forest and wildlife

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India Conservation of forest and wildlife means measures taken to preserve and protect forests and wildlife.  As we know forests and wildlife are very essential for the existence of mankind and the depletion of  forests and extinction of wildlife is a cause for concern. Conservation preserves the ecological diversity and natural resources like water, air and soil.   It preserves the genetic diversity of plants   Conservation of forest and wildlife help in the growth of animal species and in their breeding. In the year, 1972, the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented. It made protecting specific habitats as law.  A list of wildlife species that had to be protected was published and hunting these animals was against the law. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries were set up in many states to protect endangered species. Wildlife Sanctuaries The Kashmir stag, three types of crocodiles, the Asiatic lion, the Indian elephant, black buck,  the great Indian bustard and the snow leopard are protected under several projects initiated  by the Central Government of India. These animals are protected against hunting and trading. Under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several insects have also been included in the list of  protected species. Butterflies, moths, beetles, dragonflies and even certain plants are included  in the protected list.

Project Tiger

Project tiger stamp The tiger is India’s national animal. It is the key wildlife species in the faunal web. The population of the Indian tigers came down from an estimated number of 55,000 to a mere 1, 827 due to various reasons like poaching for trade, shrinking forests, depletion of prey species and growing human population. Tigers were hunted for their skin and bones. The bones were used to make traditional medicines. Realizing the gravity of the situation the "Project Tiger" campaign was initiated in the year, 1973 by the government of India. It is one of the most well publicized wildlife campaigns in the world. There are 27 tiger reserves in India covering an area of 37,761 sq km Due to ‘Project Tiger’ the tiger population went up to 4,002 in 1985 and 4,334 in 1989 In 1993, the tiger population again dropped to 3,600 Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala are some of the tiger reserves of India. Project Tiger Reserves

The Himalayan Yew in trouble Himalayan Yew The Himalayan Yew is a medicinal plant that is found in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.  From the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree, a chemical compound called ‘taxol’ is extracted.  This chemical is used to make drugs that are used to cure certain types of cancers, but the species is  becoming extinct due to over-exploitation.

Are colonial forest policies to be blamed?

"Enrichment plantation" was carried out during the colonial period in India. When a particular species of trees which are commercial profitable are planted after the removal of other species in the area is called "enrichment plantation". Examples of "enrichment plantation" are Teak trees planted in South India after cutting down natural forests Chirr Pine plantations which have replaced the Himalayan oak in the Himalayas Teak Plantation Chirr Pine plantations