This chapter looks at the rich biodiversity of India and the threats it faces. The variety of flora and fauna sustains ecological balance and human life, yet human actions — the expansion of farming and industry, large development projects, mining, overgrazing, hunting and pollution — have endangered or wiped out many species. The IUCN classifies species as normal, endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic and extinct, helping focus protection. The chapter explains how colonial forestry, the spread of cultivation and unequal access to resources drove the depletion of forests and wildlife. It then surveys conservation efforts: the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the creation of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves, and flagship schemes such as Project Tiger. Forests are classified by management as reserved, protected and unclassed. The chapter stresses that conservation succeeds best with community participation, citing the Chipko Movement, sacred groves, and the Joint Forest Management programme, where local people protect and benefit from forests.
Biodiversity of IndiaCauses of depletion of flora and faunaIUCN conservation categoriesTypes of forestsConservation projects and lawsCommunity and forest conservation
Key terms
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in a region.
Endangered species
Species in danger of extinction if the causes of decline continue.
Endemic species
Species found naturally only in a particular area.
Extinct species
Species that are no longer found anywhere on Earth.
Reserved forests
Forests strictly protected for conserving forest and wildlife resources.
Chipko Movement
A community movement that protected trees by hugging them to stop felling.
Joint Forest Management
A scheme involving local communities in protecting and managing forests.
Project Tiger
A 1973 conservation programme to protect the tiger and its habitat.
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Species that are in danger of extinction are classified as:
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