Geography - Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
1. Introduction
- Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows naturally without human interference.
- Wildlife includes all living organisms in forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
- India has diverse vegetation and wildlife due to its varied climate and geography.
2. Factors Affecting Natural Vegetation
- - Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and sunlight determine vegetation type.
- - Soil: Different soils support different types of plants.
- - Relief Features: Mountains, plateaus, and plains influence vegetation growth.
- - Human Activities: Deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization impact vegetation.
3. Types of Natural Vegetation in India
- 1. Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and
Northeast India.
- - Trees: Mahogany, Ebony, Rosewood.
- - Dense forests with high rainfall and evergreen trees.
- 2. Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests): Found in Central India, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, and Odisha.
- - Trees: Sal, Teak, Shisham, Neem.
- - Trees shed leaves in dry seasons to conserve water.
- 3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh.
- - Trees: Babool, Kikar, Cactus.
- - Low rainfall, scattered trees, and thorny bushes.
- 4. Montane Forests (Himalayan Region): Found in Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh.
- - Trees: Pine, Deodar, Fir, Spruce.
- - Coniferous trees grow in cold regions.
- 5. Mangrove Forests (Tidal Forests): Found in Sundarbans (West Bengal) and Andaman &
Nicobar Islands.
- - Trees: Sundari Tree (dominant species).
- - Grows in coastal areas with salty water.
4. Wildlife in India
- India has rich biodiversity with different species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
- Major Wildlife Species:
- - Tigers (Sundarbans, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka).
- - Elephants (Kerala, Assam).
- - Lions (Gir Forest, Gujarat).
- - Rhinos (Kaziranga National Park, Assam).
- - Deer, Leopards, Crocodiles, Snakes, and Various Birds.
5. Conservation of Forests and Wildlife
- - Deforestation, poaching, and habitat destruction threaten wildlife.
- Government Initiatives for Conservation:
- - Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Bans hunting of endangered species.
- - Project Tiger (1973): To protect tigers.
- - Project Elephant: Conservation program for elephants.
- - Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries: To protect biodiversity.