NCERT Geography Class 10 Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

NCERT Geography Class 10 | Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

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NCERT Geography Class 10 | Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Topic & sub-topics covered: Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India: Forest and Wildlife Resources (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India” from the NCERT Geography notes for class 10th chapter 2nd “Forest and Wildlife Resources“.

Download the NCERT Geography for Class 10th Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources PDF

Download the NCERT Geography textbook for Class 10, Chapter 2, “Forest and Wildlife Resources” in PDF format. This chapter delves into the importance of flora and fauna in India, forests and wildlife, their conservation, and their challenges. Explore topics like deforestation, wildlife extinction, and sustainable practices. Enhance your understanding of India’s rich biodiversity and the need for its protection.

Dive into the world of India’s diverse forests and wildlife with the NCERT Geography textbook for Class 10, Chapter 2. This comprehensive PDF explains NCERT Geography class 10th chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources.

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Tribal women selling minor forest produce - Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
Source: NCERT Book

1. Importance of Conservation:

  • Conservation is essential to combat the rapid decline in wildlife and forests.
  • It preserves ecological diversity and life-support systems like water, air, and soil.
  • Conservation helps maintain the genetic diversity of plants and animals for species growth and breeding.
  • Agriculture and fisheries depend heavily on biodiversity (e.g., traditional crop varieties and aquatic ecosystems).

2. Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

  • The Act was implemented to protect habitats and species.
  • An all-India list of protected species was published.
  • Key measures include banning hunting, legally protecting habitats, and restricting wildlife trade.
  • The Act led to the establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by central and state governments.

3. Species-Specific Protection Projects:

  • Conservation programs target endangered species, such as:
    1.     Tiger
    2. One-horned rhinoceros
    3. Kashmir stag (Hangul)
    4. Crocodiles (freshwater, saltwater, gharial)
    5. Asiatic lion
    6. Indian elephant
    7. Black buck (Chinkara)
    8. Great Indian bustard (Godawan)
    9. Snow leopard

4. Shift in Conservation Focus:

  • Biodiversity conservation has become the priority over focusing on specific components.
  • Insects like butterflies, moths, beetles, and dragonflies were included in the protected species list under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986.
  • In 1991, for the first time, six plant species were added to the list of protected species.

5. Legal and Strategic Measures:

  • Legal protection and trade restrictions have contributed to safeguarding wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Conservation measures now include intensive searches and broader biodiversity planning.

6. Conservation Success:

  • The integration of smaller organisms, such as insects, shows the depth of conservation planning.
  • Plant species protection is a significant milestone in India’s conservation journey.

Project Tiger

1. Tiger Population Decline:

  • Tigers are a key species in the faunal web and crucial for ecological balance.
  • The tiger population decreased drastically from 55,000 in the early 1900s to 1,827 in 1973.

2. Threats to Tigers:

  • Major threats include:
    1. Poaching for trade.
    2. Shrinking habitats.
    3. Depletion of prey base species.
    4. Growing human population.
  • Tiger skins and bones are in high demand for traditional medicines, especially in Asian countries.
  • India and Nepal, hosting two-thirds of the world’s tiger population, are prime targets for poaching and illegal trade.

3. Project Tiger:

  • Launched in 1973, “Project Tiger” is one of the most publicized wildlife conservation campaigns globally.
  • The project aimed to save tigers and preserve large-scale biotypes.

4. Key Tiger Reserves in India:

  • Significant tiger reserves include:
    1. Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand).
    2. Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal).
    3. Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh).
    4. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan).
    5. Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).
    6. Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala).

5. Conservation Significance:

  • Tiger conservation is vital not only for protecting an endangered species but also for maintaining biodiversity.
  • Effective conservation of tigers reflects success in managing larger ecosystems and habitats.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Geography Class 10 Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

Topics No.Topics Name
1Flora and Fauna in India
2Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
3Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources
4Community and Conservation

MCQ Questions on NCERT Geography Class 10 | Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Question 1. Why is the conservation of forests and wildlife essential?

a) To promote urbanization
b) To preserve ecological diversity and life support systems
c) For industrial development
d) To increase agricultural land

Answer: b) To preserve ecological diversity and life support systems

Question 2. What is one reason for conserving the genetic diversity of plants and animals?

a) For recreational purposes
b) For improved growth and breeding of species
c) To promote tourism
d) To increase urban areas

Answer: b) For improved growth and breeding of species

Question 3. In agriculture, conservation is important because we rely on:

a) Modern technology
b) Fertilizers and pesticides
c) Traditional crop varieties
d) Advanced irrigation systems

Answer: c) Traditional crop varieties

Question 4. Which biodiversity component is critical for fisheries?

a) Mountain biodiversity
b) Genetic diversity of terrestrial plants
c) Aquatic biodiversity
d) Wildlife in forests

Answer: c) Aquatic biodiversity

Question 5. When was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented?

a) 1965
b) 1972
c) 1980
d) 1991

Answer: b) 1972

Question 6. What was the main focus of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act?

a) Expanding agricultural land
b) Protecting endangered species and their habitats
c) Promoting industrial growth
d) Exporting wildlife

Answer: b) Protecting endangered species and their habitats

Question 7. What actions were taken under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act?

a) Banning hunting and protecting habitats
b) Increasing forest area
c) Building zoos
d) Promoting wildlife trade

Answer: a) Banning hunting and protecting habitats

Question 8. Which animals were given protection under wildlife projects in India?

a) Domestic animals like cows
b) Endangered species like tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and Asiatic lions
c) All bird species
d) Only aquatic animals

Answer: b) Endangered species like tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and Asiatic lions

Question 9. When was “Project Tiger” launched in India?

a) 1965
b) 1973
c) 1985
d) 1991

Answer: b) 1973

Question 10. What was the primary reason for the decline in the tiger population?

a) Lack of prey
b) Poaching for trade and shrinking habitat
c) Excessive tourism
d) Natural calamities

Answer: b) Poaching for trade and shrinking habitat

Question 11. What percentage of the world’s surviving tiger population is found in India and Nepal?

a) One-third
b) Two-thirds
c) Half
d) One-fourth

Answer: b) Two-thirds

Question 12. Which national park is associated with the launch of Project Tiger?

a) Kaziranga National Park
b) Corbett National Park
c) Ranthambore National Park
d) Sundarbans National Park

Answer: b) Corbett National Park

Question 13. Which of the following is not a tiger reserve in India?

a) Manas Tiger Reserve
b) Bandhavgarh National Park
c) Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
d) Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: c) Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary

Question 14. What has been the recent focus of conservation projects in India?

a) Saving only endangered mammals
b) Protecting biodiversity as a whole
c) Restricting tourism in forests
d) Increasing the forest area for cultivation

Answer: b) Protecting biodiversity as a whole

Question 15. Which smaller species were added to the list of protected species under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986?

a) Only birds
b) Butterflies, moths, beetles, and a dragonfly
c) Only mammals
d) Amphibians and reptiles

Answer: b) Butterflies, moths, beetles, and a dragonfly

Question 16. In which year were plants first added to the list of protected species under the Wildlife Act?

a) 1980
b) 1986
c) 1991
d) 1973

Answer: c) 1991

Question 17. How many plant species were initially added to the list of protected species in 1991?

a) Four
b) Five
c) Six
d) Seven

Answer: c) Six

Question 18. What are the major threats to tiger populations?

a) Only habitat loss
b) Poaching, shrinking habitat, and depletion of prey
c) Climate change
d) Tourism activities

Answer: b) Poaching, shrinking habitat, and depletion of prey

Question 19. Why are tiger bones and skins in high demand?

a) For decorative purposes
b) For traditional medicines and trade
c) For making clothing
d) For food consumption

Answer: b) For traditional medicines and trade

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