Conservation of Wildlife
Excessive exploitation of plant and animal resources by human beings has disturbed the ecosystem thoroughly. About 1,300 plant species are endangered and about 20 species are extinct. Many species are endangered and some have even become extinct. There has been a depletion of wildlife and forests in India.
The main cause for this is hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes. Pollution caused due to chemical and industrial waste, acid deposits, the introduction of some alien species, and the use of reckless cutting of trees to bring land under cultivation and habitation are also responsible for the imbalances which are caused in the ecosystem.
To protect the flora and fauna, the following steps have been taken by the government conservation:
- Eighteen biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect the flora and fauna of the country. Ten of these are the Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar, Nilgiri, Nokrek, Great Nicobar, Manas, and Simlipal. Pachmarhi and Achanakmar- Amarkantak, have also been included in the world network of biosphere reserves.
- Technical as well as financial assistance has been provided to many of these botanical gardens by the government since 1992.
- Project Rhino, Project Tiger, Project Great Indian Bustard, and many other such eco-developmental projects have been introduced.
- 101 National Parks, 553 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Zoological gardens are set to take care of the natural heritage of the country.
Wildlife Protection Act was passed on the year 1972 by the Parliament of India for the rescue as well as protection of plants and animal species from being threatened. A further initiative was taken by the Government of India by introducing Project Tiger 1973, with the aim that the population of Bengal tigers is to be maintained in their natural habitats.
Wild Life in India
The landmass of India is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. A wide range of birds and animals live in the diverse terrain of the country. From Royal Bengal Tigers to Asiatic Elephants, India is home to a huge variety of animals in its 89 National Parks, 18 Bio-Reserves, and more than 400 wildlife sanctuaries.
Wildlife in India
Table of Content
- What is Wildlife?
- Why are some Wildlife Species getting Endangered?
- Government Initiative to Protect Flora and Fauna
- Causes of Major Threat to Flora and Fauna
- Classification of Species
- Wildlife Sanctuary in India
- Wildlife Distribution In India
- Conservation of Wildlife