1. Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity refers to the wide variety of living organisms on Earth, including microorganisms, plants, animals, and fungi. India is a rich country in terms of biodiversity, with unique species that are found nowhere else.
  • All living organisms (humans, animals, plants, microbes) depend on each other in a complex ecological system. For example:
    • Plants produce oxygen and food.
    • Animals help in pollination and seed dispersal.
    • Microorganisms clean and recycle nutrients in the soil, water, and air.
  • We rely on these systems for survival, like getting clean air, water, and soil for food.

2. Flora and Fauna in India

  • India has a diverse range of flora (plants) and fauna (animals). These natural resources play a crucial role in our daily lives.
  • Many species are endangered due to human activities and environmental insensitivity.

3. Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

  • Conservation means protecting wildlife and forests. We need conservation because:
    • It preserves ecosystems (water, air, and soil).
    • It helps maintain genetic diversity in plants and animals.
    • Agriculture and fisheries depend on the biodiversity in nature.
  • In 1972, the Indian government passed the Wildlife Protection Act to conserve endangered species by preventing hunting and protecting their habitats.

4. Project Tiger (1973)

  • Project Tiger was launched to protect tigers, whose population had dropped drastically due to poaching and habitat loss.
  • India and Nepal are home to most of the world’s tigers, making them prime targets for illegal hunting.
  • The project aims to save not just tigers but also preserve their habitats and prey species.

5. Types of Forests in India

  • Reserved Forests: These forests are protected and have the highest value for conservation.
  • Protected Forests: These are also important, but slightly less strict than reserved forests.
  • Unclassed Forests: These forests are managed by local communities or private individuals.

6. Conservation Efforts and Tiger Reserves

  • Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India help protect species like tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros. For example:
    • Corbett National Park, Sunderbans National Park, and Bandhavgarh National Park are famous tiger reserves.

7. Importance of Community Involvement

  • In India, local communities play a key role in protecting forests and wildlife.
    • Sariska Tiger Reserve: Villagers fought against mining and protected wildlife by using the Wildlife Protection Act.
    • Chipko Movement: Villagers in the Himalayas saved forests by hugging trees to prevent deforestation.
    • Beej Bachao Andolan: A movement focused on conserving traditional crops without chemicals.

8. Sacred Groves and Traditional Conservation

  • Some communities protect forests and species as part of their cultural or religious practices. For example:
    • Sacred Groves are forest patches that people consider sacred and do not interfere with.
    • Tribes like the Mundas and Santhals worship specific trees, preserving them for generations.

9. Joint Forest Management (JFM)

  • JFM is a government program where local communities help in the protection and management of forests, especially degraded areas.
  • In return, they can access resources like non-timber forest produce and get benefits from the timber harvested.

10. Challenges and the Way Forward

  • Conservation is a continuous challenge, as many species and habitats are still under threat.
  • The local community involvement in decision-making and sustainable development is essential for the long-term success of conservation efforts.

Key Points for Competitive Exams:

  1. Biodiversity: Understand its importance in maintaining ecosystems.
  2. Conservation Acts: Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Project Tiger (1973), and JFM (1988).
  3. Important National Parks and Reserves: Corbett, Sundarbans, Bandhavgarh, Sariska.
  4. Community-Based Conservation: Chipko Movement, Sacred Groves, Beej Bachao Andolan.
  5. Types of Forests in India: Reserved, Protected, and Unclassed Forests.
  6. Endangered Species: Focus on tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and snow leopards.
  7. Human-Nature Relationship: Connection between cultures, traditions, and nature conservation.

This information will help in understanding the essential concepts of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable resource management, which are critical in exams related to environmental science and geography.

THESE ALL ARE THE NOTES OF CHAPTER 2 GEOGRAPHY. AND AFTER SOME TIME YOU GET IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HERE. *#THANKS FOR VISITING, VISIT AGAIN#* 😊