Forest And Wildlife ResourcesClass 10 Geography NCERT Solutions
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Q11. Multiple choice questions
(i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
(a)
Joint forest management
(b)
Beej Bachao Andolan
(c)
Chipko Movement
(d)
Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Solution
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Explanation: The demarcation of wildlife sanctuaries is a strategy undertaken by the central and state governments. While community support is important for the success of these sanctuaries, the initial process of demarcation, legal notification, and management is primarily a governmental function. In contrast, Joint Forest Management, the Beej Bachao Andolan, and the Chipko Movement are all examples of initiatives that are driven by or heavily rely on the direct participation of local communities.
Q12. Match the following.
| Reserved forests | Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities. | | Protected forests | Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources. | | Unclassed forests | Forest lands are protected from any further depletion. |
Solution
| Reserved forests | Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources. |
|---|---|
| Protected forests | Forest lands are protected from any further depletion. |
| Unclassed forests | Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities. |
Q13. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
Solution
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the immense variety of wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function, which are closely integrated into an ecological system through a network of interdependencies.
Biodiversity is crucial for human survival because we are part of this complex ecological web. It provides essential life support systems: plants, animals, and micro-organisms recreate the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that produces our food. It also preserves genetic diversity, which is vital for the better growth and breeding of species, including agricultural crops.
Q23. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
Solution
Human activities have caused significant depletion of flora and fauna due to a general insensitivity towards the environment. Key activities include:
- Habitat Destruction: Clearing of forests for agriculture, infrastructure, and growing human population has led to shrinking habitats for wildlife.
- Poaching and Hunting: Illegal hunting for trade in skins, bones (used in traditional medicines), and other parts has pushed many species, like the tiger, to the verge of extinction.
- Environmental Pollution: Contamination of water bodies and the environment has harmed aquatic life and other species.
- Mining: Activities like mining have destroyed habitats, as seen in the case of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, where villagers fought against it.
Q14. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?
Solution
Communities in India have played a vital role in the conservation and protection of forests and wildlife through various traditional and modern methods. These efforts demonstrate a deep-rooted understanding of the importance of nature.
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Community-led Resistance: In Sariska Tiger Reserve, villagers successfully fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas saw local communities, especially women, resisting deforestation by hugging trees, and they also promoted community afforestation.
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Self-governed Sanctuaries: The inhabitants of five villages in Alwar, Rajasthan, have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri'. They have established their own rules, which prohibit hunting and protect wildlife from outside encroachments, explicitly rejecting government involvement.
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Traditional Practices: Many communities practice nature worship. The Mundas and Santhals of the Chota Nagpur region worship mahua and kadamba trees. The concept of 'Sacred Groves' has preserved patches of virgin forests in their pristine form. Similarly, the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan actively protects blackbucks, nilgai, and peacocks, considering them an integral part of their society.
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Sustainable Agriculture: Movements like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya have shown that diversified crop production is possible without synthetic chemicals, thus promoting ecological farming and conserving biodiversity.
Q24. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
Solution
Good practices for conserving forest and wildlife in India involve a multi-pronged approach that combines government legislation, community participation, and a focus on sustainable development.
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Government Initiatives and Legal Frameworks: The implementation of strong laws like the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is a cornerstone of conservation. This act provides legal protection to habitats, bans hunting of endangered species, and restricts trade in wildlife. The establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries provides safe havens for flora and fauna. Furthermore, species-specific conservation efforts like 'Project Tiger' have been crucial in protecting critically threatened animals.
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Involving Local Communities: Conservation is most effective when local communities are involved. The Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme is an excellent example, where local village institutions work with the Forest Department to manage and restore degraded forests. In return, communities receive benefits like non-timber forest products. Empowering communities to protect their local environment, as seen in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, ensures long-term success.
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Focusing on Biodiversity: Modern conservation efforts are shifting from protecting a few specific species to preserving overall biodiversity. This includes giving protection to smaller creatures like insects, butterflies, and moths, and also adding plants to the list of protected species. This holistic approach helps maintain the entire ecological balance.
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Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable agriculture, as promoted by groups like Beej Bachao Andolan, reduces the pressure on ecosystems. Ultimately, accepting only those developmental activities that are people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding is key to ensuring a sustainable future for both humans and wildlife.