Textbook Exercise Solutions
Q.1: Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
→ (d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Q.2: Match the Following
-
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.
Q.3: Answer in about 30 words
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is it important?
→ Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms—plants, animals, and microorganisms—in an area. It is important because it maintains ecological balance, provides food, medicine, raw materials, and ensures survival of humans.
(ii) How have human activities affected depletion of flora and fauna?
→ Human activities like deforestation, mining, industrialisation, overgrazing, construction of dams, and illegal hunting have reduced natural habitats, endangered species, and led to loss of biodiversity.
Q.4: Answer in about 120 words
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
→ Local communities play a crucial role in conservation. In Alwar, Rajasthan, villagers declared 1,200 hectares as Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ and protected wildlife. The Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand resisted deforestation by hugging trees. In Odisha, the Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme involved villagers in protecting degraded forests in return for forest products. Sacred groves preserved by tribals, like in Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh, protect biodiversity. Bishnoi communities in Rajasthan protect blackbuck and peacocks. Farmers’ movements like Beej Bachao Andolan promote organic farming and conserve seed diversity. These examples show community-led conservation can be sustainable and effective.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
→ Good practices include government measures like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), creation of national parks and sanctuaries, and projects like Project Tiger. Community practices such as Chipko Movement, Beej Bachao Andolan, and Navdanya promote biodiversity. Traditional beliefs—such as protecting sacred groves and trees—also help. Joint Forest Management (JFM) empowers villagers to restore degraded forests. Awareness campaigns, afforestation, bans on hunting, regulated grazing, eco-friendly farming, and using alternatives to wood also support conservation. Combining government laws with people’s participation is the best way forward for saving forests and wildlife.
Extra Questions
Short Questions
-
What is Project Tiger?
→ Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to protect tigers from extinction. It created tiger reserves like Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Sariska, and Sundarbans, reducing poaching and conserving tiger habitats. -
What are sacred groves?
→ Sacred groves are forest patches protected due to religious beliefs. Local communities forbid cutting or hunting there. Examples include Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya and Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan. -
What role do tribals play in conservation?
→ Tribals depend on forests for livelihood and worship trees and animals. Their traditional practices like preserving sacred groves and protecting species help conserve biodiversity. -
Why is community participation important in conservation?
→ Communities directly depend on forests. Their participation ensures protection of resources, prevents exploitation by outsiders, and creates sustainable use models that suit local needs. -
What is the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)?
→ It is a law providing legal protection to endangered species, banning hunting, restricting trade in wildlife, and creating national parks, sanctuaries, and protected areas.
Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the importance of biodiversity for human life.
Biodiversity is vital because it maintains balance in the ecosystem. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, regulating climate. Forests recharge groundwater, prevent soil erosion, and provide timber, fruits, and medicines. Animals help in pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining the food chain. Microorganisms recycle nutrients and purify soil and water. Humans depend on traditional crops and livestock for food security, which requires conserving genetic diversity. Loss of biodiversity leads to extinction of species, ecological imbalance, and threat to survival. Thus, conserving biodiversity ensures sustainable agriculture, climate stability, livelihood security, and survival of present and future generations.
2. Discuss government measures for protecting forests and wildlife.
The government has adopted various steps. The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) created a legal framework for protecting species and habitats. National parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries were set up across the country. Programmes like Project Tiger (1973) and initiatives for Asiatic lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses protect endangered animals. Forest laws regulate tree cutting, while afforestation programmes increase green cover. The government has also partnered with local communities through Joint Forest Management (1988). Awareness campaigns, eco-tourism, and school education promote conservation values. These steps show the state’s active role, though people’s cooperation remains equally important.
3. Explain the role of communities in conserving forest and wildlife resources.
Communities have deep cultural and economic connections with forests. The Chipko Movement showed how villagers resisted deforestation by hugging trees. In Alwar, Rajasthan, villagers declared their own wildlife sanctuary. Bishnoi tribes protect blackbuck and peacocks, treating them as sacred. Sacred groves in Meghalaya and Himachal preserve rare species. Farmers’ groups like Beej Bachao Andolan promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture. Joint Forest Management involves locals in forest protection. Such efforts combine livelihood needs with ecological responsibility. Without community participation, government measures alone cannot succeed, as people are the real custodians of nature.
4. What are the main threats to forests and wildlife in India?
Forests and wildlife face threats from deforestation, mining, industrialisation, expansion of agriculture, overgrazing, and construction of dams and highways. Poaching and illegal trade in skins, horns, and bones threaten species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. Monoculture plantations reduce biodiversity. Climate change and forest fires worsen the situation. Rising population increases demand for fuelwood, timber, and land. Inadequate enforcement of conservation laws adds to the problem. These threats not only cause extinction of species but also disturb ecological balance. To address this, stricter protection, community involvement, and promotion of sustainable practices are essential.
5. Write a detailed note on conservation movements in India.
India has seen many conservation movements led by communities. The Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand resisted deforestation by embracing trees. The Bishnoi community in Rajasthan sacrificed lives to protect khejri trees and continues to safeguard blackbuck and peacocks. In Alwar, villagers created Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri by setting rules against hunting. Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya campaigns encouraged biodiversity-friendly farming and saved indigenous seeds. Sacred groves preserved by tribal communities across Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal conserve rare flora. Joint Forest Management (JFM) enables local communities to share benefits of forests while protecting them. These grassroots movements prove that people’s participation ensures more sustainable conservation than government action alone.
MCQs with Answers
-
When was the Wildlife Protection Act passed? → 1972
-
Which year was Project Tiger launched? → 1973
-
First national park of India? → Jim Corbett National Park
-
Which community protects blackbuck in Rajasthan? → Bishnoi
-
Sacred groves are mostly found in which state? → Meghalaya
-
Largest area under permanent forest? → Madhya Pradesh
-
What is biodiversity? → Variety of life forms
-
Which movement resisted deforestation in Himalayas? → Chipko Movement
-
Which programme involves villagers in forest protection? → Joint Forest Management (JFM)
-
In which state was JFM first introduced? → Odisha (1988)
-
What was tiger population in India in 1973? → 1,827
-
Which sanctuary protects rhinos? → Kaziranga National Park
-
Which forests are most valuable for conservation? → Reserved forests
-
Which forests are protected from further depletion? → Protected forests
-
Which forests are managed by communities or individuals? → Unclassed forests
-
Asiatic lion is found in which sanctuary? → Gir National Park, Gujarat
-
Which bird is endangered and found in Rajasthan? → Great Indian Bustard
-
Which act banned hunting of many species? → Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
-
Who led the Beej Bachao Andolan? → Sundarlal Bahuguna & local farmers
-
Which tree is sacred to Santhal and Munda tribes? → Mahua/Kadamba
-
Which organisation launched Navdanya movement? → Dr. Vandana Shiva
-
Which animal is protected under Project Elephant? → Indian Elephant
-
Which forests are also called permanent forest estates? → Reserved + Protected forests
-
Which species is found in Himalayas and given protection? → Snow Leopard
-
Which is the main objective of conservation? → Preserve biodiversity and ecological balance
Projects / Activities
1. Collect more information on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India and cite their locations on a map.
Example:
-
Kaziranga (Assam): One-horned rhinoceros
-
Gir (Gujarat): Asiatic lion
-
Sundarbans (West Bengal): Royal Bengal Tiger
-
Corbett (Uttarakhand): Tigers
-
Periyar (Kerala): Elephants
(You can prepare a map and mark these locations in your project file.)
2. Write a short essay on any practices you may have observed in your life that conserve the environment.
Answer Example:
In my daily life, I practice small conservation methods. At home, we separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, reuse plastic bottles, and compost kitchen waste. We switched to LED bulbs to save electricity and use a bucket instead of shower to save water. In school, we plant trees on Environment Day and ensure taps and fans are switched off after use. We also spread awareness about banning single-use plastics. Though small, these actions reduce pollution, save resources, and promote a healthier environment. Conservation starts with individuals, and together such practices can protect the planet.