grass, but mostly moss is found in such regions. There is also permafrost in this region, which is permanently frozen soil-like substance.
• Ice Sheets : Now this is interesting because these are regions absolutely devoid of any form of vegetation. There are only two such places on earth, i.e. Antarctica and Greenland.

Learn more about  Deforestation here in detail 

Vegetation in India

India has a very diverse geography. Due to being in two separate temperature zones, and a very varied landscape it also has a large variety of its natural vegetation. Let us take a look at the different types of vegetation we can find in India and the regions where.

• Tropical Evergreen Rainforests: These grow in regions that receive an excess of 200 cm of rainfall. Here the trees never shed their leaves, hence are known as evergreen. These are dense forests found in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam etc
• Deciduous Forest: These grow in regions with moderate rainfall. The trees will shed their leaves in autumn or the dry season. The trees are usually very valuable as timber. These forests are found in Maharashtra, Bihar, Orissa and some regions of the Himalayas too
• Desert Vegetation: This is the sparse vegetation found in the regions of Thar desert. It mostly consists of bushes, acacia, cacti and date trees. It is found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and some regions of Punjab.
• Mountain Forests: These are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. The vegetation keeps changing according to the altitude. At the base you will find evergreen tall trees such as bamboo and teak, As you go higher there are conifer trees like the pine. And after a point its just grasslands and moss.

Wildlife  in India

The animals that live in a specific region are what we call the wildlife of the region. Just as vegetation is the flora, wildlife is the fauna of a region. Animals can be found in every time of vegetation and are usually isolated from any human contact. It includes all the animals, birds, insects etc of the region.

The diversity of wildlife in the world is unimaginably large. There are said to be about 1 to 2 million species of animals on the planet! And India in particular boasts of an incredible wildlife presence.

(Source: Pixabay)

Our national animal the tiger is one such rare animal found in India. In fact, the Bengal tiger can be found nowhere else on earth. We also have the Asiatic Lion, the only species of lions found outside Africa. It is home to many such exotic animals such as the Indian Elephant, the rhinoceroses and the leopard.

To preserve these amazing animals and their natural habitats, we have many conservatories, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In recent times to bring down illegal hunting and poaching the government has passed some very strict laws as well.

Solved Examples for You

Question: What are some famous wildlife sanctuaries in India?

Solution: India boasts of some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in the world.  Among them, the oldest and by far the most famous is the Corbett National Park in Uttrakhand. It was established to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers from hunters and poachers.

Another important sanctuary is the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Other than tigers, leopards, hyenas and the wild boar can also be found here. And then there is the Bandipur National Park famous for the elephants that stay there.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Resources of India and World

• Transport and Communication of India and the World
• Soils of India and the World

3 responses to “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World”

which state has maximum forest cover area

if you ask which state has maximum forest cover area percentage then its Mizoram (86.27%). Hope this helps. PLEASE reply by email.

madhya pradesh

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Explore Our Affordable Courses

• UPSC Offline
• UPSC Online
• UPSC (Live From Classroom)
• UPSC Optional
• UPPSC Offline
• BPSC Offline
• UPPCS Online
• BPSC Online
• MPSC Online
• MPPSC Online
• WBPSC Online
• OPSC Online
• BPSC (Live from Classroom)
• UPPSC (Live From Classroom)
• UPSC Test Series
• State PSC Test Series
• DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
• SUBJECT WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
• DAILY EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
• DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
• Daily Prelims(MCQs) Practice
• Daily Mains Answer Writing
• Prahaar (Mains Wallah) 2024
• Prahaar Summary 2024
• Mains Marks Booster 2024
• Mains Wallah (Q&A)
• Monthly Current Wallah
• Daily Editorial Summary
• NCERT Wallah
• Prelims PYQs
• Optionals PYQs
• NCERT Notes
• Udaan Notes
• UPSC Prelims Answer Key
• UPSC Syllabus
• Topper's Copies
• Delhi – Mukherjee Nagar Centre
• Delhi – Old Rajinder Nagar Centre
• UP – Lucknow Centre
• UP – Prayagraj Centre
• Bihar – Patna Centre

• Offline Centres
• UDAAN Notes
• UPSC Prelims PYQs
• UPSC Mains PYQs

NCERT NOTES

Elevate your upsc preparation with ncert notes – because every word matters on your journey to success..

• Indian Economy
• Physical Geography
• Indian Society
• Science & Tech
• Art & Culture

Natural Vegetation in India: Types & Characteristics

Natural Vegetation: A Tapestry of Plants and Animals

Natural vegetation denotes a plant community that remains undisturbed for an extended period, allowing its individual species to adapt fully to the local climate and soil conditions. India boasts diverse natural vegetation due to variations in climate and soil. It’s recognized as one of the world’s 12 mega biodiversity countries, home to approximately 47,000 plant species, including 15,000 flowering plants ( constituting 6 percent of the world’s total). 

Additionally, India hosts numerous nonflowering plants like ferns, algae, and fungi, along with around 90,000 animal species and a rich diversity of fish in its freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Types of Forests: Natural Vegetation Types of India

Indian forests can be categorized into distinct groups based on shared characteristics like the prevailing Natural Vegetation type and climatic regions:

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

• Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests
• Tropical Deciduous Forests
• Tropical Thorn Forests
• Montane Forests
• Littoral and Swamp Forests

Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forests: Flora, Fauna, and Enchanting Ecosystems

Tropical Evergreen Forest

Enroll now for UPSC Online Coaching

Tropical Evergreen: Rich Flora, Diverse Fauna, and Enchanting Ecosystems

• Location: Tropical Evergreen forests are located along western slope of the Western Ghats, hills of the northeastern region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Climate and Rainfall: Climate in these forests are warm and humid areas with an annual precipitation of over 200 cm,  short dry season and mean annual temperature above 22℃.
• Characteristics of Natural Vegetation: Vibrant Forests in Lower Rainfall Regions
• These forests are well-structured, featuring layers near the ground covered in shrubs and creepers, followed by short and tall trees that can reach heights of 60 meters or more.  
• The region’s warm and consistently wet climate fosters lush vegetation, including various types of trees, shrubs, and creepers, creating a multi-layered forest. 
• Leaves on the trees do not have a specific season for shedding, flowering, or fruiting, resulting in year-round greenery . 
• Flora: Notable commercially valuable trees in these forests include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
• The one-horned rhinoceros is also found in Assam and West Bengal’s jungles. 
• Additionally, these forests are home to numerous birds, bats, sloths, scorpions, and snails.

Semi Evergreen Forests: Nature’s Blend of Trees in Lower Rainfall Regions

• Semi-evergreen forests are located in regions with lower rainfall. These forests contain a combination of evergreen and moist deciduous trees, and the presence of undergrowth climbers contributes to their evergreen appearance. 
• Key tree species in these forests include white cedar, hollock, and kail.

Tropical Deciduous Forests: Monsoon Wonders with Teak and Wildlife

These are the most widespread forests in India and are also called the monsoon forests.

• Location: Spread over regions which receive rainfall between 70-200 cm.
• Classification on the basis of the availability of water : Basic of Natural Vegetation
• Moist Deciduous Forests : These forests are found in regions which record rainfall between 100-200 cm ; in the northeastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha.
• Flora: Teak is the most dominant species of this forest, while Bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood, khair, kusum, arjun and mulberry are other commercially important species.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in regions where rainfall ranges between 70 -100 cm.
• On the wetter margins , it has a transition to the moist deciduous forest; having a parkland landscape with open stretches in which teak and other trees interspersed with patches of grass.  
• Rainier areas of the Peninsula and regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the northern Indian plain.
• In drier margins , it has a transition to thorn forests ; having a vast grassland with naked trees all around. 
• Flora: Tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood, etc. are the common trees of these forests.
•  A huge variety of birds, lizards, snakes and tortoises are also found here.

Tropical Thorn Forests: Resilient Flora and Wildlife in Arid Realms

• Location: Tropical Thorn Forests occur in the areas which receive rainfall less than 50 cm .
• In semi-arid areas of south west Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Characteristics of Natural Vegetation: Grasses, Succulents, and Wildlife in Thorn Forests
• These consist of a variety of grasses and shrubs .
• Roots: Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture. 
• In these forests, plants remain leafless for most part of the year and give an expression of scrub vegetation .
• Tussocky grass grows up to a height of 2 m as the undergrowth.
• Fauna: In these forests, the common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses and camels.

UPDATED :     

Recommended For You

Latest comments, the most learning platform.

Learn From India's Best Faculty

Our Courses

Our initiatives, beginner’s roadmap, quick links.

PW-Only IAS came together specifically to carry their individual visions in a mission mode. Infusing affordability with quality and building a team where maximum members represent their experiences of Mains and Interview Stage and hence, their reliability to better understand and solve student issues.

Subscribe our Newsletter

Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.

Contact Details

G-Floor,4-B Pusa Road, New Delhi, 110060

• +91 9920613613
• [email protected]

Download Our App

Biginner's roadmap, suscribe now form, fill the required details to get early access of quality content..

Join Us Now

(Promise! We Will Not Spam You.)

CURRENT AF.

<div class="new-fform">

Select centre Online Mode Hybrid Mode PWonlyIAS Delhi (ORN) PWonlyIAS Delhi (MN) PWonlyIAS Lucknow PWonlyIAS Patna Other

Select course UPSC Online PSC ONline UPSC + PSC ONLINE UPSC Offline PSC Offline UPSC+PSC Offline UPSC Hybrid PSC Hybrid UPSC+PSC Hybrid Other

</div>

Alagu Writes

Literature, history, society. Emotional. Strong.

An essay on the natural vegetation and wildlife of kerala

Kerala is the land of the gods, mesmerizing in its beauty, enviable in its culture. This land is blessed with a wide and amazing variety of natural vegetation and wildlife ,the epitome of India’s ecosystem.

With flora ranging from Indian rosewood and Cassia in the Western Ghats to Bamboo and Wild Cardamom in the plains, Kerala has an immense cover of vegetation. The fauna here is also remarkable and a delight to tourists, with rare species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion Tailed Macaque found in large numbers.

An interesting feature in Kerala, which emphasizes  that culture is inevitably interwoven with nature , is its sacred groves. The Kavu sacred groves are famous, lands of thriving vegetation. They also harbor birds and animals. The fear of violating religion and age old traditions have kept people away from these groves, allowing them to flourish. These contribute a lot to the conservation of ethnic biodiversity.

The variety of birds in Kerala are also worth mentioning. Kerala boasts of 453 species of birds, some of which are captivating in their beauty like the White cheeked barbet, the Malabar Trogon, Rufous Treepie, Black Naped Oriole , etc.

With an abundance of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Kerala has tried its best to conserve its innumerable flora and fauna. The sanctuaries serve as a safe haven for many endangered species like  the Indian sloth bear and the gaur and help in conserving rare trees and plants.

In addition, Kerala houses a vast range of medicinal plants , that the government of Kerala has initiated a State Medicinal Plants Board for their conservation. Plants endemic to Kerala include  the Jungle Jack and the Karivella. These plants are a symbol of the state’s rich heritage.

But the greed of mankind threatens to destroy this fascinating natural wealth of Kerala. Measures taken by the government to conserve  this biodiversity include: creating suitable conditions in Eravikulam National Park to conserve the Nilgiri tahr, initiating six bird monitoring schemes to spot and study the endangered species; inculcating the ideas of Project Tiger;preparation of working plans to safeguard species under the supervision of the chief conservator of forests, etc

Kerala is the jewel of India in terms of rich biodiversity. It is in our hands to conserve  its natural wealth for the future generation.

Share this:

Published by Alagu writes

an ambitious eighteen year old who wants to change the world. This space contains book reviews, essays or posts about personal reflections. It depends on my mood. Spare a few minutes to read what I write, and I would be greatly obliged if you express your opinions in the comments section! View all posts by Alagu writes

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• Natural Vegetation and Wildlife UPSC Geography

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife [Indian Geography]

Indian geography is an essential part of the UPSC syllabus. The natural vegetation and wildlife of India are important both from the prelims as well as from the mains perspectives. In this article, you can read all about the natural vegetation and wildlife of the country including the types of vegetation, the fauna of India, biosphere reserves, etc. all of which are important for the geography as well as the environment & ecology segments of the IAS exam .

Natural Vegetation

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community that has grown naturally without any human intervention and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. This is also known as “virgin vegetation”.

• According to paleo-botanists, most of the Himalayan and peninsular areas are covered with indigenous or endemic flora, while the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Thar desert contain plant species that have come from outside India (exotic).
• India has a great variety of natural vegetation. India occupies tenth place in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. Depending upon the variations in the climate and the soil, the vegetation of India changes from one region to another. Himalayan heights are marked with temperate vegetation; the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar islands have tropical rainforests; the deltaic regions have tropical forests and mangroves; the arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan are famous for cacti, thorny vegetation and a variety of bushes.
• The largest forest area lies in Peninsular India accounting for 57% of the total forest area. The Himalayan region has the second largest forest area having about 12.5% of the forest area of the country. The Eastern and the Western Ghats have 10% each, while the Gangetic plains have only 5% of the total forest area of the country. The total forest cover of India (2021) is 21.71% of the total geographical area of the country.
• Indian forests have been divided into the following groups based on certain common features such as predominant vegetation type and climatic regions:
• Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen forests

Tropical Deciduous forests

• Tropical Thorn forests
• Montane forests
• Littoral and Swamp forests

Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests

These forests are mainly found in the western slope of the Western Ghats , the Andaman and Nicobar islands and hills of north-east India.

• These forests are found in warm and humid regions with an annual rainfall of over 200 cm and a mean annual temperature above 22℃.
• The forests are dense, composed of tall trees (60 m or even above). Since the region is warm and wet throughout the year, it has luxuriant vegetation of all kinds – trees, shrubs and creepers giving it a multi-layered structure. These trees do not shed their leaves annually and hence are evergreen.
• Some of the commercially important trees of this forest are ebony, mahogany, rubber, rosewood, etc.
• The semi-evergreen forests are found in the less rainy parts of these regions. These forests have a mixture of evergreen and moist deciduous trees. The main species of these forests are Kail, hollock and white cedar.
• The common animals found in these forests are elephants , lemurs, monkeys and deer. One-horned rhinoceros are found in the forests of Assam and West Bengal. Plenty of birds, sloths, bats, scorpions and snails are found in these forests.

These are the typical monsoon forests with teak ( Tectona grandis ) and sal ( Shorea robusta ) as the dominant species. They form natural vegetation all over the country where average rainfall ranges between 70 – 200 cm. On the basis of the availability of water, these forests are further classified into moist and dry deciduous forests.

• The moist deciduous forests – These forests are found in the regions where annual rainfall ranges between 100 – 200 cm, in the north-eastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha. The main species of these forests are teak, sal, shisham, amal, Semul, kusum, mahua and sandalwood.
• The dry deciduous forests – These forests are found in the regions where annual rainfall ranges between 70 – 100 cm. These are found in the rainier regions of the Peninsula and the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the dry season, the trees shed their leaves completely and the forest appears like a vast grassland with naked trees all around. The main species of these forests are palas, amaltas, bel, khair, tendu and axlewood. In western and southern parts of Rajasthan vegetation cover is very small due to less rainfall and overgrazing.

Tropical Thorn Forests

These forests are found in the regions where the average annual rainfall is less than 50 cm. These forests are found in semi-arid regions of south-west Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The plants remain leafless for most of the year.

• The important trees of these forests are babool, ber, neem, khejri, wild date palm, etc. Tussocky grass grows up to a height of 2 m as the undergrowth.

Montane Forests

With the increasing altitude, the decrease in temperature leads to corresponding changes in the vegetation. Mountain forests have been classified into two types – the northern mountain forests and the southern mountain forests.

• The Himalayan ranges show a change in vegetation with the change in altitude – from the tropical to the tundra.
• At the foothills of the Himalayas, deciduous forests are dominant. It is succeeded by the wet temperate type of forests at a height of 1000 – 2000 m. In the higher hill ranges of north-eastern India, hilly areas of West Bengal and Uttarakhand, evergreen broadleaf trees such as oak and chestnut are predominant. Between 1500 – 1750 m, pine forests are also well developed in this zone with Chir Pine as a very useful commercial tree.
• In the western ranges of the Himalayas, deodar, a highly valued endemic species, grows which is used for construction purposes as its wood is highly durable. Chinar and walnut also occur in this zone. Spruce and blue pine occur at altitudes of 2225 – 3048 m. In this zone, temperate grasslands are also found.
• At higher altitudes, more than 3600 m above sea level, temperate forests and grasslands give way to Alpine vegetation. Silver fir, junipers, rhododendrons, birches and pine are the common trees of these forests. At even higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.
• The common animals found in these forests are Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, Tibetan antelope, rare red panda, squirrels, snow leopards , bears, and sheep and goats with thick hair.
• These include forests found in three distinct regions of Peninsular India – the Western Ghats, the Vindhyas and the Nilgiris. The vegetation in these forests is temperate in higher regions and subtropical in the lower areas of Western Ghats (especially Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala). The temperate forests are called “Sholas” in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai and Palani hills.
• The trees of economic importance in these forests include cinchona, laurel, magnolia and wattle.

Littoral and Swamp Forests

Our country has a rich variety of wetland habitats and about 70% are under paddy cultivation. India’s wetlands have been classified into eight groups:

• The reservoirs of the Deccan plateau in the south and the lagoon and other wetlands of the southern west coast.
• The vast saline expanses of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Gulf of Kachchh.
• Freshwater lakes and reservoirs from Gujarat eastwards through Rajasthan (Keoladeo National Park) and Madhya Pradesh.
• The delta wetlands and lagoons of India’s east coast ( Chilika lake ).
• The freshwater marshes of the Gangetic Plains.
• The floodplains of the Brahmaputra, the marshes and the swamps in the hills of north-east India and the Himalayan foothills.
• The lakes and rivers of the montane region of Kashmir and Ladakh.
• The mangrove tidal forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides.
• They consist of a number of salt-tolerant species of plants.
• The mangrove forests are highly developed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sunderbans of West Bengal.
• The Royal Bengal Tiger is a famous animal in the Sunderbans. Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are also found in these forests.
• The deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari and Kaveri are covered by such vegetation.

Wildlife of India

India is rich in its flora as well as fauna. India has about 90,000 animal species and approximately 2,000 species of birds which constitute 13% of the world’s total. 2,546 species of fish are found in India which is nearly 12% of the world’s stock.

• The most majestic animal, the elephant, is found in the hot wet forests of Kerala, Karnataka and Assam. The one-horned rhinoceros belongs to the swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal. The Thar desert and Rann of Kachchh are known for camels and wild asses respectively. Nilgai (blue bull), Indian bison, chousingha (four-horned antelope), gazel and different species of deer and monkeys are also found in India. The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat. India is the only country in the world having both lions and tigers.
• The shaggy horned wild ox weighing about one tonne, yak, the bharal (blue sheep) and the Tibetan wild ass (kiang) are the animals found in Ladakh. The ibex, bear, snow leopard and rare red panda are also found in certain pockets of the Himalayan region.
• Turtles, gharials and crocodiles are found in the rivers, lakes and coastal areas of India.
• India also provides a habitat for colourful birds – peacocks, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons.
• The Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972 to provide a legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in India.
• In India, there are 103 national parks and 535 wildlife sanctuaries.
• Special measures have been initiated by the Government of India in collaboration with UNESCO’s “Man and Biosphere Programme” for the conservation of flora and fauna in the country.
• Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect Tigers in India. It was the first of its kind project to maintain the population of tigers in India and to protect them from poaching and other threats. Initially, Project Tiger was launched in 9 tiger reserves which was later increased to 44 tiger reserves (in 17 states).
• Project Elephant was launched in 1992 and it aims to ensure the long term survival of the population of elephants in their natural habitats by protecting them, their habitats and migration corridors. The project is being implemented in 17 states.
• The other projects launched by GoI include Project Hangul, crocodile Breeding Project and conservation of Himalayan Musk deer.

Know more on Project Elephant and get a list of elephant reserves in India in the link.

Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO’s “Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme”. These reserves are required to meet a minimal set of criteria and adhere to a minimal set of conditions before being admitted to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves designated by UNESCO. These reserves are rich in biological and cultural diversity. The Biosphere Reserves aim to achieve the following objectives:

• To conserve biological and cultural diversity and integrity of plants, animals, birds, reptiles and micro-organisms (ecosystem).
• To promote research on ecological conservation and other environmental aspects, and
• To promote facilities for education, research, awareness and training.

The Biosphere Reserves Programme was initiated in India in 1986 and till date, 18 sites have been designated as Biosphere Reserves (BR) in different parts of the country. Out of the 18 Biosphere Reserves, 10 have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.

(Sites with bold letters have been included in the World Network of BR’s UNESCO)

Know more on biosphere reserves in India in the link.

Ramsar Convention

The convention on wetlands is called the “Ramsar Convention”. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed on 2nd February 1971. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year to commemorate this.

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitment of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance and to plan for their sustainable use.

• The Ramsar Convention works closely with six other organisations known as Internal Organisation Partners (IOPs) – International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Wetlands International, WWF International, Birdlife International and, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).
• Currently, there are 171 Contracting Parties to the convention, with 2414 wetland sites. The world’s first Ramsar site was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974.
• India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 1st February 1982. India currently has 49 sites designated as wetlands of international importance.

Get a list of the Ramsar Sites in India in the link.

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife [Indian Geography]:- Download PDF Here

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true!

Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation, register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos.

Your Article Library

Natural vegetation of jammu and kashmir.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The term natural vegetation is used loosely to describe any plant life that is not organized or influenced by mankind’.

The natural vegetation of any re­gion or place is closely influenced by:

(i) Climate,

(ii) Physiography,

(iii) Edephic conditions,

(iv) Biotic setting, and

(v) Human interaction with na­ture.

Climate ultimately affects all forms of life. Climate acts in conjunction with other factors to limits of plant growth. Its role is direct in its effects on plants and indirect through its influence on edaphic and biotic factors. The direct effects of climate on plants are exerted by elements of the water and heat budget, precipitation, humidity, temperature, sunlight and wind. Variation in one can change the others in producing different rates of evapotranspiration and photosynthesis. The precipitation is also an impor­tant determinant of vegetation growth.

The deficient moisture limits plant growth, so excess amount restricts certain plants by limiting aeration and oxygen supply in the soil. Excessive soil moisture tends to develop unfavour­able soil characteristics and to increase disease damage. Out of all the climatic factors, the influence of temperature on vegeta­tion is most important.

Plants can grow only within certain temperature limits, although the limits are not the same for all plants. For example, cer­tain algae live in hot weather season at more than 90°C and desert lichens withstand 100°C, while arctic mosses and lichens survive -70°C 2 . For each species and each variety, there is a minimum temperature below which growth is not possible, an optimum at which growth is best, and a maxi­mum beyond which growth stops. Most plants, however, cease growth when the soil temperature drops below about 5°C.

It is because of this factor that there is hardly any vegetation at 5,550 m (about 18,000 feet) above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The natural vegetation of the state has great altitudinal variations and latitudinal zonation. The spatial dis­tribution of natural vegetation of the state has been briefly presented in the present article.

Natural vegetation, often called as “green gold” is an important source of revenue in the state. The importance of forest in the income of the state may be appreciated from the fact that in 1995-96 it contributed about Rs. 750 thousand millions (75 crores). The state of Jammu and Kashmir is well endowed in forest resource; still about 33 per cent of the total area of the state is under forest (Fig.3.1).

The forests have great diversity in species and varieties, ranging from the lush- green Margs (alpine pastures) to evergreen conifers on the gentle slopes of the middle and the Greater Himalayas, and from scrub-jungles of the foothills to the deciduous forests of the Siwaliks and the Pir Panjal Range.

The vegeta­tion of the state has however, undergone drastic change. Large tracts of soft­wood (coniferous) and deciduous forests have been removed by continuous felling of trees. Consequently, about 50 per cent of the total forests are de­graded and have sparse density of trees. According to the data of 1994-95 the total area under various categories of forests was 20,182 sq. km out of which 19,236 sq. km was coniferous (soft-wood) and the remaining 946 sq. km under deciduous and thorny bushes and scrubs.

The regional distribution of forests in the various administrative divi­sions (Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh) has been given in Table 3.1.

An examination of Table 3.1 shows that about 60 per cent of the total forest area is in the Kashmir Division and the remaining over 40 per cent is in the Jammu Division. In the Ladakh Division, only about 17 sq km is un­der forest which may be considered as insignificant. Moreover, the natural vegetation of Ladakh is mainly of xerophytic (vegetation of dry climate) while that of Jammu and Kashmir divisions is mainly either coniferous or deciduous type.

The area stretch, the species and density of forests are directly influenced by lithology, rock-structure, al­titude, aspect of slope, insolation and precipitation. The influence of these physical factors is quite pronounced in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, there is great diversity in the natural vegetation as over 4,000 species belonging to 1500 genera are found in the state.

Some of the impor­tant forests of Jammu and Kashmir state consist of deodar willow, juniper, blue-pine, spruce, fir, yew, alder, elm, ash, sorrel, poplar, maple, birch, ha­zel, and mulberry, silver-fir, cedar, beech, shisham, mohowa, Jammun, bamboo, reed, numerous bushes, scrubs and grasses. The district-wise distri­bution of forest area has been given in Table 3.2.

It may be observed from the Fig. 3.1, (Table 3.2) that the Doda district of Jammu Division has the largest area under forest being 5,848 sq. km or about 29 per cent of the total forest area of the state of the Baramulla and Anantnag districts rank second and third, occupying about 13 and 11 per cent of the forest area respectively.

The district of Kargil (0.02%) and Leh (0.05%) have the least area under forest in the state. The districts of Udham­pur (1.63%), Kupwara (8.18%) and Rajauri (6.46%) are the other areas in which forest cover is reasonably significant while in the remaining districts little or very little area is under forest.

Unfortunately, most of the forests of the state are degraded and less effectively managed. According to the Na­tional Forest Policy at least one-third of the area of each district should be under forest. Judging from this standard, only Doda, Baramulla and Anant­nag districts have around one-third of their total areas under forest.

Being situated at higher latitudes and characterised by undulating and mountainous topography, most of the forests of the state of Jammu and Kashmir belong to the coniferous category. The specie-wise forest area has been given in Table 3.3.

An analysis of Table 3.3 vividly shows that about 37 per cent of the to­tal forest area is under conifers, comprising of deodar (oak), chir (pine), kail (blue-pine) and fir, and about 50 per cent is under miscellaneous trees of de­ciduous and conifers. The deciduous trees of teak, sal, jammun, mahuwa, shisham, etc., constitute about 4.27 per cent of the forest area, the deciduous forests are mainly confine to the Siwaliks and the Lower Himalayas. About 9 per cent of the forest area is under the category of wildlife reserves.

The Lower and the Greater Himalayas are quite rich in timber forest. The most valuable timber, that of deodar (oak) is mainly found in Baramulla, Anantnag, Doda and Udhampur districts. The system of farming-out timber to contractors has mainly resulted in the destruction of many fine forests in the vicinity of rivers, and the tract which the contractors have spared have suffered at the hands of Gujjars and Bakarwals, who with their small axes cut down trees partly for the sake of fodder and partly from a kind of natural in­stinct which impels them to make forest clearings for the sake of grass. Dry timber is harder to cut up than green grass, and the contractor, instead of us­ing trees which have felled, prefers to cut down fresh ones.

The best of all timber is obtained from deodar. It is much in demand for house, boats, and bridges as it is impervious to water. The old shrines, mosques, temples in Kashmir and the hilly areas are made of deodar. The blue-pine is much valued as a timber for house-building. It also yields an ex­cellent charcoal. The spruce timber is also used for house-building. It is however, not durable when exposed to water and moisture.

The silver fir, yew, and elm are also used for house-construction, while alder, used for fur­niture and walnut is in great demand for furniture, gunstocks, and spinning-wheels. The maple, elm, poplar are used for agricultural imple­ments while willow is used for sports goods and basket making. The chinar (boin) is a royal tree in Kashmir and much appreciated as a shade tree. The mulberry wood is mainly used for the doors and agricultural implements like plough.

As stated at the outset, the climatic factors exert great control over natu­ral vegetation. In other words, there is a close relationship between the average annual temperature, average annual precipitation and the type of natural vegetation. In fact, the climatic belts overlap the vegetation belts in the world. In an essentially mountainous state like Jammu and Kashmir, there are micro-level variations in climatic factors.

Consequently, the natural vegetation differs dramatically from place to place. Moreover, the percent­ages of leaves, stems, and roots, etc., also differ from forest to forest. In order to understand the spatial distribution of different types of natural vegetation, the forests of Jammu and Kashmir state may be classified under the follow­ing categories.

1. Subtropical Forests :

The subtropical rain forests are confined to the Siwaliks and lower slopes of the Middle Himalayas. Owing to the seasonality of rainfall and edaphic fac­tors there is great diversity of trees in these forest. These factors have a thick undergrowth of bushes and scrubs. The dominant species of subtropical for­ests are teak, sal, Shisham, Pipal (ficus religiosa).

Tun, silver-pine, Mohowa, Khair (Acacia-catehu), thorny bushes, evergreen shrubs, climbers, reed and tall grasses locally known as Khar. Most of these species are broad-leaved de­ciduous type which drop their leaves in the months of January, February and March, just before the advent of hot weather season. In the biomass of subtropical forests the proportion of leaves is 8 per cent and the stems 74 per cent, while the remaining 18 per cent is roots.

These forests are mainly util­ised for fuel-wood, timber, house-construction, agricultural implements and miscellaneous purposes. Valuable products like resins, gum, Katha, and me­dicinal herbs are also obtained from the subtropical forests of the state. These forests are being destroyed and depleted at a faster pace. The pressure of human population and ignorance of people are quickly damaging the eco­systems of these forests.

2. Temperate Forests :

Moving northwards as the latitude and altitude increase the place of the sub­tropical forest is taken by temperate vegetation. The slopes of Pir Panjal, Greater Himalayas, Zanskar and Karakoram between 1,500 m to 3,000 m are dominated by temperate forests. The dominant species in these forest are deodar (cedrus Deodara), pine (pinus), silver-fir, spruce, fir, elm, alder, cedar, ash, sorrel, birch, paper-birch, and hazel.

The northern slopes of Pir Panjal have the dominance of deodar, blue-pine with undergrowth of deciduous shrubs, while the Jhelum Forest Division (stretching over Gulmarg and Lo­lab Valley) is dominated by cedar, fir and spruce species of conifers.

In the valley floor of Kashmir, poplar, chinar, maple and vir (willow) are the main species of vegetation which are deciduous in character. Where soil condi­tions permit, mixture of broad-leafed deciduous trees, such as maples and oaks, grow together.

The temperate forests are utilized for timber, fuel-wood, charcoal, and house construction. These forests produce good quality of timber and paper- pulp. The most valuable timber forests of deodar have been depleted and are now confined to the north-western corner of Kashmir Division.

The system of farming-out timber to contractors has resulted in the destruction of many good forests. The tracts which the contractors have spared, suffered at the hands of Gujjars who with small axe cut down trees partly for the sake of fu­el-wood and fodder and partly from a kind of natural instinct which impels them to make forest clearing for the sake of grass.

Moreover, the inadequacy of hydel and thermal power, especially during the severe winters, compels the people to fell the trees and their twigs for fuel wood to be burnt in the winters to keep the house warm and cozy. The accelerated rate of felling of trees is leading to the shrinkage of area of deodar, spruce, pine and fir.

The overexploitation of forests and the use of soft and costly wood for fuel are doing great harm to the state revenue on the one hand and to aesthetic beauty and ecosystems on the other. In fact, many of the ecosystems have lost their resilience characteristics.

3. Alpine Pastures :

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir the vegetation, especially grasses belong­ing to the higher regions of mountain system is known as Margs or alpine pastures. The alpine pastures lie between 3600 m to 4000 m above the sea level. Being the zone of high altitudes, the climate in alpine pastures is ex­tremely cold over greater parts of the year.

It is only in the summer months (May to September) when ice melts at high altitudes and lush green grasses grow. The low temperatures at high altitudes of the Himalayan belt of the state support some dwarf varieties of birch and junipers making a shrubby appearance. The stunted conifer trees merge into extensive alpine pastures.

In these pastures, some shrubs form isolated thickets during summer months (June-August). The lush green and nutritious grasses of alpine pastures are utilized and grazed by the Gujjars and Bakarwals (goat herders) who practice transhumance. These herders ascend in the alpine pasture with their goats and sheep.

They stay in Margs pastures upto the middle of September, de­pending on the prevailing temperature and precipitation conditions. In the autumn season (September-October) they descend and migrate with their flock to the zones of lower altitudes—kani areas of the Jammu Division to pass their winters.

Natural Vegetation of Ladakh :

In Ladakh, the average annual rainfall is less than 20 cm. Ladakh is a high al­titude desert. Lack of moisture is the essential factor shaping the vegetation of Ladakh. The absence of rainfall over greater part of the year has resulted into xerophytic vegetation. The plants of Ladakh have evolved many special characteristics for conserving water.

In plants and trees these include usually thick, waterproof outer layers or cuticles, modification of breathing pores, reduction in leaf area, and specialized hairs or outgrowths that reflect light. Many plants of Ladakh, like that of deserts, are heavily armed with spines to repel the attacks of moisture seeking animals.

Thus, they have biochemical defence against herbivores. In certain soil conditions, Ladakh plants have ex­tremely long tap roots to reach deep underground water supplies. At the occurrence of rain, the soil tracts of Ladakh appear to turn miraculously green almost overnight, and fast growing, short lifecycle plants often create spectacular floral display.

The natural vegetation in Ladakh is absent over the greater part except for more humid region of Nubra and other side valleys of the Indus river. Hippophae-scrub is the major woody component which is used as fuel and material of roofing of houses.

The above description shows that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is relatively poor in natural vegetation as compared to the other Himalayan states of India. The growing pressure of population, the contractual system of felling trees, over-interaction of man and poor management are responsi­ble for the depletion of forests.

During the last 50 years, a substantial proportion of forests have been cleared and brought under agriculture and pastures. Whatever, is left of the former vegetal cover, visa-a-vis and kinds of stresses and strains in the state still has a great important in regard to soil conservation, besides providing timber, fuel-wood, fodder, medicinal herbs and water and aesthetic beauty conservation.

Looking at the benefits accrued from forests, their conservation and judicious utilization deserve priority. To achieve these objectives a sound pragmatic strategy needs to be evolved in consultation with the researchers, planners, administrators and rural masses.

Some of the steps which may help in reducing the rate of depletion of forests have been given as under:

1. The government should implement the National Forest Policy strictly and the wrong doers be brought to the book. In order to reduce the pressure on forest, alternate sources of power (hydel and thermal) be adequately developed to meet the growing demand of fuel for cooking and heating in the rural and urban masses.

2. The forests may be conserved by preventing the wastes in lumbering. Still at many places, much of the waste material is burnt which can be used for fuel and some in making small articles like toys, decoration pieces and handles for tools. More attention is to be paid to the treat­ment of lumber with chemicals to prevent its decay and destruction by insects.

3. Each year forest fires sweep over large areas. This great waste can almost wholly be prevented if adequate attention is paid to safeguard the forests from fire. In dry season, especially in summers, hunters and idle visitors should be forbidden to enter the forests. The burning of forest waste should be done after a heavy rain or snowfall when the danger of confla­gration of fire is minimum.

4. Modern technology for harvesting forest should be employed.

5. The community land should be brought under social forestry to meet the fuel and fodder demands of the local people.

6. Reforestation should be attempted on barren lands and undulating slopes.

7. A comprehensive forest management and development plan has to be adopted to increase the productively of forests, to link up forest devel­opment with forest based industries and to develop forests as supports to economy.

Wild Life :

The undomesticated animal life of a region is known as wild life. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has great diversity in the physiography, climate, habitat and natural vegetation. This diversity in the geo-ecological conditions pro­vides the required habitats for different animal kingdoms.

The wild life in Jammu and Kashmir, consequently, differs from south to north and from lower altitudes to higher altitudes. In general, leopard, tiger, bears, wolf, foxes, deer, hangar, stag, wild cats, moose, rabbits, squirrels and a variety of birds are the main fauna in the state. At high altitudes are found warm-blooded, fir animals and musk-deers.

Musk-deer (Kasturi-mrig), monkeys, langoors, wild pig (Bad) have their habitats between 2,000 and 3,500 m above the sea level. They, however, shift their habitat seasonally. In winters, they descend at lower heights and in summers ascend to higher altitudes.

The Central Himalayas, Zanskar Range, and higher reaches of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar are the abodes of these ani­mals. The pod (Nafa) of Musk-deer contains a soft, brownish matter which is the much coveted Mush, about 20 grams in weight and the price rules high. Consequently, the people risk a good deal to secure it.

Leopard, Cheetah (tiger), wolves and foxes are found in the forest of Pir Panjal, Liddar (Anantnag Dist), Doda, Udhampur, Riasi, Uri, Poonch, Karnah, Kupwara, Daksum, Sindh and Naranag catchments. Black-bear is very common in the valleys of Lolab and Liddar, Doda, Rajauri and Uri forest. Stag (Hangal or Barasingha) are also found in these localities.

Snow-partridges, Himalayan-cock, chikor (Kak), cuckoo, larks, bulbuls, quil, storks, cranes, ducks, geese, hawks, parrots, pigeons, dove, ducks, teel, vultures, crow, eagle and owls are the main birds of the state. A wide variety of reptiles, snakes, fish, and insects are also found in the various parts of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Related Articles:

• Top 6 Types of Natural Vegetation available in India– Explained!
• Natural Vegetation of India: Notes on the Classification of Natural Vegetation of India

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

You must be logged in to post a comment.