Introduction

India is a country of immense diversity in climate, vegetation, and wildlife. The variety is influenced by its vast size, geographical location, and unique physical features. This chapter explores the factors shaping India’s environment, including the relationship between climate, natural vegetation, and wildlife.

Climate of India:

Climate refers to the average weather conditions of a region over a long period. It includes temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind patterns.

1. Weather: Temporary atmospheric conditions. Example: A rainy day in Delhi.
2. Climate: Long-term patterns observed in a region. Example: Hot summers and cold winters in Delhi.

Factors Influencing Climate in India:

1. Latitude:
   1. India lies in the tropical and subtropical zones, as it spans from 8°4’N to 37°6’N.
   2. Areas closer to the equator (e.g., southern India) are warmer, while northern regions are cooler due to proximity to the Himalayas.
2. Altitude:
   1. Temperature decreases with altitude. For example, the Himalayan regions are colder than the plains.
3. Distance from the Sea:
   1. Coastal areas (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai) have moderate climates due to the sea’s influence.
   2. Inland areas (e.g., Delhi, Rajasthan) experience extreme heat and cold, known as a continental climate.
4. Winds and Monsoons:
   1. Monsoons are seasonal winds that bring rain to India.
   2. The southwest monsoon causes most of India’s rainfall.
   3. Western disturbances cause winter rain in northern India.

Seasons in India:

India experiences four main seasons due to its geographical diversity:

1. Summer (March to June):
   1. High temperatures, especially in northern and central India.
   2. The loo, a hot and dry wind, blows in the northern plains.
2. Monsoon (June to September):
   1. Southwest monsoon winds bring rainfall.
   2. Rainfall distribution varies:
      • Heavy in the northeast and Western Ghats.
      • Low in deserts like Rajasthan.
3. Winter (December to February):
   1. Cold weather in northern India.
   2. Southern India remains relatively warm.
4. Autumn and Spring (Transition Seasons):
   1. Autumn (October-November): Marks the retreat of the monsoon.
   2. Spring (February-March): A short, pleasant season before summer.

Natural Vegetation in India:

Natural vegetation refers to plants and trees that grow naturally in a region without human interference.

Types of Natural Vegetation in India:

1. Tropical Rainforests:
   1. Found in areas with high rainfall, such as Western Ghats, Northeast India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
   2. Dense forests with tall trees like mahogany, rosewood, and ebony.
   3. Home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and tigers.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests:
   1. Found in areas with moderate rainfall, such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
   2. Trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
   3. Examples: Teak, sal, sandalwood.
3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs:
   1. Found in arid regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Deccan Plateau.
   2. Vegetation includes thorny bushes, acacia, and cacti.
4. Mountain Forests:
   1. Found in Himalayan regions and other high-altitude areas.
   2. Vegetation changes with altitude:
      • Lower altitudes: Oaks, pines, and deodars.
      • Higher altitudes: Coniferous trees like fir and spruce.
5. Mangrove Forests:
   1. Found in coastal regions and deltas (e.g., Sundarbans in West Bengal).
   2. Trees with stilt-like roots, such as the sundari tree.

Wildlife in India:

Wildlife includes animals, birds, insects, and aquatic life living in natural habitats.

Key Wildlife in Different Regions

1. Rainforests:
   • Tigers, elephants, leopards, monkeys, and a variety of birds.
2. Deciduous Forests:
   • Deer, wolves, bears, and peacocks.
3. Thorn Forests:
   • Camels, snakes, lizards, and rodents.
4. Mountain Regions:
   • Snow leopards, red pandas, and yaks.
5. Mangroves:
   • Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and water birds.

Protected Areas in India

1. National Parks:
   1. Examples: Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park.
   2. Protect endangered species.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
   1. Examples: Ranthambore Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary.
3. Biosphere Reserves:
   1. Example: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, focusing on conservation of both flora and fauna.

Human Impact on the Environment

1. Deforestation:
   • Clearing forests for agriculture and urbanization affects biodiversity.
2. Pollution:
   • Air, water, and soil pollution harm ecosystems.
3. Climate Change:
   • Rising temperatures disrupt natural vegetation and wildlife patterns.
4. Conservation Efforts:
   • Reforestation campaigns and afforestation programs.
   • Laws to prevent poaching and protect endangered species.

Important Terms to Remember

• India’s climate is influenced by latitude, altitude, and monsoons.
• Natural vegetation varies from dense rainforests to arid thorn forests.
• India is home to diverse wildlife, including iconic species like the Bengal tiger and Asian elephant.
• Conservation efforts are crucial to protect India’s environment.