NCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography: Chapter – Forest and Wildlife Resources Overview, Conservation Efforts, Key Years & Summary with Top 25 Q&A

“Forest and Wildlife Resources” is a crucial chapter in the NCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography textbook, under the unit “Contemporary India – II”. This chapter delves into the diverse forest and wildlife resources in India, emphasizing their importance, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts required to protect these natural treasures.

Introduction

Forests and wildlife are vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth. They not only provide habitat for numerous species but also offer goods and services essential for human survival and economic activities. Forests act as carbon sinks, help in water conservation, and prevent soil erosion, while wildlife plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

Importance of Forest and Wildlife Resources

• Biodiversity Conservation: Forests and wildlife preserve a wide range of flora and fauna, contributing to global biodiversity.
• Climate Regulation: Forests regulate the climate by managing the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• Water Cycle Maintenance: They play a key role in the water cycle, ensuring the availability of fresh water.
• Soil Conservation: Forests prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility, crucial for agriculture.
• Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Many cultures revere forests and wildlife, which also contribute to tourism and recreation.

Threats to Forest and Wildlife Resources

• Deforestation: The clearance of forest land for agriculture, urban development, and mining leads to loss of habitat.
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Illegal hunting and trade of wildlife for commercial purposes threaten many species with extinction.
• Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution adversely affect both forests and wildlife.
• Climate Change: Altered weather patterns can disrupt the habitats of many species.
• Invasive Species: Non-native species can outcompete native flora and fauna, leading to loss of biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

• Legal Framework: India has implemented various laws and policies, such as the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Forest Conservation Act (1980), and the establishment of protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Community Involvement: Community-based conservation efforts like Joint Forest Management (JFM) encourage the participation of local communities in the management and conservation of forests.
• Conservation Projects: Specific conservation projects like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the establishment of biosphere reserves aim to protect critical habitats and endangered species.
• International Agreements: India is a party to international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aim to protect biodiversity globally.

Points to Remember

• Conservation of forests and wildlife is not just about protecting species but ensuring the survival of human beings by maintaining ecological balance.
• Sustainable management and use of forest and wildlife resources are essential to prevent over-exploitation and ensure that future generations also benefit from these resources.
• Public awareness and education about the importance of conservation can lead to greater involvement in conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The “Forest and Wildlife Resources” chapter underscores the need for a balanced approach to development and conservation. Protecting these resources requires concerted efforts from governments, communities, and individuals to ensure a sustainable future for all life forms on Earth.

Here are 25 small questions and answers based on the “Forest and Wildlife Resources” chapter from the NCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography textbook:

1. What are forest resources?

• Forest resources include the natural assets provided by forest ecosystems, such as timber, fodder, and non-timber forest products, along with ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and soil conservation.

1. What is biodiversity?

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form.

1. Why are forests important for the environment?

• Forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance, regulating the climate, conserving soil and water, supporting biodiversity, and providing livelihoods for many communities.

1. What causes deforestation?

• Deforestation is caused by logging, agricultural expansion, mining, infrastructure development, and urbanization.

1. What is the Wildlife Protection Act?

• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a law enacted in India to protect wildlife species and establish a network of ecologically important protected areas.

1. What is a biosphere reserve?

• A biosphere reserve is an area designated to promote sustainable balance between biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use.

1. How do forests contribute to the water cycle?

• Forests contribute to the water cycle by facilitating the infiltration of rainwater into the soil, which replenishes groundwater, and by transpiration, which releases water vapor back into the atmosphere.

1. What are endangered species?

• Endangered species are those at risk of extinction due to a significant decline in their population or habitat.

1. What is Project Tiger?

• Project Tiger is a conservation program launched by the Government of India in 1973 aimed at protecting the Bengal tiger and its habitats.

1. Why is wildlife conservation important?
   • Wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ecological balance, and supporting ecosystems that humans rely on for resources and services.
2. What are national parks?
   • National parks are protected areas established by the government to conserve wildlife and natural habitats, where human activities are restricted.
3. What is the significance of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980?
   • The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, was enacted to prevent deforestation and conserve forests by restricting the conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
4. How does pollution affect forests and wildlife?
   • Pollution can damage forest health and water sources, leading to habitat degradation and posing direct threats to wildlife health and survival.
5. What role do local communities play in forest conservation?
   • Local communities play a crucial role in conservation through traditional knowledge, sustainable resource use, and participation in conservation programs like Joint Forest Management.
6. What are invasive species, and why are they a threat?
   • Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread rapidly and outcompete native species, leading to biodiversity loss and habitat alteration.
7. How does climate change impact forests and wildlife?
   • Climate change alters habitats, shifts species distribution, and increases the vulnerability of forests and wildlife to diseases and extreme weather events.
8. What are wildlife sanctuaries?
   • Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas intended for the conservation of animals and plants, where hunting and development are typically prohibited.
9. What is sustainable development in the context of forest resources?
   • Sustainable development involves managing forest resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
10. What is the role of education in conservation efforts?
    • Education raises awareness about the importance of conservation, promoting responsible behavior towards the environment and encouraging participation in conservation activities.
11. What are non-timber forest products (NTFPs)?
    • NTFPs include all forest products except timber, such as fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, and resins, which are vital for rural livelihoods and economies.
12. Why are protected areas established?
    • Protected areas are established to conserve biodiversity and natural habitats, ensuring the protection of wildlife and ecosystems from human exploitation and degradation.
13. What is the impact of human activities on wildlife?
    • Human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of resources, lead to wildlife population declines and extinction.
14. How does afforestation help in conservation?
    • Afforestation, the process of planting trees in barren lands, helps restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and combat desertification and climate change.
15. What are community reserves?
    • Community reserves are protected areas that are not pristine but are managed through community efforts alongside the government to conserve wildlife and habitats.
16. What is ecological balance, and why is it important?
    • Ecological balance refers to the equilibrium in natural processes and species interactions that sustain life and ecosystems. It is important for maintaining biodiversity, resource availability, and environmental health.