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Class 10 Geography Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources Notes Notes

India’s rich biodiversity, encompassing a wide variety of forests and wildlife, plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life. Class 10 Geography Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources Notes explores the significance of these resources, their distribution, and the challenges they face. By understanding the details provided in Class 10 Geography Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources Notes, students gain insights into the need for conservation and sustainable management to preserve this invaluable natural heritage.





Introduction:

India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of biodiversity. Its forests and wildlife provide essential resources, maintain ecological balance, and support diverse forms of life. This chapter elaborates on the importance of these resources, the challenges they face, and measures for their conservation.



Importance of Forest and Wildlife Resources

1. Environmental Importance
  • Forests act as the Earth’s lungs, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
  • They regulate climate by maintaining the water cycle and providing watershed protection.
  • Wildlife contributes to pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining the food chain.

2. Economic Importance
  • Forests provide timber, bamboo, resin, gum, and medicinal plants.
  • Wildlife supports tourism and eco-tourism, creating livelihoods for many.

3. Cultural and Social Significance
  • Forests are sacred to many indigenous communities and integral to their traditions.
  • They are vital for recreational and spiritual well-being.


Types of Forests in India

1. Tropical Evergreen Forests
  • Climate: Heavy rainfall (above 200 cm), high humidity, and warm temperatures.
  • Location: Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and northeastern states.
  • Features: Dense vegetation, multi-layered canopies, and absence of a dry season.
  • Examples of Trees: Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany.
  • Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, hornbills, and reptiles.

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests
  • Climate: Rainfall between 70-200 cm, distinct dry season.
  • Location: Central India, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Karnataka.
  • Features: Shed leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
  • Examples of Trees: Sal, Teak, Neem, Shisham.
  • Wildlife: Tigers, deers, monkeys, and various bird species.
3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs
  • Climate: Rainfall less than 70 cm, dry and arid conditions.
  • Location: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Features: Scattered vegetation with thorny bushes.
  • Examples of Trees: Acacia, Cactus, and Babool.
  • Wildlife: Camels, foxes, and desert snakes.

4. Montane Forests
  • Climate: Found at varying altitudes in hilly and mountainous areas.
  • Location: Himalayan regions and Nilgiris.
  • Features: Vegetation changes with altitude:
    • Lower Altitudes: Wet temperate forests with oaks and chestnuts.
    • Higher Altitudes: Coniferous trees like pines, cedars, and deodars.
  • Wildlife: Snow leopards, mountain goats, and brown bears.

5. Mangrove Forests
  • Climate: in coastal regions where seawater mixes with freshwater.
  • Location: (West Bengal), deltas of the Mahanadi, Krishna, and Godavari.
  • Features: trees with stilt roots.
  • Examples of Trees: , Palm, and Keora.
  • Wildlife: Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, and snakes.


Threats to Forest and Wildlife

1. Deforestation
  • Conversion of forests into agricultural and industrial land.
  • Expansion of urban areas and infrastructure projects.

2. Overgrazing and Exploitation
  • Livestock grazing leads to soil degradation and depletion of vegetation.
  • Overuse of timber, fuelwood, and non-timber products.

3. Illegal Activities
  • Poaching and hunting of animals for commercial purposes.
  • Smuggling of rare and valuable species of flora and fauna.

4. Natural Disasters
  • Forest fires and floods significantly impact biodiversity.

5. Climate Change
  • Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns disrupt ecosystems.


Wildlife in India

  • Biodiversity Hotspots:
    • Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland.
  • Key Endemic Species: Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet, and Indian Pangolin.
  • Threatened Species: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard, and Great Indian Bustard.


Conservation Measures

1. Legislation and Policies
  • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Protects endangered species and prohibits poaching.
  • Forest Conservation Act (1980): Prevents deforestation and regulates land use.

2. Protected Areas
  • National Parks: Restricted human activity; focused on biodiversity preservation.
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Permit limited human activity for the welfare of flora and fauna.
  • Biosphere Reserves: Balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable use.

3. Community Participation
  • Joint Forest Management (JFM): Involves local communities in forest protection.
  • Chipko Movement: Grassroots effort to prevent deforestation.

4. Reforestation and Afforestation
  • Replanting trees in degraded forests and planting new ones in barren areas.

5. Awareness Campaigns
  • Promoting eco-tourism and educating people about biodiversity’s importance.


Methods of Soil and Water Conservation in Forested Areas

  • Terrace Farming: surface runoff and prevents soil erosion.
  • Shelter Belts: agricultural lands from wind erosion.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: water availability for reforestation projects.


Sustainable Development Practices

  1. Eco-Tourism: Promotes responsible travel to natural areas.
  2. Renewable Energy: Reduces dependence on wood and fossil fuels.
  3. Zero Waste Practices: Minimizes human impact on ecosystems.

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