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Forest and Wildlife Resources: TBSE Class 10 Geography answers
Get here the notes, questions, answers, textbook solutions, summary, additional/extras, and PDF of TBSE (Tripura Board) Class 10 (madhyamik) Social Science (Geography/Contemporary India II) Chapter “Forest and Wildlife Resources.” However, the provided notes should only be treated as references, and the students are encouraged to make changes to them as they feel appropriate.
Summary
Earth is home to different living beings, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest creatures like elephants and blue whales, and all these living beings are interconnected and form a complex ecological system, on which humans are dependent for their existence. Plants, animals, and microorganisms are responsible for creating the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that produces our food.
Forests are very important to this ecological system because they are the main source of food for all other living things. India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of biological diversity, with nearly 8% of the total number of species in the world. However, many of these species are under threat due to insensitivity to the environment. At least 10% of India’s recorded wild flora and 20% of its fauna are on the threatened list.
Deforestation is also a major issue in India, with forest and tree cover estimated at 79.42 million hectares, which is 24.16% of the total geographical area. While there has been an increase in dense forest cover since 2013 due to conservation measures, management interventions, and plantation, it is important to address the issue of deforestation to protect the country’s rich biodiversity.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has classified plants and animals into several categories based on their population levels and vulnerability to extinction. Normal species include cattle, pine, and rodents. Endangered species such as black bucks, Indian rhinos, and crocodiles are at risk of extinction, while vulnerable species like the blue sheep and Gangetic dolphin could move into the endangered category if negative factors persist. Rare species, such as the Himalayan brown bear, desert fox, and wild Asiatic buffalo, have small populations and could move into the endangered or vulnerable category. Endemic species like the Andaman teal and Nicobar pigeon are found only in certain areas, usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers, while extinct species such as the Asiatic cheetah and pink head duck are no longer found in known or likely areas.
The destruction of habitats, hunting, poaching, overexploitation, and other negative factors that have led to a decline in population levels are causing the depletion of flora and fauna. During the colonial period, the expansion of railways, agriculture, commercial and scientific forestry, and mining activities caused significant damage to Indian forests. Between 1951 and 1980, over 26,200 square kilometers of forest land was converted into agricultural land in India. Substantial parts of tribal belts, especially in northeastern and central India, were deforested or degraded by shifting cultivation.
The promotion of a few favored species, in many parts of India, has been carried through the ironically termed “enrichment plantation”, in which a single commercially valuable species was extensively planted and other species eliminated. Development projects, including river valley and mining projects, have contributed to the loss of forests. Grazing and fuel-wood collection are also contributing factors to the degradation of forest resources. The forest ecosystems, which are repositories of some of the country’s most valuable forest products, minerals, and other resources that meet the demands of the rapidly expanding industrial-urban economy, have become fertile ground for conflicts.
Conservation of forests and wildlife has become essential in India due to the rapid decline in their populations. Conservation helps to preserve ecological diversity and our life support systems such as water, air, and soil. It also helps to preserve genetic diversity for better growth and breeding of species, which is important in agriculture and fisheries.
In the 1960s and 1970s, conservationists demanded a national wildlife protection program, leading to the implementation of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972. This act provided legal protection to habitats and banned hunting and trade in wildlife. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries were also established by central and state governments to protect endangered species such as tigers, rhinoceroses, and crocodiles.
Conservation projects in India are now focusing on biodiversity rather than just a few components. Even insects are being included in conservation planning, and several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986. In 1991, plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.
Forest and wildlife resources in India are difficult to manage, control, and regulate. Much of it is owned or managed by the government through the Forest Department or other government departments. Forests are classified as reserved, protected, or unclassified, with reserved forests being the most valuable for conservation. Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, while some states have a large percentage of reserved forests, and others have a bulk of it under protected forests. The Northeastern states and parts of Gujarat have a very high percentage of forests managed by local communities as unclassified forests.
The conservation of natural habitats and resources has been a long-standing practise in India. However, it is important to recognise that these habitats are also home to traditional communities, which often rely on these resources for their livelihoods. In some areas of India, local communities have taken the initiative to conserve these habitats alongside government officials, understanding that it is essential for their own long-term survival.
For instance, in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers fought against mining activities by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In many other areas, villagers are taking charge of protecting habitats and rejecting government involvement. In the Alwar district of Rajasthan, for example, the inhabitants of five villages have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, creating their own set of rules and regulations that prohibit hunting and protect wildlife from outside encroachments. The Chipko movement in the Himalayas has also successfully resisted deforestation in several areas and demonstrated that community afforestation with indigenous species can be hugely successful.
Efforts to revive traditional conservation methods or develop new methods of ecological farming are also becoming more common. Farmers and citizen groups, such as the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya, have shown that adequate levels of diversified crop production without the use of synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable.
The Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme in India is an excellent example of involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The programme, which has been in existence since 1988, depends on the formation of local institutions that undertake protection activities on degraded forest land managed by the forest department. In return, members of these communities are entitled to benefits such as non-timber forest products and a share in the timber harvested through ‘successful protection’.
The clear lesson from the dynamics of environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities need to be involved in some form of natural resource management. However, there is still a long way to go before local communities are at the center stage of decision-making. It is crucial to accept only those economic or developmental activities that are people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding.
Textual questions and answers
1. Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna?
(a) Agricultural expansion.
(b) Large scale developmental projects.
(c) Grazing and fuel wood collection.
(d) Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
Answer: (c) Grazing and fuel wood collection
(ii) 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
Answer: (d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries
2. Match the following animals with their category of existence.
| Animals/plants | Category of existence |
| Black buck | Extinct |
| Asiatic elephant | Rare |
| Andaman wild pig | Endangered |
| Himalayan brown bear | Vulnerable |
| Pink head duck | Endemic |
Answer: Black buck – Endangered
Asiatic elephant – Vulnerable
Andaman wild pig – Endemic
Himalayan brown bear – Rare
Pink head duck – Extinct
3. 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 |
Answer: 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
4. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
Answer: (i) The variety of life that can be found in a given habitat or on the entire planet is known as biodiversity. The genetic diversity within each species of all plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms is also included. Because it gives us access to resources like food, clean water and air, and other resources, biodiversity is crucial to human existence. In addition, it aids in regulating the climate and maintaining fertile soils, both of which are necessary for growing crops. Additionally, biodiversity offers us leisure opportunities and aesthetic benefits while lowering the risk of disease.
(ii) We have transformed nature into a resource obtaining directly and indirectly from the forests and wildlife – wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel, fodder, manure, etc. So it is we ourselves who have depleted our forests and wildlife.
5. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
Answer: (i) Conservation strategies are not new in our country. We often ignore that in India, forests are also home to some of the traditional communities. In some areas of India, local communities are struggling to conserve these habitats along with government officials, recognising that only this will secure their own long-term livelihood. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats and explicitly rejecting government involvement. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, declaring their own set of rules and regulations which do not allow hunting, and are protecting the wildlife against any outside encroachments. The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only successfully resisted deforestation in several areas but has also shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful.
(ii) Reducing human activities that lead to deforestation, overhunting, and overfishing are good practises for protecting forests and wildlife. Invasive species proliferation, pollution, and climate change must all be kept to a minimum. Including communities in the management of forest resources should be a priority, for example through the Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme. This programme has been effective in preserving and restoring forests, leading to an increase in the amount of forest cover and better wildlife habitats. Creating wildlife sanctuaries should involve communities as it has assisted in saving endangered species. Finally, it’s critical to promote sustainable growth and the use of renewable resources, such as solar energy, in order to reduce the harm that humans cause to the environment.
Additional/extra questions, answers, MCQs
1. What are forests and what do they provide?
Answer: Forests refer to a community of plant species that grow naturally and provide a large tract covered by trees and shrubs. They provide a wide variety of commodities such as timber, firewood, woodpulp, medicinal plants, and other produces of industrial and commercial use. Additionally, they play an important role in checking soil erosion and air pollution, and provide natural habitat to a variety of wildlife.
Q. What is the importance of forests?
Answer: Forests are beneficial not only for our living but also for the maintenance of ecological balance. They provide us with various resources and play a significant role in checking soil erosion and air pollution. Moreover, they provide natural habitat to a variety of wildlife.
Q. What is the significance of India’s flora and fauna?
Answer: India has one of the richest countries in flora and fauna in the world with an estimated 1.6 million species of flora and fauna, which is 8 percent of the total species of the world. It is home to over 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora, and about 15,000 flowering plants of indigenous variety.
Q. How do forests contribute to the quality of our environment?
Answer: Forests contribute to the quality of our environment by recreating the quality of air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that produces our food, which are essential for our survival. They also play a vital role in checking soil erosion and air pollution, and provide natural habitat to a variety of wildlife.
Q. What are some of the commodities obtained from forests in India?
Answer: In India, we obtain a wide variety of commodities from forests such as timber, firewood, woodpulp, medicinal plants, and other produces of industrial and commercial use.
Q. What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity, refers to the immense richness in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function, but closely integrated in a system through multiple networks of interdependencies.
Q. What is the estimated forest coverage in India?
Answer: The forest coverage in India has been estimated to be around 637,293 sq km, which occupies 19.39 per cent of the total geographical area. Out of this, 11.48 per cent and 7.76 per cent are of dense and open forests respectively, and the remaining 0.15 per cent is shared by mangroves.
Q. What is the minimum desired area under forest cover according to the National Forest Policy, 1988?
Answer: According to the National Forest Policy, 1988, the minimum desired area under forest cover was 33.3 per cent of the total geographical area.
Q. Why has there been an increase in the dense forest cover of India since 1997?
Answer: There has been an apparent increase in the dense forest cover of the country since 1997, which was estimated to be 10,098 sq.km, mainly due to the plantation by different agencies.
Q. What are the different forest zones in India based on their spatial distribution?
Answer: India may be divided into different forest zones based on their spatial distribution: (i) Regions with 60 per cent and above forest area, (ii) Regions where forest cover ranges between 40 to 60 per cent, (iii) Regions which have forest cover between 20 to 40 per cent, and (iv) Regions with less than 20 per cent forest area.
Q. Which Indian states have forest cover between 20 to 40 per cent?
Answer: The regions which have forest cover between 20 to 40 per cent include Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra.
Q. Which Indian states have less than 20 per cent forest area?
Answer: The regions with less than 20 per cent forest area cover the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu.
Q. What are the common features used for the classification of Indian forests?
Answer: The common features used for the classification of Indian forests are predominant vegetation type and climatic regions.
Q. Which regions of India have tropical evergreen forests and what is the characteristic feature of these forests?
Answer: The western slopes of the Western Ghats, hills of the north eastern region, coastal Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar islands have tropical evergreen forests. The characteristic feature of these forests is that they appear green throughout the year as there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves.
Q. What are the important species of trees found in semi-evergreen forests?
Answer: The important species of trees found in semi-evergreen forests are white cedar, hollock, oak, chirpine, and a mixture of evergreen and moist deciduous trees.
Q. Which type of forests are the most widespread in India and in which regions are they found?
Answer: The most widespread forests in India are tropical deciduous forests. These forests are found in the foot hills of the Himalaya, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Q. Which are the stunted forests found in the areas with less rainfall and what are the most valuable trees of these forests?
Answer: Thorn forests and scrubs are the stunted forests found in the areas with less rainfall (below 50 cm annually). Babul and kikar are the most valuable trees of these forests, and palms, khair, euphorbias, and a variety of acacias are also found in these forests.
Q. What is the percentage of Indian forests that fall under the category of Reserved Forests, and what are the main activities allowed in these forests?
Answer: Reserved Forests account for more than half (53%) of the country’s total forest lands. In these forests, farming and grazing of animals are not allowed, and they are reserved for producing timber and other forest products like gum, resin, and turpentine.
Q. What is the percentage of Indian forests that fall under the category of Protected Forests, and what activities are allowed in these forests?
Answer: Almost 29% of the total forest area of the country falls under the category of Protected Forests. In these forests, grazing of cattle and even cultivation is allowed in specific regions.
Q. What are the Unclassed Forests, and what percentage of Indian forests do they account for?
Answer: Unclassed Forests are other forests and wastelands that belong to the government, private individuals, and communities. They are the worst type of forests and account for 18% of the total forest area in India.
Q. How are forests being destroyed in India?
Answer: Forests in India are being destroyed by various factors such as shifting cultivation, infrastructure development, mining, over-grazing, over-exploitation, and forest fires.
Q. What are the adverse consequences of forest depletion?
Answer: Forest depletion leads to adverse consequences, particularly for forest-dependent communities who rely on forests and wildlife for their food, drink, medicine, culture, and spirituality. The depletion also results in poverty, health problems, drought, and deforestation-induced floods.
Q. What is the Himalayan Yew tree?
Answer: The Himalayan Yew tree is a species found in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh in India. It is known for producing a chemical compound called ‘Taxol’ which is used in the treatment of some cancers.
Q. Why is the Himalayan Yew tree under great threat?
Answer: The Himalayan Yew tree is under great threat due to over-exploitation for its Taxol compound, which is the biggest selling anti-cancer drug in the world.
Q. What is the objective of the National Forest Policy, 1988?
Answer: The National Forest Policy, 1988 seeks to achieve environmental stability through forest conservation.
Q. What efforts should be made for conservation of forests, according to the National Forest Policy?
Answer: Efforts should be made to increase the actual forest cover area of the country through social, agro-community forestries as well as other afforestation programmes on degraded lands. The active participation of the community is very essential in bringing a good result for the conservation efforts.
Q. What is the importance of the Chipko movement?
Answer: The Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only resisted deforestation in several areas but also shown that the community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful.
Q. How rich is India in terms of wildlife resources?
Answer: India is rich in wildlife resources. About 65,000 species of animals and birds are found in this country.
Q. What are some of the reasons for the rapid decline in wildlife population in India?
Answer: There has been a rapid decline in wildlife population in India mainly due to habitat destruction, hunting, poaching, over-exploitation, environmental pollution etc.
Q. Which species are now endangered in India?
Answer: A number of species are now endangered in India, including 79 mammals, 44 birds, 15 reptiles, 3 amphibians and a large number of moths, butterflies and beetles.
Q. What is the importance of forest conservation according to the National Forest Policy, 1988?
Answer: The National Forest Policy, 1988 seeks to achieve environmental stability through forest conservation. Sustainable forest management programs have been taken up by the government in order to conserve and expand forest reserves on the one hand and to meet the needs of local people on the other.
Q. How can the actual forest cover area of the country be increased for conservation purposes?
Answer: For conservation of forests, efforts should be made to increase the actual forest cover area of the country through social, agro-community forestries as well as other afforestation programs on degraded lands.
Q. What are the advantages of conserving wildlife in India?
Answer: Conservation of wildlife not only helps in protecting the threatened and endangered species of animals and birds but also in maintaining the eco-tourism and natural heritage of the country.
Q. What was the main objective of the comprehensive wildlife act enacted by the Indian government in 1972?
Answer: The main objective of the comprehensive wildlife act enacted by the Indian government in 1972 was towards the protection of the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife.
Q. What is the significance of ‘Project Tiger’ in wildlife conservation?
Answer: ‘Project Tiger’ is one of the well-publicized wildlife campaigns in the world launched in 1973 in order to save Indian tigers from extinction. It is to ensure the maintenance of viable population of tigers in India. For this, there are 27 tiger reserves at present in India covering an area of 37,761 sq. kms.
Q. What is ‘Project Elephant’ and when was it launched?
Answer: ‘Project Elephant’ was launched in 1992 ensuring the long-term survival of identified viable population of elephants in their natural habitats.
Q. What are some other conservation projects launched by the Indian government besides Project Tiger and Project Elephant?
Answer: Other conservation projects launched by the Indian government besides Project Tiger and Project Elephant include Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul (Kashmir Stag), and conservation of Himalayan Musk Deer.
Q. How does the Indian government increase awareness about the importance of wildlife in sustainable living?
Answer: The Indian government observes wildlife week throughout the country once in a year so as to increase the awareness of the people about the importance of wildlife in our sustainable living.
Multiple Choice Question and Answers
Q. What is the main purpose of the Wildlife Protection Act in India?
a) To increase eco-tourism
b) To provide legal protection to habitats
c) To ban the hunting of all animals
d) To conserve and protect wildlife
Answer: D
Q. What is the main objective of “Project Tiger” in India?
a) To ensure the maintenance of viable population of tigers
b) To increase the population of all animals in the wild
c) To increase eco-tourism in the country
d) To provide financial aid to wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: A
Q. How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?
a) 18
b) 102
c) 515
d) 43
Answer: A
Q. What is the aim of “Project Elephant” in India?
a) To provide safe habitats for elephants
b) To increase the population of elephants
c) To protect identified viable population of elephants in their natural habitats
d) To relocate elephants to zoological gardens
Answer: C
81. What is the purpose of observing wildlife week in India?
a) To increase awareness about the importance of wildlife in sustainable living
b) To promote eco-tourism in the country
c) To increase hunting and trade of wildlife
d) To provide financial aid to national parks and sanctuaries
Answer: A
