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500+ Words Essay on Wildlife Conservation

Going by the importance of climate change and associated topics are garnering importance worldwide, an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English is an expected topic in the English exams. To prepare well in advance Vedantu has brought this essay for you. It is written by experts having expertise in English. Enough data and content are brought to you so that you can recall maximum points in the exam. This will ensure you achieve amazing marks in the English examination.

Let’s Being with the Essay on Wildlife Conservation for Students in English

Like forests, wildlife consisting of animals, birds, insects, etc. living in the forest is a national resource, which not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but is also beneficial for various economic activities that generate revenue from tourism. The rich flora and fauna also play a major role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region. There was a time when human needs were minimal and there was bare interference in the wildlife. There is no denying the fact that due to urbanization, pollution, and human interventions wildlife is rapidly disappearing from the planet.

Today the biodiversity of the world is threatened due to the extinction of species. There are thirty-five hotspots around the world, which supports 43% of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as endemic. The IUCN has compiled a list of species and has classified the different species under extinct, critically endangered, less endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concerned. This list is called the Red Data Book. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the number of birds, animals, marine and freshwater creatures has dropped by almost one-third of its earlier population.

Causes for Decline or Threat to Wildlife

One of the major reasons for the constant decline of wildlife is human’s ever-increasing demands and greed that have led to deforestation and habitat destruction. For development and urbanization, man has chopped down trees to build dams, highways, and towns and this has forced the animals to retreat further and further into the receding forests.

Rapid industrialization and urbanization due to the fast growth in population in recent decades have taken a heavy toll on wildlife. Global warming and extensive environmental pollution have largely threatened wildlife as they lead to habitat destruction and rising temperature.

There is a huge demand for animal fur, skin, meat, bone, etc. across the globe that has led to a decrease in the wildlife population. Poachers kill the animals for the illegal trading of their body parts. For example, elephants are massively poached for ivory, rhinoceros are poached in Assam for their horns. The desire to keep animals in captivity or their desire to consume certain animals as exotic food has resulted in the disappearance of many animal species such as tigers and deer.

Forest fires, food shortage, increase in the number of predators, extreme weather conditions and other extraneous reasons have led to the extinction and endangerment of many species. For instance, the recent forest fires in the Amazon (Brazil), Uttarakhand (India), Australia, etc. lead to the death of many animals every year. 

Many types of animals, birds, and fauna are needed to retain the ecological balance. They are considered necessary for scientific research and experiments that will benefit mankind.

Steps to Conserve Wildlife

The protection and conservation of wildlife is the need of the hour. Some conservation efforts which are widely implemented are given below:

Afforestation:

First and most importantly, humans need to have control over their needs. We need to prevent man from felling trees unnecessarily. Trees should be replanted if they are felled.

Pollution is one of the major causes that have led to the destruction of the habitat of animal species. Pollution of the environment like air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution hurts the entire ecosystem. It has become of utmost importance to control environmental pollution.

More campaigns must be launched to raise awareness in humans on the need to keep our environment clean. A man should be responsible to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem so they should be cordial with the environment. More organizations like PETA should be set up to create awareness among people for the protection of wildlife.

Population:

The man should consciously put a check on the rapid growth of the population. The slow growth of population will decrease the rate of urbanization and that will have a major impact on the preservation of wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Wildlife sanctuaries should be made to ensure the protection of the areas of ecological significance. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 various provisions for protecting habitats of wildlife are made by constructing national parks and sanctuaries. These parks and sanctuaries ensure the protection and maintenance of endangered species.

Ban of Illegal Activities:

Illegal activities like hunting, poaching, and killing animals, birds, etc. for collections and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns, feathers, etc. should be strictly prohibited and severe punishments and fines should be imposed on people who do these kinds of activities.

Community initiatives

Communities come together to take various conservation initiatives such as the establishment of community forests, raising their voice against illegal activities, creating awareness among the masses, raising voice for the rights of the animals, conserving animals of cultural significance, and many more. For example, members of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan are very vocal against poaching activities in the region.    

Many countries have taken the initiative to help animals by proclaiming various birds and animals either as national animals or as protected species. In India, the government has launched a program of Joint Forest Management to protect the wildlife and their habitat. Under this program, responsibilities have been assigned to the village communities to protect and manage nearby forests and the wildlife in them.  Animal species have the right to live just like humans. Therefore, we should take every step to conserve them and ensure their survival and betterment.

Wildlife is an integral part of our planet. Wildlife plays a significant role in the ecology and the food chain. Disturbing their numbers or in extreme cases, extinction can have wide-ranging effects on ecology and humankind. Valuing and conserving forests and wildlife enhance the relation between man and nature. We want our future generation to be able to hear the lions roar and peacocks dancing with their extravagant feathers and not just see them in picture books. We must take steps today or else it will be too late and we should always remember 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

FAQs on Essay on Wildlife Conservation

1. How is Wildlife Important for Humankind?

Wildlife comprises animals, birds, insects, and aquatic life forms. They provide us with a number of products, such as milk, meat, hides, and wools. Insects like bees provide us, honey. They help in the pollination of flowers and have an important role to play as decomposers in the ecosystem. The birds act as decomposers by feeding on insects. Birds like vultures are known as scavengers and cleansers of the environment by feeding on dead livestock. Thus, wildlife helps in maintaining ecological balance.

2. Why Should we Conserve Biodiversity?

We should conserve biodiversity because it is very significant for all living organisms and for the environment. We must conserve biodiversity to save it from becoming extinct.

3. Why are Animals Poached?

The animals are hunted and poached for collection and illegal trade of skins, fur, horns, skins, and feathers.

4. Write Two Steps that the Government has Taken to Conserve Wildlife.

The two steps that the government has taken to conserve wildlife are:

In order to conserve wildlife, the government has established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

Many awareness programs are launched by the government to create awareness of protecting wildlife.

5. What is the importance of essays on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation is a topic given to students because it serves many purposes and holds a lot of importance in the present times. Before starting the essay, students will do adequate research to get enough data about the topic. In the process, they will learn a lot about wildlife conservation. While writing this essay they will learn to empathize with the plight of the animals. Also, they will become better at expressing themselves in written words by writing an essay on this topic as it is a very sensitive topic. This essay will not just help them in fetching excellent marks but it will also sensitize them about the current happenings.

6. What message does an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carry?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carries a very significant message that emphasizes the importance of the conservation efforts taken and that are needed. The essay talks about the efforts which have already been taken and are under implementation and it also talks about what needs to be done in the future. It also talks about why we need to conserve wildlife and what significance it holds. Overall the central message of the essay is to conserve and protect the wildlife as much as we can.  

7. What important points should be covered while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

As such there are no rigid pointers that you need to cover while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation, but you may use the following pointers for reference:

Definition of wildlife conservation

Explain the reasons for conserving the wildlife with valid points

Efforts that are taken by international agencies. This should also include various treaties and protocols signed 

Mention the efforts that are taken by the Indian government. Talk about various laws and legislations present.

Mention various provisions on the local level

Talk about various popular civil movements such as efforts undertaken by the Bishnoi Community

What can you do as students to conserve wildlife? Give suggestions and examples.

8. What steps taken by the government should be mentioned in the essay on Wildlife Conservation?

The Indian government has undertaken various measures to conserve wildlife in the country. You can mention some of these in the essay on Wildlife Conservation:

Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972

Schedules involved and protections provided to the animals

Conservation efforts for particular animals like tigers, elephants, etc.

Formation of various protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, etc.

Awards and accolades received by India on various international forums

Various international treaties and agreements were signed by India. 

Mention names of international grouping dedicated to conservation efforts whose India is a part of

You may refer to Vedantu’s forum to get more information about steps to conserve wildlife. 

9. In how many words should one write an essay on Wildlife Conservation?

Word count for writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English can vary depending on which standard the student is studying in. it can range from 300 words to 800 words. Accordingly, the level of writing and richness of the content should vary. You can refer to Vedantu’s guide on essays for further understanding the demand of any given topic. If the essay is being written by a student studying in class 10 then the essay should be data and opinion-driven. It should reflect the ideas and thoughts of the student that are substantiated with authentic data and valid reasons.

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[Commentary] India’s wildlife conservation journey has had great strides and many hurdles

• The author of this commentary takes us through the recently published book ‘Wildlife India @ 50’, that recounts the 50 years after the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, came into existence.
• The relentless efforts of concerned citizens, activists and journalists have been the core of India’s wildlife conservation movement. Wildlife acts and amendments over the years, have led to the establishment of sanctuaries and protected areas which revived the population of many important species.
• The golden era for India’s conservation movement began in the late 60s and early 70s, after which in the 90s the zeal to promote wildlife conservation was paused. Now, the state of India’s wildlife is in a morass and it’s the eco-warriors who must steer the country out of it, writes the author.
• The views in the commentary are that of the author.

Fifty years after the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 came into existence, raising hope that human-animal conflicts would reduce and poachers who were decimating our forest and rivers of their animal wealth, would be checkmated, the question of whether India can really save its wildlife, forests and ecosystems remains.

Through personal, ‘lived’ stories of their journey in wildlife conservation, 34 foresters, researchers, activists and journalists recount the roller coaster ride of India’s wildlife over these years in a book by Rupa Publications, Wildlife India @ 50 , edited by Manoj Kumar Misra, a former Indian Forest Service Officer.

India’s wildlife history

At the beginning of the last century, India was a country teeming with birds and wildlife. It was rich not only in its mineral wealth but abundant in flora and fauna. Invaders into the subcontinent took to hunting in a big way and the country’s princely states too delighted in shikar (hunting). They killed the majestic tigers and leopards and the impact was clear. The lithe and majestic Indian cheetah was officially declared extinct in 1952.

The Madras Elephant Protection Act of 1873 and the Wild Birds Protection Act of 1887, revised in 1912 as Wild Birds and Animal Protection Act, could not stop the rampage as well. In 1935, amendments were made to the 1912 Act which led to the creation of national parks and sanctuaries where hunting was prohibited.

India’s ability to bounce back from all that wildlife loss has been phenomenal. The voice of concerned citizens, activists and journalists has been the central part of this movement.

The golden era for India’s conservation movement began in the late 60s and early 70s when Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister of India took the challenge of arresting the destruction of India’s flora and fauna. The 10 th Assembly of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, held late in 1969 in present day New Delhi had flagged the dire status of India’s forests and wildlife.

The 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) heralded a new dawn. In the year that followed, Project Tiger was launched and new wildlife protected areas, national parks and sanctuaries were created all over the country. The broad philosophy was that if tiger can be saved as the head of the ecosystem, there was new hope for smaller creatures down the food chain. There was a new synergy.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), established in 1982, with its strong research base gave wings to the nascent conservation movement and amendments were made to the WLPA in 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1987.  The Indian Board for Wildlife, now National Board for Wildlife, with committed and knowledgeable field activists as members, spelt out the priorities.

Then Prime Minister India Gandhi and Karan Singh, her Cabinet colleague, provided the necessary muscle and political support. Project Elephant, launched in 1991, sought to rebuild forest corridors so that the wild elephants, deified in Hindu scriptures as Gaja, could move freely through their traditional routes.

However, as Manoj Misra (the editor of the book) and other wildlife experts point out, with the opening up of the economy in the 90s, “a sudden brake was put on the missionary zeal to promote wildlife conservation in the country in 2000.”

An important lesson while creating protected spaces for wildlife

There is no denying that great strides have been made in protecting our wild species and their habitat. However, the same sympathetic attention was not given to the forest dwellers who were forced to move out to provide inviolate spaces to the newly protected creatures of the jungle. Translocation of villages from protected areas is not easy and unless handled with sympathy and concern, their resentment is evident.

While talking to foresters, the displaced communities would refer to the tiger as ‘your tiger’ and not ‘our tiger’. Often, they placed poison in the tiger’s kill seeking revenge for their ouster or loss of their cattle to the king of the jungles. The question often asked is, “Is the life of the forest dweller less important than that of tigers, leopards and elephants?” Yet, inviolate spaces were needed for regeneration of the country’s wilderness areas and wildlife and there were examples of that being done amicably.

One of the most successful relocations of 38 villages from the Kanha National Park was by steered by its Director Hemendra Singh Panwar in two phases in the late 60s and 70s.

According to the data from the WII, in 2021 there were 987 PAs, including 106 national parks, 564 wildlife sanctuaries, 99 conservation reserves and 218 community reserves covering some 5.26 percent of the country’s geographic area. This is a significant increase from the five national parks and 36 wildlife sanctuaries at the time of the Act’s enactment in 1972.

Read more: Two sides of the wildlife law: Animals protected but Kalandar tribe trying to make ends meet

Recognising important contributions

Wildlife India @ 50 also highlights the innumerable contributions of some of those who have battled bureaucratic and political hurdles and even built institutions like the WII, the Bombay Natural History Society, World Wide Fund for Nature-India, Wildlife SOS, Wildlife Protection Society of India, Wildlife Trust, Kalpavriksh and the Goa and Ranthambore Foundations, which continue to be our harbingers of hope.

Among the greats whose work I saw, sitting on the ringside as a wildlife and environment journalist, to name a few, are K. S. Sankhala (the first director of Project Tiger), M. K. Ranjitsinh (the author of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972), H.S. Panwar, (the then director of Kanha National Park and later the founder of WII) and S. C. Sharma (a forest officer from UP).

Sharma tackled the issue of poaching by senior bureaucrats and police officers; they also extracted wildlife products from protected areas. Politicians and bureaucrats were making forays into our jungles in brazen poaching. Poaching for wildlife parts like rhino horn, tiger parts and elephant tusks too was on the rise. Sharma was instrumental in bringing a change in that domain.

Due to the timely intervention by the leaders of the wildlife and environment movement, we have not only been able to save, but are now witnessing a growth in the population of our keystone species such as the tiger, lion, one horned rhinoceros and elephant. Even crocodiles and the long snouted gharials are doing well and vulture numbers have bounced back after the 2008 ban on the drug diclofenac, used for treatment of inflammation in cattle and deadly for the vultures feeding on the carcass. In 1972, the tiger because of its larger presence across the country replaced the lion as India’s national animal.

A growing number of eco-warriors and vigilantes have played a tremendous role in protecting our wildlife and national parks. As Ananda Banerjee, journalist, bird watcher and a contributor to the Wildlife India @ 50 book points out, Goutam Narayan successfully re-wilded the elusive and endangered pygmy hog , the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig, after successful captive breeding in Assam. In Nagaland, Bano Haralu, another intrepid nature lover, used the Wildlife Protection Act and the local community support to save the migratory Amur falcon from being ruthlessly  hunted down.

Conservation milestones

Among the landmark successes is the population stabilisation of the magnificent barasingha (the 12-horned antelope) at Kanha by Panwar. Not only was more space found for their distribution in Kanha, but tall grass was grown to provide the camouflage needed for rearing their fawn. Today, the barasingha population in Kanha is at a healthy 1,000.

A pall of gloom had descended on the guardians of the tiger in 2009 when news trickled in that all the striped cats had disappeared from the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. From ‘Panna Lost’ to ‘Panna Regained’, the conservation of tigers in Madhya Pradesh is a story of grit and courage.

Using telemetry skills like radio collaring and tracking of tigers, forming a core team of forest staff, gaining the support of the communities around the reserve and successfully prosecuting poachers, especially the powerful landed aristocracy, the conservation team turned the story around. It is a story that India can be proud of. It also shows that when handled with due diligence, tiger revival is possible. Led by dedicated field director Sreenivasa Murthy, between 2009 and 2020, the tiger population rose to 70 from almost nil.

Tranquilising the tigers and ensuring there was no death, was an important skill imparted to the field staff. Round the clock monitoring  of all radio collared tigers was the SOP (standard operating procedure) that led to revival of the Panna tiger population. However, a new challenge now confronts the Reserve – the proposed construction of a dam on the Ken river, right in the heart of  the Panna Tiger Reserve.

Individuals too have contributed to the conservation movement by setting up conservancies on large tracts of their own land, some with gaushalas or cattle shelters. Fencing the area, preventing the lopping of trees, the areas have regenerated and wild animals and birds can be spotted.  Aditya Singh and his wife Poonam began a conservancy in 2000 on a 35-acre denuded land in the vicinity of Badlav, a village abutting the Ranthambore National Park. For 21 years they fenced the land, protecting it from grazing and eradicated exotic flora. Over time the Aravalli landscape came alive and with construction of water holes, and now tigers, leopards, nilgai, small mammals and birds can be spotted there. Getting people from the local community on board as wildlife guards, ensured community support.

The Shri Samiti Gaushala, in Ramgarh Shekhawati, in the district of Sikar, has protected a key desert ecosystem for 150 years. Home to the desert cat and the desert fox raptors, snakes and migratory birds, it is a seven to eight square kilometre (sq. km.) ecosystem. It is a community-led conservation programme and the area is protected by guards of the Samiti.

Ravi Rajpal Singh and his son have restored 100 acres of land around their Ramathra Fort Conservancy and hospitality centre, Saptora village, near the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary.  The spotted cat, Indian wolf and migratory birds can be spotted in the Conservancy.

Species that need immediate attention

One of the saddest stories of the Indian conservation movement is the slow disappearance of the state bird of Rajasthan, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). It is one of the largest and heaviest flying birds of India. It once vied for status as the national bird with the Indian peacock. GIBs were in thousands and could be found all over the Indian subcontinent, except in northeast India and the Himalayas.

Despite the biggest names in wildlife like M. K. Ranjitsinh, Asad Rahmani of BNHS and several young field level conservationists trying to save the GIB, it is on the verge of extinction because of killer power lines in its home territory in Rajasthan which has the only viable population of GIB in the world. A few have also survived in the Rann of Kutch. Orans or the sacred groves of Rajasthan are spaces where the GIBs have been safe and protected. It is important to save the Oran landscape for the survival of GIBs and political will is needed.

In their perambulations these birds have to cross various renewable (wind and solar) energy project sites and transmission lines and according to a study by the WII, around 15-18 GIBs die annually after collision with them. At present, just about 130 birds have survived, 100 of them in two locations of the Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan. This is the only viable breeding population that has the potential for revival.

Since 2019, an ex-situ conservation cum hatchery unit has been constructed in the Sam Forest Chowki of the Desert National Park for captive breeding of the GIB. Sumit Dookia, a wildlife biologist, laments that the majestic bird has fallen victim to the green and clean energy targets of the government and is doubtful about their habitat survival over the next 25 years when the second batch of captive-bred bustards are proposed to be released.

A second home is needed for the lions of Gir National Park to ensure that the last surviving population of Asiatic lions is not wiped out of the subcontinent in the eventuality of any disease or epidemic. As far back as 1994, the WII had identified the Kuno landscape in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh as an alternate home for the lions. In 2002, a wildlife division across 1,269 sq. km. was created and in 2018 the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park of 748 sq. km. and a buffer of 487 sq. km.

According to Faiyaz Ahmad Khudsar, who played a role in developing the area for the lions, 24 villages were relocated from the national park which had a thriving population of chital, chinkara, sambar, nilgai and wild pigs. The Supreme Court too favoured Asiatic lions for Kuno stating that “the preservation of critically endangered native species should be given priority”.

Second homes had also been found for rhinos in Dudhwa National Park, the magnificent gaur in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and the barasingha in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. India had the expertise.

Then quite suddenly, the National Tiger Conservation Authority filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court for introduction of the African cheetah in Kuno , saying it would not impact reintroduction of Asiatic lions at a later stage. This turn around has not gone down well with a large section of foresters and wildlife champions. Has political ego come in the way of a second home for the Asiatic lions? The cheetahs have now arrived from Africa and been introduced to the new landscape in Kuno. It is the people of India and our eco-warriors who will have to steer our wildlife out of the present morass.

The author is a veteran journalist. She has written books on culture, development and the environment.

Banner image : Barasingha stags in Kanha National Park. Photo by Kandukuru Nagarjun/Wikimedia Commons.

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Essay on Wildlife Conservation | India | Biology

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Here is an essay on the ‘Initiatives for Wildlife Conservation in India’ for class 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on the ‘Initiatives for Wildlife Conservation in India’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Wildlife Conservation

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Crocodile Breeding Project

ADVERTISEMENTS: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essay # 1. Introduction to the Initiatives for Wildlife Conservation in India:

India is rich in various biogeographical provinces, ranging from the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti to the hot deserts of Thar, temperate forests in the Himalayas to the lush green tropical rain forests of the low lands. India has also large freshwater bodies such as Wular and Manasbal lakes in Kashmir, Chilka lake in Orissa and Kolleru lake in Andhra Pradesh and the rugged and rich coastline and coral reefs of Deccan.

Protected Areas are ecological/biogeographical areas where wildlife is conserved. Their habitats and natural resources are conserved and poaching is prevented. They are delimited to protect biological diversity. They are cold desert (Ladakh and Spiti), hot desert (Thar), wetland (Assam and N.E. States), saline swampy areas (Sunderbans, Rann of Kutch), mangroves, temperate forests, subtropical forests, tropical forests, tropical wet evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical deciduous forests, tropical thorn, coral reef, etc. Protected Areas include national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

1. National Parks:

They are strictly reserved areas meant for the betterment of the wildlife. They are reserved for improvement of wildlife. In them cultivation, grazing, forestry operation and habitat manipulation is prohibited.

2. Sanctuaries:

In them protection is given only to the fauna (animals) and harvesting of timber, collection of MFP and private ownership rights are permitted, but interference with the well-being of animals is not allowed. Here wild animals can take refuge without being hunted. Here collection of forest products, harvesting of timber, private ownership of land, tilling of land, etc., are allowed. Sanctuary is declared by the State Government under Section 18(1) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, whereas National Park is declared under Section 35(1) of the Act.

In sanctuary the boundary is demarcated at the time of declaration. In national park boundary is well-defined and accurate.

3. Biosphere Reserves:

Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) of the UNESCO evolved the concept of Biosphere Reserves. In biosphere reserve, multiple land use is permitted designating various zones.

(i) Core zone in which human activity is not permitted. All forestry and harvesting operations are prohibited and even entry is restricted. Only population studies and scientific investigations are allowed.

(ii) Buffer zone in which limited human activity is permitted. Here no shooting is allowed, but no professional graziers are allowed to establish cattle pens. Camping for tourists are allowed.

(iii) Manipulation zone in which large number of human activities is allowed, but ecology is not permitted to be disturbed.

In a biosphere reserve, wild population, traditional tribals and varied domesticated plant and animal genetic resources are protected.

India has identified 14 areas as Biosphere Reserves. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was declared in 1986.

(iv) Restoration zone is a degraded area for restoration to near natural form.

4. Safari Park:

An enclosed park where wild animals are kept uncaged in the open providing natural habitat for viewing to the public.

An area set aside for exhibiting the wild animals kept in cages and artificial enclosures. Here animals’ freedom is restricted.

6. Zoological Garden:

A place where a large number of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, etc., are shown in a confined area in or near a city. Animals are usually kept in small enclosures or in cages. It is used for recreation and education of the public.

7. Zoological Park:

It is a zoo where animals are comparatively free and are shown in the natural surrounding with barriers and restrictions hidden from view. It is best located on the outskirts of cities where enough land is available.

8. Sanctum Sanctorum:

It is a sanctuary within the sanctuary or inner portion of a wild sanctuary or national park in which no forest operation or management is allowed. Even visitors are not allowed to prevent any kind of disturbance to wildlife.

Essay # 2. Conservation of Wildlife :

The management of human use of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generation and to maintain its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations is called the conservation. It is scientific management of wildlife to maintain it at its optimum level.

The conservation of wildlife is directly related to healthy and better forests. Wildlife conservation includes protection, preservation, and perpetuation of rare species of plants and animals in their natural habitats.

Conservation of living resources has three specific objectives:

1. To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems.

2. To preserve diversity of species.

3. Sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystems which support rural communities and major industries.

Essay # 3. Conservation Strategies :

For wildlife conservation and its propagation, proper management techniques should be employed. Sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, projects, etc., have been created for exclusively protecting the wild flora and fauna in India as well as in other countries of the world. Scientists of 100 countries of the world have evolved comprehensive “World Conservation Strategies” for the judicious use of resources.

To save the existing species of wildlife they proposed some steps which are as follows:

1. Efforts should be made to preserve the endangered species. Species that are sole representative of their family or genus should receive special attention. Endangered species should be given priority over a vulnerable one, a vulnerable species over a rare one and a rare species over other categories.

All the threatened species should be protected. Priority be given belonging to monotypic genera, endangered over-vulnerable, vulnerable over rare and rare over other species.

2. Wildlife should be protected in their natural habitat in situ and in zoo and botanical gardens (ex situ). The threatened species should be conserved in situ as well as in ex situ.

3. Identify the habitats of wild relatives of the economically valuable and useful plants and animals and preserve them in protected areas like sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves.

4. The critical habitats of the species like feeding, breeding, nursery and resting areas should be protected (safeguarded).

5. In case of migratory or wide ranging animals, protected areas should be established to preserve their habitats.

6. For migratory or wide ranging animals, pollution and exploitation of the environment along their migration routes should be controlled.

7. Unique ecosystem (national parks and biospheres) should be protected as a matter of priority.

The national protection programmes have to be coordinated with international programmes like biosphere reserve programme of UNESCO. Man and Biosphere Project and National Parks and Protected Areas of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

National Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in India in 1972. Wildlife protection strategies were formulated in India in 1983. Biosphere reserves have also been put into practice since 1986. Wildlife Institute of India is located at Dehradun (Uttaranchal). Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) was established in 1952.

8. The productive capacities of exploited species and ecosystems have to be determined and their utilisation should not exceed from those capacities.

9. International trade in wild plants and animals has to be regulated by appropriate legislative and administrative measures.

India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Smt. Indira Gandhi (Late Prime Minister of India) addressed in her inaugural speech of World Conservation Strategies in 1980. She said that Indian tradition teaches us that all forms of life – human, animal and plant – are so closely interlinked that disturbance in one gives rise to imbalance in the other … Nature is beautifully balanced. Any disturbance creates a chain reaction which may not be visible for some time.

Essay # 4. Important Indian Wildlife:

The science of zoogeography has both ecological and historical aspects and the two are intimately interwoven. Animals and plants are living indicators of the characteristics of their environment. Their ranges mark the places in which environmental conditions are the same or similar. The evolution and distribution of species throws light upon the geological evolution of various parts of earth and upon the course of global changes in climate and vegetation.

Based mainly on historical-cum-geographical factors, Philip Lutley Schaler (1825-1913) and Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) have divided the world into six zoo-geographical regions, namely- Neoarctic, Palaearctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, Australian and Neotropical. India is of recent origin and it is a part of Oriental region. North Indian fauna during tertiary period were mastodons, eleven species of elephants, Siwalik bison, buffalo, ox, tamarau as well as the recent African animals like hippopotamus, giraffe, chimpanzee, rhinoceros and four-horned ruminant Sivatherium.

Area was covered with savannah and woodlands. Asiatic lion, striped hyaena and antelopes can be the relics of the past. The dhole, most endangered top predator, is on the edge of extinction. Less than 2500 members of species are alive in the world. From Siwalik were discovered fragments of jaw of Ramapitheus (primitive hominid ape).

India has three sub-regions on the basis of physiography and climate:

a. Himalayan mountain systems which has three distinct sub-zones:

(i) Himalayan foothills (from eastern frontiers of Kashmir to Assam),

(ii) High altitudes in the Western Himalayas (from Kashmir including Ladakh to Kumaon), and

(iii) Eastern Himalayan sub-region.

b. Peninsular-Indian sub-region which shares the animals of North Africa, such as lion, cheetah, leopard, hyaena, jackal and antelopes.

c. Indo-Malayan sub-region (Tropical evergreen forests) has similarities with Indian, Malayan and Indo-Chinese fauna. This sub-region contains red panda, gibbon, tree shrew, tapir, giant squirrel, and flying lemur.

1. Lion (Panthera Leo Persica):

It is gregarious carnivorous animal. It prefers open scrub forest mixed with thorny deciduous forest. The temperature of its habitat should not be more than 45°C in summer and not below 5°C in winter. It is found only in Gir forest of Gujarat State as well as in the whole Asian continent. Its habitat should be improved to raise the carrying-capacity for the prey species to meet the full demand of lion.

For herbivorous prey species, there should be total control in grazing of the livestock. Moghul emperor Jahangir was fond of hunting male lions and tigers. Col. Smith during Sepoy Mutiny in India in 1857 killed 300 lions of which 50 were from Delhi alone. By 20th century, the lions population was only 15. The last lion was killed at Anadra and Jaswantpura (Rajasthan) in 1876. Gir Lion Sanctuary Project was started in 1972. Due to conservation measures, lion population increased gradually to 250 in 1977.

2. Indian Tiger (Panthera Tigris Tigris):

Tiger is a solitary carnivorous animal having apparent territory. It is nocturnal predatory inhabiting dense forest such as thorny forest, dry and moist deciduous forest, evergreen and semi-evergreen forest. For raising its population, pasture lands should be improved for raising the carrying-capacity of the habitat for herbivorous preys.

Since 1972, tiger has been declared India’s National Animal. In the beginning of 20th century tiger population was about 40,000. In early 1970s their population was reduced to about 1800 due to unrestricted killing for skin, flesh and fat, etc. Indian tiger census conducted in 2008 showed their existence of only 1411 tigers. To save them from extinction, Project Tiger was started on April 1, 1973, by the Government of India with the help of W.W.F. (Worldwide Fund for Nature). Today there are 39 Project Tiger wildlife reserves in India covering an area of 37,761 sq. km.

3. Elephant (Elephas Maximns):

It is found in plains and hilly forest up to 1500 metre elevation. It needs a lot of water for drinking and bathing, so there must be perennial river, lake, etc., in the habitat. Its food is bamboo and grass, which should be in sufficient quantity. An adult elephant needs about three quintals green fodder daily. It is distributed throughout India except Madhya Pradesh, Andhra and Maharashtra. Generally only the males have large tusks, which are the extension of second pair of incisors. Canines and all incisors have lost.

Lengthened nose and upper lip forms the trunk. In some males, tusks are no longer than females (a few inches long) and called tuskless or Makhana. Elephants have very poor sight, but smell and hearing are acute. Limbs are pillar-like. Toes are embedded in a common mass of foot and encased in a common skin.

Their position is indicated externally by broad flat nails which may be fewer than the number of toes. Project Elephant started in 1992 which works for elephant protection. Elephants in India are trained for hunting, transportation, processions, travelling, visiting wildlife parks and sanctuaries, etc. Periyar wildlife sanctuary situated in Kerala having an area about 777 sq. km., was established in 1940 for elephant and other wildlife.

4. Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis):

It inhabits forest having marshy land and tall grasses. It feeds on grasses and also water-hyacinth. In 1904, only about twelve rhinos were left in Assam and fewer in North Bengal. In the past they were found extensively in river Indus plain and Ganges in northern India. Temur killed several of them on the frontiers of Kashmir. Babar also hunted rhinos in different parts of northern India.

Wanton hunting and decrease of natural habitat eliminated them in western part of India and now they are restricted in Nepal, Assam, etc. Its flesh and blood are offered as libation in Nepal. Urine is supposed to be antiseptic and is hung in a vessel at the main door as a charm against ghosts, evil spirits and diseases.

Rhinos are poached and killed for their horn which is a strong aphrodisiac and an antidote for poison. In Kaziranga National Park, Sibsagar/Nowgong district (Assam) about 1,654 rhinos is found. They are also transferred in Dudhwa Sanctuary in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. The species stands on the verge of extinction and needs strict protection.

5. Gaur or Indian Bison (Bos Gaurus):

It is gregarious, shy and largest animal of the family Bovidae. It lives in dense forest having meadows. It is also found in hilly areas below 1500 to 1800 metre height. It also needs sufficient water in its habitat. Bison is confined in India, Myanmar, and Malaya. In Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh they are found in jungles north of river Narmada. Few bisons are also found in Bandipur (Karnataka).

Both sexes of bison possess horns. They feed on coarse grasses, leaves and bark of certain trees. Bisons live in herds and breed in cold weather. Gaur is distributed in western ghats southwards from South Maharashtra, hill-forests of central and south-eastern Peninsula and West Bengal, Myanmar and Malay Peninsula. Gaur has the habit of visiting “salt-licks” spots where the ground is impregnated with salts and other minerals.

6. Wild Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis):

It is distributed from east of Assam (plane of Brahmaputra), eastern portion of Tara, Midnapur and Orissa. They are also found in forests of Bastar, Balaghat, Mandla and Raipur districts. They like large grass plains and plenty of water. Wild buffalo is larger in size than the tamed buffalo and black in colour. Its horns are black, triangular and large. Adult buffalo weighs about 800 kg. They live in herds of 8 to 15 animals. Breeding starts in autumn.

There are three important species of bear- Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) and brown bear (Ursus arctos).

Sloth bear is widely distributed in India, found in the forests from Himalayan foothills to Sri Lanka and Assam. Its long hairy coat is black or black-brown in colour. There is a white V-shaped breast mark. Nails are white. It is nocturnal in habit and feeds on honey, insects and fruits. At the time of hunger, it takes carrion. Sloth bear shares habitat of tiger and elephant.

Himalayan black bear is found in forests of Himalayas up to 3,000 metre height. Its hairy black coat is shorter and smoother than the sloth bear. V-shaped breast mark is white or yellowish. Nails are black. It is carnivorous and kills sheep, goat, fowl and even cattle, though its main food is honey and fruit. It is nocturnal in habit and climbs the trees. It hibernates in winter.

Brown bear is found in Himalayas above the tree line (treeless mountain areas). It is large and heavy having hair coat of reddish brown colour. It mainly feeds on grass, roots, insects, fruits and grain but also eats meat of goat, sheep, cattle and fowl.

8. Black Buck (Antilope Cervicapra):

It is called Indian antelope, lives outside the forest in herds. It is gregarious and male has its territory. It is found in 13 states of India but the largest number is found in Rajasthan. About 10,000 are found in Jodhpur district. In Thar desert in Taal Chhaper Sanctuary in Churu about 1400 live in 7 sq. km. Black buck is found in 8 wildlife sanctuaries and nearly 14 other areas in Rajasthan. Black buck prefers open grassy fields and is dependent on water. It is not found in arid areas. Black buck is not found in Jaisalmer, parts of Bikaner and parts of Jodhpur with less than 200 mm annual rainfall. It feeds on small grasses.

9. Cheetal (Axis Axis):

Sambhar (Cervus unicolor), Four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis). Cheetal lives in moist deciduous forest, evergreen and thorny forests. It feeds on grasses, leaves, flowers and fruits.

Sambhar lives in open dry deciduous forest, and also found in dry and moist deciduous forest and evergreen forest. It is the largest among all deer species. It lives in small herds.

Four-horned antelope prefers dry and bushy savannah but also lives in open grassy field near the forest. It is solitary animal and generally lives in pair.

Cheetal and sambhar both are prey of top carnivore.

10. Swamp Deer/Barasingha (Cervus Duvauceli):

It is found in open grassy lands with marshy lands. Its habitat should have sufficient water. It lives in marshy tracts of Tarai and Duars from northern parts of upper Gangetic plains east to Assam. Its other subspecies (C. d. branderi) thrives on the open grassy land of Madhya Pradesh. They are now mostly confined to the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

11. Musk Deer (Moschus Moschiferous):

Himalayan musk deer is a small primitive deer, was widespread throughout Himalayas from Pakistan, through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tibet and South-west China. Its head is dark grey with slight orange-brown patches above and below the eyes with white tipped ears. Throat is whitish around a central grey oval patch. Along the back, pelage is dark grey or brown, becoming orange-brown around the anal region. Male deer lacks antlers but possess tusks (canines of upper jaw) for fighting. A unique feature of this is presence of musk gland in male, which is chiefly responsible for its decline.

The gelatinous, brown musk secreted by preputial gland has been used in medicines and cosmetics for centuries. Its cost now is 40,000 to 59,000 U.S. Dollar per kg., in the international market. Its habitat destruction due to destruction of forest for livestock, timber and fuelwood is the main cause for the decline of species. The species was listed as vulnerable in Red Data Book. IUCN and WWF Project was launched with the cooperation of India to conserve the musk deer. The project is based in Kedarnath Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh.

12. Indian Crocodiles:

In India, there are three species of crocodilians such as:

(i) The Mugger or Freshwater Swamp Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). It has average adult size of 3.5 metres, inhabiting rivers, pools, ponds, village tanks, lakes, swamps and reservoirs.

(ii) The Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). It grows more than 7 metres and is restricted to the coastal mangrove area in the saltwater (sea).

(iii) The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). It is the sole living member of the family Gavialidae. It has unique long snout. It has large size of more than 7 metres. It is a fish-eating, riverine species found in large rivers such as Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Kosi, Gandak, etc., of North Indian Himalayan-fed river system.

Once abundant in all the major rivers and even ponds, they are among threatened animals today. Their population declined because of uncontrolled and all-season hunting for skin, flesh and sport. Loss of habitat due to construction of dams, diversion of rivers and human interference were other factors. In the wake of declining population, ‘Save the Crocodile’ projects were launched in 1974 under the guidance of Dr. H.R. Bustard as the chief technical adviser.

13. Great Indian Bustard (Aredotis Nigricaps):

It is one of the rarest birds of the world. In mid-1980s, bustard population was estimated to be between 500 and 1500, of which half of the birds surviving in Rajasthan. Bustard survived in nearly 200,000 sq. km. of the Thar desert. Surveys of 1993 and 1994 indicate that bustard numbers have almost half in the whole Rajasthan. In mid-1980s survey of bustard indicated that it is found in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Pali, Jalore, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Tonk, Kota and Sawai Madhopur (11 districts). Bustard is distributed from central Punjab to central Tamil Nadu, western Orissa into eastern Pakistan.

Great Indian Bustard is under Schedule 1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Rajasthan Government has declared it as State Bird.

Bustard population decreased due to the development of 649-km Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP). It has resulted in expansion of agriculture, land colonisation, development of new towns and their expansion and change in natural vegetation due to extensive plantation of exotic trees, Shooting also played a major role in decimation of bustards of the Thar desert.

Bustards live in flocks. It was listed as globally threatened in 1966. During last 10 to 12 years the bustard population has crashed in many areas and now the total population could be as low as 500. It is extinct in Karera and Sorsan bustard areas.

Bustard is about one metre tall with long sturdy yellow legs without hind toe. Its plumage is dull brown above and white below. One male lives with 3 to 5 hens. It feeds on arthropods, lizards, snakes, mice and also grains and young shoots of plants. Their breeding season is from July to October and lay one or two eggs.

14. Common Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus):

It is also called peacock and in Hindi “Mor” or “Mayur”. It is found throughout India up to 1650 metres in Himalayas. It displays sexual dimorphism, male has a gorgeous occellated tail feathers, which are not found in female bird. The bird is not threatened but it is the National Bird of India.

Green Peafowl (Pavo Muticus):

It was distributed widely from north-east India to southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. It is not found in Malaysia and Bangladesh. It has declined rapidly and now occurs in fragmented, greatly reduced populations. In India it is restricted to far north-eastern states in a very reduced number. Its number is declining due to hunting for meat, exploitation for trade and persecution by farmers, habitat conversion to farmland. It is a vulnerable species and receives legal protection in India and also in other countries.

15. Hornbills:

Rufous-Necked Hornbill (Aceros ripalensis) is found in mountainous regions between eastern Nepal and Vietnam. It is now absent from or very rare in this range, but still occurs in southern China, north-eastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. In India, it has been recorded in West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. Recently it has been scarce in West Bengal and Assam and perhaps disappeared from its previous range. It is threatened by the combination of habitat loss and hunting.

Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros Narcondami):

It is found in Narcondam, a small area of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. In 1972 their number was 400, while in 1998 their number reduced to 295 to 320 birds. Its population is susceptible to climatic disasters and disease. The primary threats arise from establishment of police outpost on the island manned by 17 persons in 1969. In 1976 police introduced pairs of goats which increased to 130-150 in 1998 and further increased to 250 due to which natural woodland regeneration is reduced.

Each year at least 10-12 live standing trees are cut down for fuelwood and for poles to make fences to check goats not to enter the vegetable plots. Hunting for meat was also a threat to these birds. It is also listed in Schedule 1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Narcondam Island has been protected since February 1977 as a wildlife sanctuary.

Essay # 5. Project Tiger:

Tiger is our National Animal. It is found in diverse habitats and in different parts of the country. Tiger is at the apex position as top carnivore of the complex food-chain in most of our forest ecosystems. Over the years, the over-exploitation of the forest areas, merciless hunting, unscientific management, etc., reduced the habitat of tiger as well as leading to a rapid decline has, therefore, been in India not only as effort to save an endangered species but also with equal importance as a means of preserving biotopes.

Project Tiger has been inspired by such an approach. The Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) set up a Task Force for studying the condition of tiger population and its status. On the recommendation of this Task Force, Project Tiger was initiated a Central Sector Scheme in 1973 with 9 Tiger Reserves (total area: 13,017 sq. km.) located in different habitat types in 9 different states, but two more reserves have since been subsequently added to it constituting 11 Tiger Reserves in 10 different states of the country (total area: 15,800 sq. km.). But this number is not last and increasing always.

The main aim of the project was to conserve and improve the natural habitat of the tiger under different habitat types. The management practices and strategies in the reserves are controlled in such a way that all the limiting factors of habitats are removed. The steps to be taken in this direction are intensive anti-poaching drive, fire prevention, elimination of cattle-grazing, soil conservation, water management, eradication of weeds, non-interference by human activities, relocation of human habitation and so on.

The project started initially as a Central Sector Scheme and expenditure incurred by the States was provided by the Central Government till 1979-80. After this, the project had been given the status of Centrally Sponsored Scheme and the Centre and States are sharing cost on a 50:50 basis. The Worldwide Fund for Nature and Natural Resources (WWF) is also extending financial and technical help.

Essay # 6. Project Lion (Gir Lion Project) :

The lion stands as top carnivore in the food-chain of the ecosystem. The Indian race of lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in the Gir Forest of Junagarh district in the Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat State in whole Asian continent and, hence, also called “Asiatic Lion”. Another race of lion (Panthera leo) is found in Africa and called “African Lion”.

Today the Asiatic lion is restricted only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat State. Even in this very forest; due to merciless hunting, conversion of forest into agricultural land, uncontrolled cattle-grazing and spreading of infectious diseases through them, pressure of maldharis inside the forest, etc., hampered the habitat of this magnificent creature too much and subsequently declined its population reaching to the endangered stage.

Observing the situation of Gir Forest, it was discussed at the technical session of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in New Delhi in November, 1969 towards the conservation of Asiatic Lion and its habitat. A number of wildlifers and ecologists all over the world were consulted in 1972. The State Government gave guidelines to Forest Department for the management of this project.

The guidelines of the project were implemented in the same year. The area of sanctuary was increased from 1265.1 to 1412.12 sq. km., in 1974. The central core-zone of the sanctuary covering area of 258.71 sq. km., was declared as National Park. Many other fruitful and effective practices were done. Through the practical practices, approaches, marvelous results were achieved and the population of lion began to increase year after year.

Essay # 7. Project Elephant :

The project was started officially in 1991-92 but launched in 1993 by the Central Government to afford protection to the elephant. The census of elephant stated in 1993.

Now-a-days, two species of elephants are found:

(i) Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus) and

(ii) African Elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Indian elephant is comparatively smaller than the African and its pinna is also smaller. Indian elephants are distributed in Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Elephants were extensively used as beast of burden, as transportation vehicle, and so on. In spite of these, they have been hunted for their tusks as ivory materials and export also. Hence, elephant catching was popular and an economic operation. As a result, its population declined very sharply.

Protection of the elephant began with the Elephant Preservation Act of 1987. To make more effective, Elephant Project was started for protection and propagation of the animal.

Through the project, habitat should be managed in such an effective manner that the elephant may take shelter peacefully inside the jungle which is its natural habitat, and in this way, we can check their hindrance, invasion, migration, etc., towards the village and agricultural-fields. By managing the habitat in good and scientific way providing the sufficient facilities, the animal will be bound to live properly in their natural-home without harming and killing the man and destroying the crops, which is happening now-a-days often giving much tension and worry to our society and the government.

Essay # 8. Crocodile Breeding Project :

(ii) The Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). It grows more than 7 metres and is restricted to the coastal mangrove areas in the saltwater (sea).

(iii) The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). It is the sole living member of the family Gavialidae. It has unique long snout. It has large size of more than 7 metres. It is a fish eating riverine species found in large rivers such as Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Kosi, Gandak, etc., of the North Indian Himalayan-fed river systems.

Crocodiles have catastrophically declined worldwide in the post-war period largely as a result of sophisticated hunting methods for their hides by the luxury leather market. The problem continued around poaching and destruction of the remaining crocodile resource by fishery activities either direct or indirect, lethal effect of set nylon nets being used in fishing, disappearance of habitat of the sand-banks (which is essential for gharial nesting) replaced by concrete embankments, loss of riverine-habitats by dam-construction for irrigation or hydroelectric schemes. As a result, these crocodilian species came on the verge of extinction.

Crocodile hunting is now legally banned in India. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 lists both species of crocodile and gharial under Schedule I which affords total protection at all times. Similarly, Export I Instruction No 46/73 forbids the export of crocodiles and gharials, their hides or products therefrom.

Project Crocodile Breeding and Management was started as the report given by FAO expert, Dr. H.R. Bustard in 1974, stating “only management will restore the crocodile quickly and it appears that without management, the gharial will become extinct”. The actual project was started on April 1, 1975 in Orissa. Gharial eggs were collected and hatched for the first time in captivity anywhere in the world at Tikerpada, District Dhenkanal, Orissa, in June 1975. A small batch was also hatched at Kukrail near Lucknow the same year.

The Tikerpada hatched gharials were successfully reared for subsequent release back into the wild. At the same time, a Saltwater Crocodile Project was initiated in the tidal mangrove forests at Bhitar Kanika, District Cuttack, Orissa, and a Mugger Project and a Captive Breeding Project were also initiated, the latter for capitive-breeding of all three species was located at Nandankanan Biological Park, Orissa. All these projects were started by the Government of India under the help and guidance of FAO and UNDP. The Head Office of the Project is at Hyderabad.

The project has main functions such as:

(i) Conservation and Management of Crocodiles and Development of Sanctuary;

(ii) Rehabilitation of Crocodiles.

Conservation and Management of Crocodiles and Development of Sanctuary:

For the conservation of crocodile/mugger, their eggs are collected and hatched and reared in sanctuaries and released in rivers after attaining proper length of 1.2 metre. With the development of husbandry centres, steps have been taken to gazette and manage sanctuaries in ideal habitat areas for all three crocodilian species into which individuals were reared in. The various husbandry centres could be released when they attain a length of 1.2 metres.

The first sanctuaries to be gazetted in the country were Satkoshia Gorge Sanctuary and Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary, both in Orissa, Tristate Chambal Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan-Uttar Pradesh and the Katerniaghat Sanctuary in northern Uttar Pradesh (Uttaranchal). With the exception of Bhitar Kanika, declared for the saltwater crocodile, these sanctuaries were all for gharial, which due to its critically endangered status, was given prime attention during the early stages of the project.

The management of sanctuaries is, of course, a long-term task, but immediate steps were taken to try to cut down disturbances which resulted in the loss of many animals (for instance, fishing with nylon gill-nets was immediately banned in all four sanctuaries mentioned above), to implement protection and to make a start on implementing management plans (the first of which was ready in December, 1980).

Young crocodiles of size 1.2 metre are released into ideal areas of the natural habitat in small batches in early spring. Selected areas are specifically managed in the sanctuaries. This includes following cares- (a) Location of release-ideal habitat areas should be located where they will be free from disturbances, (b) Timing of release-it is important that the release be carried out at a time when water levels are low so that the young crocodiles can gain an intimate knowledge of their future home-range prior to the onset of the monsoon floods. The ideal time in South India is early February, this may be delayed by 4-6 weeks in the extreme North of the country.

Rehabilitation of Crocodiles:

Crocodiles breed in the end of winter. In the end of March or in the first week of April, the pregnant female makes 10-15 circular ditches of radius 30 – 50 cm in the sand of the river’s bank. Out of these 10-15 ditches, she lays whole of its eggs in one ditch and covers all the ditches by sands. The aim to construct more than one ditch is to protect the eggs from predators like jackals, etc. At a time, the female lays up to 100 eggs. Male and female crocodiles also watch the ditch in the night. Under the effects of heat and moisture of the Sand, the embryos develop and hatch in 60-70 days (incubation period) duration.

The timing of hatching of youngs from the eggs is acknowleded by the female by hearing special sound emitted by them. On hearing such sound, the female takes out the youngs by removing sand of the ditch. The young are removed by the female from the unhatched eggs also by breaking it. After this, the female brings the youngs into water keeping them on its back and looks after them till the next breeding season. But even after taking so much care, large number of youngs are eaten by fishes, jackals, birds and crocodiles themselves and very less number of youngs survive in nature.

(i) Gharial:

Gharial rehabilitation started in 1977 with release of 26 individuals into Mahanadi river, Orissa. By January, 1980, 107 individuals had been released into Mahanadi where the wild population had been reduced to 5 individuals. 3 individuals were also released in Rajasthan in a trial release in October, 1977. Large scale releases by Uttar Pradesh (into the National Chambal Sanctuary) commenced in May, 1979, and between then and late March, 1980, 185 were released. The total number of gharial released by the end of March, 1980, totalled 324.

(ii) Saltwater Crocodile:

The first saltwater crocodile release occurred in Bhitar Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary, also in Orissa, on April 27, 1977. By January, 1980, a total of 125 had been introduced into this one sanctuary. The total release up to May, 1980, including 40 released in West Bengal and 3 in Andhra Pradesh, was 168.

(iii) Mugger:

The first release of Indian mugger took place on February 7, 1977, with 4 individuals being released at Ethipothalla, Andhra Pradesh. This group has now been strengthened to 8 individuals and a further 33 have been released into Kinnersani Wildlife Sanctuary of Andhra Pradesh (March, 1980). On March 9-10, 1979, 130 were released in Tamil Nadu followed by 47 on May 29, 1979, hence, a total of 218 individuals have been introduced.

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Wildlife in India Essay | Essay on Wildlife in India for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by sastry

Wildlife in India Essay: Wildlife constitutes animals, birds, insects, etc., living in the forests. The rich flora and fauna of India have been studied and mentioned in texts since the earliest times. Animal laws date to third century BC. Later, several zoologists recorded their distribution and abundance. Wildlife helps in the promotion of various economic activities that generate revenue from tourism. The fauna plays a crucial role maintaining the ecological balance of a region. With the baffling variety of forests in India, wildlife wealth is equally diverse and perplexing. There are about 76000 species of animals in India which comprise about 82% of known species of the world. India has a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

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Long and Short Essays on Wildlife in India for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Wildlife in India’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Wildlife in India of 400-500 words. This long essay about Wildlife in India is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Wildlife in India of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Wildlife in India 600 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Wildlife in India of 600 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

The trans-Himalayan region, encompassing Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh comprise the richest wild sheep and goat community in the world. Tigers are found in the forests of Eastern Himalayan foothills. Leopard is found in Northern parts of Asom, Lynn and Yak in Ladakh along with Brown, Black and Sloth Bear in the Himalayan Region. The Wild Buffalo is found in Asom, Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh, while the Great Indian Bison is found in the forests of Central India. Black Panther is found in widely distributed areas including deserts and jungles. Cats are found in the North-Western parts of the country. Several species of Wild Sheep and Goats too are found. Deer, Stag are common but have reduced in numbers considerably. Monkeys, Langurs, Chinkaras too are common as well as the Blue Bull, the Four-horned Antelope or the Chawsingha, Wild Dog, Fox, Jackal, Hyena, Mongoose, Shrews, Hedgehogs, Mole, Bats, Rodents and Squirrels. There is an abundance of reptiles like Cobra, Krait, Russel Vipers Dhamoa, a non-poisonous large snake, Rock Python, Marsh Crocodiles, Gharial, Lizards, Chameleon, Monitor Lizards, Turtles etc,

Elephant is the largest Indian mammal found in the forests of Asom, West Bengal, Central India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rhinoceros is India’s second largest mammal whose number has considerably decreased and is now confined to the forests of Asom and West Bengal under strict protection, in the famous Kaziranga and Manas Sanctuaries of Asom, and Jaldapara Sanctuary in West Bengal.

India can proudly boast of about 2000 species of birds in India which is thrice the amount of birds in all the countries of Europe put together. Aquatic birds like Storks, Herons, Ducks, Flamingoes, Egrets, Cormorants are found along with waders and shore birds like the Sea Gulls, Snipes, Iluses, Cranes and Lapwings. The Great Indian Bustard, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Quail and Partridges are the main ground birds along with Babblers, Barbits, Bulbuls, Mynas, Pigeons, Parakeets, Doves, Cuckoos, Rollers, Beaters, Fly catchers, Orioles, Warblers, Wagtails, Finch larks, Finches, Drongos and Hoops. Prey birds such as Owls, Eagles, Kites, Fallows and Kestrel too are found in large numbers. Peacock, is rightly the national bird of India symbolising the vast variety of our bird-wealth with its rich and magnificent plumage fossils of several animals have also been found in India. Titanosaurusindicus was the first dinosaur discovered in 1877 in the Narmada Valley by Richard Lydekker. Rajasaurus narmadensis, a carnivorous dinosaur was also known to inhabit this region. Whale fossils were found in the foothills of Himalayas, as the area used to be underwater (in the Tethys Sea). Unfortunately, our wildlife has been adversely affected by the fast dwindling forest wealth. Large number of species have got reduced, others are endangered and still others are on the verge of extinction. This has adversely contributed to the disturbance of the ecological balance. Moreover, poaching and illegal killing of animals for their fur, skin, teeth, hair etc has contributed in the reduction of wildlife population.

The first species to disappear during the Indus Valley Civilisation was wild cattle. This probably happened due to inter-breeding with domestic cattle. Species of birds, like pink-headed duck and Himalayan quail have become extinct. Along with Tigers, the numbers of Cheetahs too have dwindled who are now surviving under protection and breeding programmes in the Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat.

Short Essay on Wildlife in India 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Wildlife in India is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

To put a check on this, Indian Board for Wildlife was made in 1952 with its main function as an advisory board advising the government on how to conserve and protect wildlife with the construction of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Zoological gardens etc. The Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972 is a strict law and gives a firm footing to National Parks and Sanctuaries. The endangered species of plants and animals have been classified under this act for protection. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 under which 21 Tiger Reserves have been created to check intensive land-use practices like mining, construction of roads and railway lines affecting the tiger habitat and corridors. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has set-up a 10-member committee of experts in 2011. The committee will also appraise ongoing demand for diversion of habitat areas towards infrastructure projects in states. Wildlife reserves have started using advanced technology for better maintenance of facilities and also the inhabiting animals. Haryana wildlife department will make use of the camera trap method to get the exact number of animals in its sanctuaries. Kolhapur department has been equipped with wireless communication.

Along with the efforts of the government, people’s awareness and cooperation is needed in order to conserve and protect these invaluable natural resources of our country. Then only can the efforts of the government be given a concrete direction and the conservation goals can be achieved. On International Tiger Day, 29 July, Pench Tiger Reserve along with Rotary Club organised competitions in Nagpur. Such initiatives can go a long way in instilling responsibility towards wildlife among citizens. Wildlife is an integral part of our national heritage. We want our future generations to be able to ‘hear’ lions roar and not just ‘see’ them in picture books. For that we must take steps today. Otherwise, it will be too late!

Wildlife in India Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Zoologist – a specialist in Zoology
• Baffling – to confuse, bewilder, or perplex
• Perplexing – to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain
• Sanctuary – any place of refuge
• Magnificent – extraordinarily fine, superb
• Plumage – the entire feathery covering of a bird
• Dwindle – shrink, waste away
• Poaching – the illegal practice of trespassing on another property to hunt or steal game
• Without the landowner’s permission
• Appraise – determine the worth of, assess
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Essay on “Forest and Wildlife Conservation” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Forest and Wildlife Conservation

Synopsis :  Forests and wildlife are part and parcel of our precious and fragile environment and need protection and conservation  There are a couple of Acts which prohibit exploitation of endangered species of animals, birds den plants and yet the poachers are on the prowl and illegal hunting and killing of animals is being indulged in with impunity.  Because of fast shrinking forest-over and habitat come times wild animals like hyenas, tigers, wolves and leopards turn man-eaters and attack villages.  The large scale and indiscriminate destruction of forest has created a dangerous situation and alarm bells have started ringing.  Forests a swill life is very valuable and renewable sours of nature and need to be preserved protected and expanded at all costs.  Society forestry be practiced and popularized.  Depletion of forests also causes soil-erosion, floods, erratic rain-falls, droughts etc. More and more people, communities, tribal’s, non-government agencies etc. be involved in the work

            Protection and conservation of forests and wildlife are essential to maintain the earth’s health and environment.  The earth is the only known living planet and it is because of its special environment and ecology which are life-supporting.  Forests are part and parcel of our environment.  They are one of the most valuable resources and gifts of nature.  They play a key role in the maintenance of climate, rain-patterns, water and soil conservation.  They are the natural home of many types of animals, birds, reptiles, insects tic. They supply timber, fuel, medicines, wood for paper pulp and raw materials for many industries.  The increasing depletion and destruction of wildlife is a sauce of great concern.  On out of every seven persons of the world live in India. India has 16 per cent of the world’s population with only 2.4 per cent of its land area. 

            India is very rich both in flora and fauna but many plant and animal species are already extinct and many other are on the road to extinction.  In spite of various acts and rules-regulations against exploitation of wildlife, the real conservation has still a long way to cover.  India is a huge country and one of the major wildlife producer countries of the world and yet there is a skeleton staff to safeguard the interest of wildlife.  Poachers are on the prowl even in sanctuaries and protected forest areas.  They have become fertile influential people and traders in animal-skins, horns, etc.

            There is mindless destruction of forests for timber, firewood and fuel.  Every year there is a loss of about 1.3 hectares of forest areas in India because of large and indiscriminate clearing of forests fro cultivation, quarrying and large dams and irrigation projects.  Then there is intensive and indiscriminate logging for commercial purposes contractors and timber-merchants.  Over-grazing has also taken its toll.  The result is serious ecological imbalance and environment degradation.  There is much pressure on forests and the relation between men and forests has reached the lowest depth.

            The destruction and degradation of forests in upper regions like Himalayas causes such other ruins as erosion of top soil, erratic rainfall, and recurring floods.  Deforestation is a gate social and national evil and should be checked on priority basis.  It results in loss of productivity and environment degradation among much other harm.  Encroachment on forests should also be checked and, if possible, banned.  Non-government agencies, village communities, tribal’s etc. should be involved in social forestry and regeneration of degraded forest lands.  They should be allowed to share the benefits of these schemes in a judicious manner.  The forest and wildlife conservation laws shoals be made more stringent and practiced scrupulously.  Veerappan’s continued bloody trade in ivory and sandal-wood trade upsets all concerned.  Through the Nilgiris, it is now almost impossible to spot a large tusker.  The full clown assault on forest and wifely saddens all the Indians and wildlife lover in foreign countries. 

Essay No. 02

Dying Out Species

Endangered Species

Endangered species are living things whose population is so reduced that they are threatened with extinction. Thousands of species are included in this category. The International Union for the Conservation of nature and Natural Resources published a list of threatened mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value. Millions of years before the birth of humans, extinction of living things was linked to geological and clii-nae, the effects of which were translated into major alternation of the environment. Environmental change is still the primary cause of the extinction of animals, but now the changes are greatly accelerated by human’s activity. Clearing land for farms and towns, lumbering, mining, building dams, and draining wetlands all alter the environments so extensively that ecosystems may be completely destroyed. With a burgeoning human population requiring food, shelter, and clothing and constantly demanding more energy-using devices, the temperation to exploit land for human use without regard for

consequences is great. Frequently, several forms of environmental change are responsible for the disappearance of species. For example, as tropical forests are cut down, primates have progressively smaller feeding and living spaces’. They also become more accessible to hunters, who kill animals for food and trap many primates for sale as pets, research animals,  and zoo specimens.

Some animal species may move into human communities when their own are destroyed. Extermination of marauding monkeys, roaming tigers, or foraging deer is easy to justify by people whose livelihood is threatened. Pollution is another form of environmental change. Forty species of birds in the United States, including peregrine hawk, bald eagle, pelicans, and roseate terns, lay thin-shelled as a result of ingesting degradation products of and some other chlorination hydrocarbon insecticides that make their way into the food chain. Species of salamanders in New England are dying out because the ponds in which they breed and the moist soil in which they must live are watered by acid rain (water that combines with pollutants in the air to form acid, sulfuric acid, and other corrosive compounds). Industrial waste dumped in the Mediterranean have so depleted the oxygen supply that some species of bacteria that decompose sewage have been wiped out and the nutrient cycles disturbed. Even the ocean environment has been altered by dumping. There are several species of birds and animals that have been exterminated or endangered as a result of humans killing the individuals for food. The Hawaiian state bird has also become extinct. The 22 finds of clams and 30 kinds of fish imperiled in the United States are probably all endangered by varying combinations of naturally changing environments, Pollution and over-harvesting. Whale are also on the endangered list. Whale hunting is often justified as supplying a

source of protein for protein-poor populations. Actually, whales supply only 1% of the protein needs of any countries, Such as  Japan, that is actively engaged in whaling. In the Soviet Union , whale meat is used to feed animals that are raised for their Pelts such as sable and mink.

 Thus, the wearer of a ram-h-raised Russian sable coat may have indirectly contributed to the ultimate disappearance of the great whales. Many species have been hunted to the point of extinction for their tiff, hides or feat hers. Include the big cats, alligators, kimonos, quetzel birds, eastern grey kangaroos, egrets, and bids of paradise. Many people and groups have taken measure to stop the killing of endangered species. Whether the species were killed deliberately, or by accident (in a oil pill) these groups are trying to stop the killing.

In conclusion, it can be said that endangered species can be as big as a blue whale or as small as a tiny little ant. The responsibility of saving them is on us.

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Wildlife Conservation Essay for Students in English [Easy Words]

January 15, 2021 by Sandeep

Essay on Wildlife Conservation: Protecting the wild animals, plants and the related fauna is collectively referred to as wildlife conservation. Man exploited wildlife and exercised poaching for his personal benefits. Due to his selfishness, many species are on the verge of extinction today. In 1972 the Indian government passed a wildlife protection act to prevent damage to wildlife. Zoos, botanical gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries are some of the ways wildlife is being preserved.

Essay on Wildlife Conservation 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Wildlife Conservation Essay in English, suitable for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.

“Wherever there are wild animals in the world, there is always an opportunity for caring, compassion, and kindness.”

Wildlife refers to the species of animals that are not domesticated. It plays a significant role in preserving the Earth’s ecological balance. It also provides stability to different natural processes. Wildlife conservation is a well-protecting wildlife population, ecosystems, and plants. Each species in the world needs food, water, shelter and, most importantly, reproductive opportunities.

Wildlife is a beautiful divine invention. God did not construct the universe exclusively for man. On this Earth, we consider the magnificent oak to the tiniest grass, from the giant whale to the smallest fries, in the wood. God forms all of these in a very balanced way. We, human beings, cannot contribute to these marvellous creations of nature but can preserve them. Thus, wildlife protection is essential to preserve the equilibrium of mother earth.

Types of Wildlife Conservation

Conservation of wildlife can be divided into two essential terms, namely “in situ conservation” and “ex-situ conservation.”

• In-Situ Protection: This form of protection preserves the imperil animal or plant in its natural environment. In Situ Conservation falls under initiatives such as National Parks, Biological Reserves.
• Ex-Situ Conservation: Ex-situ wildlife protection simply means off-site protection of wild animals and plants by eliminating and relocating a portion of a population to protected habitat.

Need for Wildlife Conservation

Conservation of wildlife is necessary to maintain a healthy ecological equilibrium among all living things. Every living being on this planet has a unique place in the food chain, and therefore contribute in their specific way to the ecosystem. Unfortunately, humans are destroying many natural ecosystems of plants and animals for land creation and firming. Some other factors that lead to the disappearance of wildlife are like poaching for fur, jewellery, meat, and leathers etc. If we do not take any action to save biodiversity , then one day all animals will be on the list of endangered species.

It is up to us to save the wildlife and our planet. It is also vital for medical values since a considerable number of plants and animal species are used to derive certain essential drugs. Ayurveda, India’s ancient medicinal system, also uses extracts of various herbs and plants. Wildlife protection is essential for preserving a safe and healthy climate. Birds like Eagle and Vulture, for example, contribute to nature by collecting dead bodies from animals and keeping the surroundings healthy.

Effective Wildlife Conservation Methods in India

To protect the environment, various types of wildlife management approaches may be employed. The following are some vital wildlife conservation methods in India:-

• Wildlife Conservation Laws – The 1972 Wildlife Protection Act is an act which attempts to protect the Indian wildlife. The Indian parliament enacted this act on 9 September 1972, and after that, the destruction of wildlife was limited to some degree.
• Habitat Management – This approach is used to perform wildlife conservation surveys and to hold statistical data. After that, the wildlife habitat can be improved.
• Creation of Protected Area – Protected areas are created to preserve wildlife, such as national parks, reserve forests, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. In these restricted regions, wildlife protection laws are implemented to protect the species.
• Awareness – There is a need to educate the people about the value of wildlife for wildlife conservation in India. Some people neglect or hurt wildlife since they are unaware of wildlife’s significance. Thus, awareness of conserving wildlife in India can be spread amongst people.
• Eliminating Superstitions  – Wildlife has always been endangered by superstition. Many body parts of wild animals, parts of trees are used as treatments for other diseases. Such remedies have no theoretical basis at all. Also, some people claim that bone, fur etc. will heal their chronic illness by wearing or using other animals.

Essay on Endangered Species in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Endangered Species in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Endangered Species in India

Introduction.

Endangered species are those facing the risk of extinction. India, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to many such species.

Reasons for Endangerment

Habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching are major threats to these animals. Rapid urbanization and deforestation have led to loss of habitats.

Endangered Species in India

India hosts many endangered species like the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Rhinoceros, and Great Indian Bustard. Their numbers are dwindling due to human activities.

Conservation Efforts

India has established protected areas and launched projects like Project Tiger to conserve these species. However, more efforts are needed for their survival.

250 Words Essay on Endangered Species in India

Threats to wildlife.

The primary threats to wildlife in India include habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization, poaching, and climate change. These factors have resulted in a dramatic decline in the population of many species, pushing them towards extinction.

Endangered Species

Species like the Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, and Asiatic Lion are on the brink of extinction. The Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds, is critically endangered with fewer than 150 individuals remaining. The Ganges River Dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, is also in danger due to pollution and dam construction.

India has taken several steps to conserve its biodiversity. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant are notable initiatives. Moreover, the establishment of numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries has provided safe havens for these species.

While the efforts to conserve endangered species in India are commendable, much more needs to be done. It is crucial to balance development with conservation, ensuring that the rich biodiversity of India is preserved for future generations. The survival of these species is not just a matter of national pride, but also an ecological necessity.

500 Words Essay on Endangered Species in India

Endangered species are those at risk of extinction due to a rapid decrease in their population or a loss of their critical habitat. India, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas in the north to the evergreen rain-forests of the south, the desert sands of the west to the marshy mangroves of the east, is home to numerous species, many of which are endangered.

Causes of Endangerment

Notable endangered species.

The Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Rhinoceros, Great Indian Bustard, and the Ganges River Dolphin are among the critically endangered species in India. Each of these species is a symbol of the rich biodiversity of India, and their potential loss would not only be a biological disaster but also a blow to the country’s natural heritage.

India has taken significant steps towards the conservation of its endangered species. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. The Act also empowers the Central and State governments to declare any area a wildlife sanctuary, national park, or closed area. Additionally, India is a signatory to various international conventions aimed at biodiversity conservation, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Ramsar Convention.

The Way Forward

While the efforts taken so far have been commendable, a lot more needs to be done to ensure the survival of endangered species in India. Enhanced legal enforcement, habitat restoration, community engagement, and scientific research are crucial for effective conservation. In addition, the integration of biodiversity conservation into developmental policies is imperative for sustainable development.

It is also essential to raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of species extinction. This can be achieved through education and outreach programs, which can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and motivate individuals to participate in conservation efforts.

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Wildlife conservation in india: steps taken for wildlife conservation in india.

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Wildlife Conservation in India: Steps taken for Wildlife Conservation In India!

Like forests, wildlife is also a national resource which not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but is also beneficial from economic, recre­ational and aesthetic points of view.

There was a time when human interference was minimum, the number of wild animals was quite high and there was no problem of their protection or conservation.

But, with the expansion of agriculture, settlement, industrial and other developmental activities and mainly due to greed of man the number of wild animals gradually became lesser and lesser.

As a result that several species of animals have been pronounced extinct and several others are at the verge of it. Deforestation is also one of the main reasons for the loss of wildlife. Mass scale killings of wild animals for their meat, bones, fur, teeth, hair, skin, etc., are going on throughout the world. Therefore, the need for wildlife conservation has now become a necessity.

Population growth, the expansion of agriculture and livestock raising, the building of cities and roads, and pollution are among the many pressures on the natural habitat of wildlife. Along with illegal hunting, habitat reduction and its degradation has threatened the bio-diversity of the regions where these are rampant.

Preservation of wildlife does not mean a blanket protection to all faunal and floral species; rather it implies a proper, judicious control over the multipli­cation of plants and animals which interact together to provide a proper environment to man whose very existence is in peril today.

Due to the irrational use of natural and biotic resources of the earth in the past, most of the wildlife has been destroyed beyond retrieval. It is our urgent duty to protect the natural splendour of ecosystems and to evolve a system of co-existence with every living creature upon the earth.

Although countries of the world are very particular regarding conservation of wildlife, the number of wild animals is reducing day by day. World Wild Life Fund is the international agency doing commendable work in promoting the protection of wildlife. There are national agencies also engaged in conservation of wildlife.

Some steps in the direction of wildlife conservation that can be taken are as follows:

(i) To survey and collect all the information about wildlife, especially, their number and growth.

(ii) To protect habitat by protecting forests.

(iii) To delimit the areas of their natural habitat.

(iv) To protect wildlife from pollution and from natural hazards.

(v) To impose complete restriction on hunting and capturing of wildlife.

(vi) To impose restrictions on export and import of wildlife products and severe punishment to be given to those who indulge in this activity.

(vii) To develop game sanctuaries for specific wild animals or for general wildlife.

(viii) To make special arrangements to protect those species whose number is very limited.

(ix) To develop general awareness at national and international level regarding protection of wildlife.

(x) A system of wildlife management is adopted through trained personnel. India is a good example where several steps have been taken for wildlife conservation. It is a country of varied wildlife, where more than 500 types of wild animals, 2,100 types of birds and about 20,000 types of reptiles and fishes have been found.

According to an estimate, in India about 200 species of wild animals and birds have become extinct and another 2,500 are on the verge of extinction. Some of them are black buck, chinkara, wolf, swamp deer, nilgai, Indian gazelle, antelope, tiger, rhinoceros, gir lion, crocodile, flamingo, pelican, bustard, white crane, grey heron, mountain quail, etc.

In India, the government and NGOs are taking keen interest in protection of wildlife. The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, has several provisions for the conservation of wildlife. As many as 165 game sanctuaries and 21 national parks have been developed to protect the natural habitat and wild animals. Apart from this, a Wild Life Conservation Week is also celebrated from 1st to 7th October every year. But still there is a long way to go in this direction.

Related Articles:

• Summary of Wildlife Protection Act (1972) of India
• Difference between “In-situ Conservation” and “Ex-situ Conservation” – Explained!

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Wildlife Conservation in India (Geography)

August 20, 2020 by studymumbai Leave a Comment

Wildlife Conservation in India

Introduction

Over the years, factors such as rapid industrialisation, pollution, overpopulation, deforestation, animal exploitation, commercialization and climate change, has caused tremendous damage to the animals and their habitat.

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We all know that several species have become extinct in the world in the last few decades, and many more species are on the verge of extinction. While “no species” is going to last on earth forever, but their extinction is becoming a lot faster compared to the natural extinction rate, say experts.

Over the years, the public have become more cognizant of the problem and politicians world over are taking steps towards environmental and world life protection. This project takes a closer look at the efforts of the Government of India towards Wildlife Conservation in India.

Importance of Biodiversity

The Earth’s natural assets are made up of plants, animals, water, land, the atmosphere, and of course, humans.

Biodiversity is important for the overall good health of the planet as it has a direct impact on our lives. Reduced biodiversity means millions of people on this planet face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water will be in short supply.

Reasons for Impact

However, things like overpopulation, deforestation, climate change, poaching and animal exploitation, human apathy is causing a big strain on our ecosystems.

Animals are poached as there’s a commercial demand for animal products such as ivory, horn, teeth, skin and bone. In India, animals like Tiger, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Monitor Lizard, continue to be poached, despite ban on poaching of wild animals and the trade of animal parts.

Because, biodiversity directly impacts human lives in big ways, the flora and fauna need to be protected and that is why wildlife conservation efforts become so much important.

Why Wildlife Conservation

Here are some more benefits of wildlife conservation.

Protecting forests from deforestation and rebuilding forest habitats to preserve biodiversity aids in the carbon-sequestering process, and guards against erosion. As a result, agricultural productivity also improves, thereby allowing farms to become more productive.

Wildlife conservation also helps protect human health as several key ingredients needed for modern as well as traditional medicines come from wild plants and animals.

Wildlife conservation projects also bring the community together as they call for a team effort. From rangers to administrators, conservation initiatives invite the opportunity for a new preservation-based economy.

Conservation steps taken by Government of India

Besides initiating several conservation projects of wild animals, Indian Government has also initiated additional schemes to protect endangered animals and for wildlife protection in general.

Here are some important steps taken by the Government of India to protect biodiversity in India.

Indian Government came up with the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972, and created several protected Areas like National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves for protecting wildlife. There’s law in place now that punishes those involved in illegal acts such as hunting, poaching.

Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 have been drafted to protect wetlands in India. The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System provides assistance to the various states for proper management of all wetlands.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau was established to curb the illegal trade of wildlife and that of endangered species.

Special organizations like Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History society and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History were setup to conduct research on conservation of wildlife.

In order to strengthen tiger conservation, National Tiger Conservation Authority was established by Government of India. A Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has also been constituted.

• The State Governments have been asked to strengthen patrolling in and around Protected Areas. E-Surveillance has started in a few Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Laws and Acts Passed by Indian Government to Protect Wildlife

Here are some important Environment and Biodiversity Acts Passed by Indian Government.

• Fisheries Act 1897
• Indian Forests Act 1927
• Mining And Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957
• Prevention of Cruelty To Animals 1960
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974
• Forest Conservation Act 1980
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981
• Environment Protection Act 1986
• Biological Diversity Act 2002
• Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act 2006

Important Wildlife Protection Projects by Indian Government

The Government of India has undertaken several Wildlife Conservation projects to save animals and their habitats. Here are a few important ones.

Project Tiger

• Project Elephant
• Crocodile Conservation Project

Tiger is the national animal of India and it’s important to safeguard the population of this majestic animal by taking care of their habitat.

The much-needed project was launched in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand way back in 1972 under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, and the primary objective of the this project was to save the Royal Bengal Tigers from getting extinct in India.

One of the most successful wildlife conservation ventures, ‘Project Tiger’ has not only contributed to the conservation of tigers but also of the entire ecosystem. There are close to fifty tiger reserves situated spread across several regions in India, the more popular ones being Corbett National Park in Nainital and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Jim Corbett, Bandipur, Ranthambore, Nagarhole, Gir, Kanha, Sunderbans, Sariska, Tadoba are some of the national parks in India that are involved in Project Tiger.

At such reserves, the Tiger Task Force conducts regular assessments of the number of tigers, their habitat, and hunting habits. Human interference in any of the reserves and forests is not allowed. A proper habitat has been created for the Tigers to hunt, live and survive.

Project Tiger has been acknowledged as one of the most successful projects in Wildlife conservation. The project has seen significant success in the growth of the habitat, and increase in Tiger population in the reserve areas, from a meagre 268 tigers in 9 reserves in 1972 to well over 2000 tigers in 2018.

Another positive impact of the project is the ‘employment’ that it generates. Project Tiger has not only been useful to tigers, it has been useful for humans as well. Right from building national parks to managing every aspect of it, requires manpower. The massive success of the project has generated significant employment as well.

Project Elephant was initiated by the Government of India in 1992 with the objective of conserving elephants and their habitat.

Under the project, existing natural habitats and migratory routes of elephants are restored ecologically. Scientific and planned management is being developed for conservation of elephant habitats and viable population. Overall welfare of elephants is considered, issues like human-elephant conflict are taken care of, and there’s also efforts to improve protection of elephants from poachers and unnatural death.

The Project is being implemented in several States / union Territories, such as Andhra pradesh , Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand , Karnataka , Kerala , Meghalaya , Nagaland , Orissa , Tamil Nadu , Uttranchal , Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

The first elephant reserve or elephant sanctuary in India was the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve of Jharkhand. Since then, many more elephant Reserves have come up in India. The Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is the largest habitat of wild elephants in India.

The Crocodile Conservation Project is another successful venture by Government of India to conserve crocodiles in India; this species was on the verge of extinction once in India.

The primary objectives of the crocodile project include:

i) to boost reproductive output by collection of wild-laid eggs with subsequent incubation and rearing of young until of a size (less vulnerable to predation) suitable for release in the wild. The establishment of viable gharial breeding populations in Chambal and Satkoshia Gorge sanctuaries have received a lot of praise for its success.

ii) to protect the natural habitat of various species such as gharial/aligator, mugger/crocodile saltwater crocodiles. This is done by establishing sanctuaries, promoting captive breeding, improving management of the sanctuaries and the various activities, and by involving the local people in the project.

Today, there are several crocodile rehabilitation centres and crocodile sanctuaries established in India. Among the more popular crocodile sanctuaries in India are the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha. The Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute was established in Hyderabad in 1980 to address the need for well-trained staff, which is extremely important for a successful crocodile conservation programme.

For a long time, humans have had a self-interested relationship with the environment, which has caused a lot of damage to our environment, especially wildlife. Rapid deforestation, overpopulation, and consumer culture are the biggest causes for the extinction of several flora and fauna, and biodiversity loss.

While efforts are being taken by the government towards wildlife conservation, it is important for the general public and businesses to adopt more sustainable means, in order to prevent further damage to our ecosystems.

Taking care of the world’s wildlife should be everyone’s responsibility and the sooner we realise this, it will be good for our own species; it’s a fallacy that the humans will continue to survive on this planet when all other species around are getting extinct.

References / Bibliography

LIVING PLANET REPORT 2020

Wildlife Conservation Initiatives by Indian Government

National Tiger Conservation Authority

Elephant Reserves

Crocodile Conservation in India

The GOI UNDP Sea Turtle Conservation Project

India adopts SAWEN statute against wildlife crimes

Academic Projects on Wildlife Conservation in India

Question. Reasons why Wildlife Conservation is needed – poaching, climate change, there are many endangered species (mention a few) in India.

What are the main conservation steps that the enlivenment of India is taking.

What are the various sanctuaries, reserves and protected forests we have in India.

Write a para on a protected forest or sanctuary in India, the name of the sanctuaries, the different kind of projects that the government is undertaking – tiger, rhino, etc.

Question. Class X: Geography Project. Wildlife conservation efforts in India. Do a case study about an endangered species in India. This project should include: The general description about the endangered species. Distribution and habitat. Special adaptations if any. Interesting Features. Feeding habits. Breeding habits. Factors leading to endangering of that species. Conservation strategies. Support your project with recent newspaper clippings.

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Conservation of Wildlife in India 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 + Words

Conservation of wildlife in india- 100 words.

There are many endangered species of wildlife in India. The most endangered species include the Bengal Tiger, the Indian Rhino, and the Asiatic Lion. Conservation efforts are underway to try to protect these animals. India has set up many national parks and reserves specifically for the purpose of conserving its wildlife. In addition, the government has enacted laws to prevent hunting and trade in endangered species. If we all work together, we can make a difference for the wildlife of India and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these magnificent creatures. We hope that by raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in India, we can make a difference and help preserve these magnificent creatures for years to come.

Conservation of Wildlife in India- 150 Words

The conservation of wildlife in India is an important issue. There are many reasons why we should protect our wildlife, including the fact that they are a vital part of our ecosystem and play an important role in our economy. India is home to some of the most beautiful and unique animals in the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy. Due to habitat loss and hunting, many of these animals are now on the brink of extinction. It is up to us to do our part in conserving these animals and their habitats. We can start by supporting organisations that are working towards this cause, spreading awareness about the importance of conservation, and making changes in our own lifestyles to be more eco-friendly.   The government has taken some measures to protect the country’s natural resources and conserve its wildlife, but much more needs to be done. Conservation efforts must be intensified to save India’s unique wildlife heritage for future generations.

Conservation of Wildlife in India- 200 Words-

The most endangered species in India are the tiger, the rhinoceros, and the elephant. These animals are at risk of becoming extinct due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats. The Indian government has taken steps to conserve these animals by establishing national parks and sanctuaries. It has also created laws to protect them from being hunted or traded. India is home to many endangered species of wildlife. The government has taken steps to conserve these species. One of the most important methods of conservation is creating national parks and sanctuaries. These areas provide a safe environment for the animals to live and breed. The government has also created laws to protect these animals. Hunting of endangered species is banned and penalties are imposed on those who break the law. India is a land of rich and varied wildlife. The country has more than 500 species of mammals, 2,000 species of birds, and over 30,000 species of higher plants. India’s wildlife heritage is under severe threat from habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.  With so many different species of animals, it is essential that we do everything we can to protect them. There are many ways to get involved in conservation efforts, and every little bit helps. Whether you donate to a conservation organization or volunteer your time, you can make a difference in the fight to save India’s wildlife.

Conservation of Wildlife in India- 300 Words-

The conservation of wildlife in India is important for the preservation of the country’s biodiversity. India is home to many endangered species of wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants, and rhinos. The Indian government has taken several measures to protect these animals, such as establishing national parks and sanctuaries. In addition, the government has also created a list of the most endangered species in India and is working to conserve them. India is home to many endangered species of wildlife. The government has been working hard to conserve these animals. Some of the most endangered species in India include the tiger, the rhinoceros, and the elephant. These animals are at risk of being extinct if we don’t do something to save them. The government has set up many conservation programs to help protect these animals. Government has also banned hunting of many animals which include the Bengal Tiger, the Indian Rhinoceros, and the Asiatic Lion. These animals are at risk of becoming extinct if their habitat is not protected. The government of India has set up several national parks and reserves to protect these animals. The government has set up many national parks and sanctuaries to protect these animals. They are also working on educating the public about the importance of conservation. The government is also working with many international organizations to conserve these endangered species. Despite the many challenges, India has made great strides in conservation of wildlife. The country now has over 100 national parks and 500 wildlife sanctuaries, which is a significant increase from just a few decades ago. This growth is due to the increasing awareness of the importance of conservation among the general population as well as the government’s commitment to protecting India’s natural heritage. With continued support, India will be able to maintain its rich biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy its abundant wildlife.

Conservation of Wildlife in India- 500 + Words

Introduction

India is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet. From majestic tigers to beautiful peacocks, there is an incredible array of animals to be found in India. However, due to human activity and deforestation, many of these animals are now endangered. In this article, we’ll explore the steps being taken by the Indian government to protect its wildlife and what YOU can do to help.

History of wildlife conservation in India

Wildlife conservation in India has a long history dating back to ancient times. The primary objective of wildlife conservation in India has always been to protect and preserve the country’s rich natural heritage. The earliest reference to wildlife conservation in India can be found in the Rig Veda, which mentions the need to protect the animals from hunting and exploitation. The Mahabharata also contains several references to the need for conservation of natural resources. In more recent times, the British Raj established several national parks and reserves in an effort to protect India’s wildlife. These early efforts laid the foundation for modern wildlife conservation in India. Today, wildlife conservation is a critical concern in India. The country is home to a large number of endangered species, and many of its forests are under threat from development and deforestation. Conservation efforts are underway at both the national and local level to protect India’s unique wildlife heritage.

Why is wildlife conservation important?

Wildlife conservation is important for many reasons. It helps to preserve the planet’s biodiversity, which is the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. It also provides humans with resources, such as food, clean water, and wood. Additionally, wildlife conservation can help to reduce the spread of diseases and pests. Finally, it can provide us with opportunities to enjoy and appreciate nature.

What are the different methods of conservation?

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting wild animals and their habitats. India is home to a large number of wildlife species, many of which are endangered or threatened. There are many different methods of conservation, including protected areas, captive breeding, and translocation. Protected areas are areas where human activities are restricted in order to protect the wildlife within. These areas can be either land-based or water-based, and they can be of various sizes. Captive breeding is the practice of breeding animals in captivity in order to maintain populations. This is often done with endangered species in order to increase their numbers. Translocation is the process of moving animals from one location to another in order to establish new populations or to reintroduce them into an area where they have been extinct. All of these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to conservationists to decide which one will be best for each individual situation.

Some success stories of wildlife conservation in India

1. The Asiatic lion: Once on the brink of extinction, the Asiatic lion has made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts in India. Now, there are over 600 lions living in the Gir Forest National Park, and the population is continuing to grow. 2. The Indian rhinoceros: Another species that was once on the verge of extinction, the Indian rhinoceros has also made a remarkable recovery. Thanks to conservation efforts, there are now over 3,000 rhinos living in protected areas in India. 3. The Bengal tiger: One of the most iconic animals in the world, the Bengal tiger is also one of the most endangered. However, thanks to effective conservation efforts, the population of Bengal tigers is slowly but surely increasing. There are now over 2,500 tigers living in various protected areas across India. 4. The snow leopard: One of the rarest animals in the world, the snow leopard is found only in a few parts of India. However, thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly but surely increasing. There are now over 400 snow leopards living in protected areas across India.

The current state of wildlife in India

The current state of wildlife in India is not good. There is a huge decline in the population of many species of animals and birds. This is due to various reasons like habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It is estimated that there are only 1,400 tigers left in the wild in India. This is a drastic decline from the estimated 3,000 tigers that were living in the wild just a decade ago. Tigers are facing extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. Habitat loss is also a big problem for elephants in India. Due to the expanding human population, elephants are losing their natural habitats. This has led to an increase in conflicts between elephants and humans as the elephants often raid crops and destroy property. The Indian government has taken some steps to try to conserve wildlife. For example, they have created national parks and sanctuaries where animals can live without fear of being hunted or their habitat being destroyed. However, more needs to be done to save India’s wildlife from extinction.

The Indian government’s current efforts to conserve wildlife

The Indian government has been working hard to conservation wildlife in the country. In recent years, it has implemented a number of initiatives to protect and preserve endangered species. One of the most notable initiatives is the setting up of Tiger Reserves. These are specially protected areas where tigers can roam and breed without fear of being hunted. The reserves also help to educate the public about the importance of conserving these magnificent animals. In addition, the government has also created a number of national parks and sanctuaries where other endangered species can be found. These include the Asiatic Lion Sanctuary, the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary and the Kaziranga National Park. The government’s efforts are starting to pay off. There has been a significant increase in the population of tigers and other endangered animals in recent years. This is good news not just for India but for the world as a whole, as it shows that it is possible to successfully conserve wildlife if there is the political will to do so.

The challenges of conserving wildlife in India

India is home to some of the most diverse and iconic wildlife on the planet. From tigers and elephants to rhinos and lions, the country is home to an incredible array of species. However, the country faces significant challenges in conserving its wildlife. One of the biggest challenges is the sheer size of India. The country covers over 3 million square kilometers and is home to over 1.3 billion people. This means that there are a lot of people competing for space with wildlife. As human populations continue to grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to protect wilderness areas and allow animals the room they need to roam freely. Another challenge is poverty. Over 27% of India’s population lives below the poverty line. This means that many people depend on natural resources, such as forests, for their livelihoods. When wildlife competes with humans for these resources, it often results in conflict. For example, tigers sometimes kill livestock, which can lead to farmers retaliating and killing tigers. The Indian government has taken some steps to address these challenges, such as establishing national parks and tiger reserves. However, more needs to be done to ensure that India’s wildlife is protected for future generations.

Successful conservation stories from India

India is home to some of the most iconic and endangered species in the world. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists, many of these animals are now safe from extinction. Here are some of India’s most successful conservation stories:

• The Indian government has successfully brought the Bengal tiger back from the brink of extinction. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, there are now over 2,500 Bengal tigers living in the wild in India.
• The Asiatic lion was once on the verge of extinction, but thanks to a successful breeding program at the Gir National Park in India, there are now over 600 Asiatic lions living in the wild.
• The great Indian rhinoceros was once thought to be extinct, but thanks to conservation efforts, there are now over 3,000 great Indian rhinos living in the wild.
• The Indian elephant is an endangered species, but thanks to conservation efforts, there are now over 20,000 Indian elephants living in the wild.

India is a land of abundant wildlife. The country is home to some of the most iconic and endangered animals on the planet. In recent years, however, the country’s wildlife has been under threat from habitat loss, poaching and other human activities. While the government has taken some steps to protect India’s wildlife, more needs to be done to ensure that these beautiful creatures are not lost forever.

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Geography Notes

Essay on wildlife: top 6 essays | natural resources | geography.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Wildlife’ for class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Wildlife’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Wildlife

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Conservation of Wildlife

1. Essay on the Introduction to Wildlife:

Wildlife comprises all living organisms (plants, animals, micro-organisms) in their natural habitats which are neither cultivated/domesticated nor tamed. But in its strictest sense, it includes uncultivated mammals, reptiles, birds and fishes etc. which are generally hunted.

In broad sense, wildlife includes whole fauna and flora found in wilderness zone (natural habitat).

According to Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL), 1970:

“Wildlife is the whole native and uncultivated fauna and flora of a particular country.”

According to Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:

“Wildlife includes any animal, bees, butterflies, crustacea, fish and moths; and aquatic or land vegetation which form part of any habitat”.

In this definition, the word “animal” has come which according to the same Act means “Animals includes amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles and their young, and also includes in the cases of birds and reptiles, their eggs.” 

Again in the same definition, the word “habitat” has come which according to the same Act means “Habitat includes land, water or vegetation which is the natural home of any wild animal.”

Again in the same Act “Wild animals” means “Any animal found wild in nature and includes any animal specified in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V wherever found”.

According to Indian Forest Records (1965) “Wildlife are living things that are neither human nor domesticated and are applied specially to mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes which are hunted.”

Hence, in broad sense, wildlife includes whole flora and fauna found in its natural habitat (wilderness zone) which embraces all living organisms. But in strict sense, it includes animal, birds, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, bees, butterflies, fish, their young and eggs and their habitat (i.e. land, water and vegetation which are their natural home).

But again in the strictest sense, wildlife includes mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes which are uncultivated (not domesticated, not tamed) and generally hunted.

2. Essay on Wildlife as Land-Use/Land-Use Planning/Multiple-Use Concept :

The present world, especially developing countries including India, is facing problems of over-population, poverty and illiteracy. There is tremendous growth in human population at a very fast pace and consequently causing depletion of natural resources day-by-day. The land and the natural resources are limited but the numbers of mouths to feed are going up and up.

Under such circumstances, it is really very difficult task to protect, propagate and strive for place to the wildlife. Thus, realizing the conditions of various sectors of our country particularly socio-economic life, the wildlife must be managed and guided by the efficient and intensive land-use concept.

We should propagate the wildlife through the concept of various ways by educating and motivating the public taking economical benefits from the wildlife, the renewable natural resources, for the common mass. This is possible through the concept of multiple-use of the land. Hence, multiple-use concept means that the resources not only keeping in only one use, should be utilized or used in multiple uses or directions so that maximum productions or benefits may be taken from it.

The soil is the most important resource of this earth. We cannot imagine life without it. If soil is used only for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, there will be only one type of production at a time; but if it is utilized for multiple-uses, we will get more than one production at a time.

For example, if in the lands suited for agricultural crops, the fast growing trees (forest crops) are planted on bunds (which remain vacant) then we will get fuel food, fodder for livestock, wood for agricultural implements, poles etc. in addition to the agricultural crops.

It along with this tree planting on bunds, some game birds like quails, partridge, and jungle fowl etc. which are harmless to the agricultural crops and live in agricultural fields are reared or left there; then after sometimes the villagers may be allowed to hunt them and taking fees. In this way; from agricultural fields, in addition to agricultural crops, benefits may be taken as fuel wood, fodder, wood timber, hunting etc. also.

The land is classified on the basis of the fertility and texture of the soil. On this very basis, the land is divided and distributed into various sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry and so on for its proper utilization. The last type of land which is unfertile, degraded, marginal and which cannot be used for any other purpose should be merely ear­marked for wildlife including forest.

Applying modern wildlife management techniques on such land, we can get benefits through tourism; trade in general and scientific field etc. and at the same time preservation and propagation of wildlife will also be achieved. Thus, it will serve the purposes of conservation of rare and threatened species, soil and water conservation, and enhancement of our economy up to a certain extent.

Since wildlife is also a kind of land-use as a renewable crop; soil, water, air etc. are needed for them. If this land-use is also kept separate like other land-uses (agriculture, horticulture etc.), there will be problem in meeting the land for them as land is limited and upon this the first priority is of agriculture to feed the human-beings (to solve food problems of mankind).

The lands which are not suitable for agriculture and horticulture, they are lastly used for forestry and wildlife. But when there is scarcity of agricultural/horticultural lands, wherefrom the land will come for wildlife. Under such circumstances; seeing the importance of wildlife, it may be linked with other land-uses in such a way that the revenue from the main land-use may be meeting and simultaneously the wildlife may also be conserved and propagated imparting benefits to the mankind.

Developed countries have already taken steps in this direction and wildlife is viewed as a land-use and most of the wildlife in these countries are seen in the individual farms, trade centres, national parks, sanctuaries and zoos. It shows the outlook of developed countries towards the wildlife. Similar sectors of economic activities in India can be identified in each area of the country depending upon land-use pattern.

The selection also depends upon the potential and type of wild fauna present in that particular area. For instance, breeding of suitable birds should be encouraged in certain area which should be closed for a certain period and then opened up so that people may be allowed hunting, if necessary, and government may get revenue. Similarly, trade may be dealt in silk, lac, feathers, wool, fats and oils, wild meat etc. if individual farms are set-up.

Along with main land-uses like the agriculture and forestry, wildlife as land-use may be linked as follows:

(i) In Forestry:

First of all; the forest should be divided as per the objectives such as protected forest, production forest, less productive and in the form of rivers and nallahs. Therefore, the forest area which is not so important from timber production point of view is very much important from wildlife management point of view and should be the main objective for wildlife in such area.

The forest area which is important for timber production point of view, wildlife management may be less important. But this area may also be managed which can meet the demands of wildlife propagation without hampering forest production.

(ii) In Agriculture:

In villages, there are some barren and degraded lands, village roads, rivers and nallahs which are not suitable for agricultural crops. In such areas, management should be done in such a way that it may suit for certain wildlife. Bushes may be grown in degraded and barren lands.

These will help as shelter for small wild animals, birds etc. as well as will provide fodder for livestock. In such areas, game birds like partridge, quails, jungle fowls etc. may be grown which will give revenue after some time by allowing hunting through paying fees. Apart from this, pisciculture may also be developed in ponds of the villages to get handsome revenue.

Hence, in our country, there is ample chance to link wildlife as land-use with the other land-uses on the basis of the multiple-use concept by understanding wildlife as important land-use for nature, environment, eco-balance and ultimately human-life.

It involves a challenging task of wildlife resource mobilization, efficient land-use and integration of wildlife economics with the basic planning objectives. This prospective should form a part of our overall developmental strategy so that we can save, preserve, conserve and propagate our remaining national valuable wildlife heritage up to the mark.

In nutshell, it can be said that we must divide the land into several categories depending upon the quality of land and its uses for various purposes such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry etc. The land; which is unfertile, degraded and where the land cannot be used otherwise for any other purpose should be exclusively utilized for wildlife.

By applying modern management techniques, we can get economical profit from such kinds of lands by promoting tourism, scientific trade and other related business. It will serve the twin purposes like conservation of rare and threatened species as well as conservation of soil and water, and thus dragging our economy towards-prosperity.

Overall; in our country, there is urgent need of different sectors/departments like forestry, agriculture, veterinary, watershed management, fishery etc. to be interlinked in order to come together and work in full collaboration for finalizing and suggesting the proper utility and suitability of the particular piece of land so that each and every piece of land may be utilized in proper way to avoid future anomalies or complications and in getting balance in every walk of human life.

3. Essay on the Basic Requirements of Wildlife:

Food is the most important basic requirement to get energy and subsequently for proper growth, breeding, propagation and other metabolic-activities. The green plants manufacture their food by own by the process of photosynthesis and, thus, called as autotrophs.

The animal-communities do not have such type of mechanism and, thus, have to depend upon others called as heterotrophs. In this respect, the consumers like herbivorous animals depend upon plants (producers) deriving food-energy from them and, in turn, carnivores ultimately trap their food and energy from them, in this way, food-chain and food-web have been formed and ecological-balance is maintained.

Though, each animal requires nutritive elements but the food requirements of all the animals are not alike. The different species are differently adopted for their food as per their environment or habitat and, thus, have different kinds of food-habits to suit in a particular environment. That’s why; some foods are edible while others are non-edible.

A particular food may be edible for a particular species whereas it may be non-edible for others. Therefore, quality and quantity of food available in the habitat affects a lotto the number and status of the wild animals. Hence, the assessment of characteristics, quality, quantity and status of the vegetation available in the habitat and its improvement is an important and primary stage of wildlife management.

The necessity of food may be divided into two categories:

(a) Physiological Need:

Some animals fulfill their required nutrients by eating the plants itself; while in some animals, like ruminants, it is synthesized by certain bacteria etc. found in their digestive tract which make it available in useful forms of elements for the body. In some special period, such as in pregnancy and milking period, the females require more food or some special food than the normal period for proper growth of the fetus and young ones.

(b) Psychological Need:

As per food-habit, there is adaptation in the digestive system of the species and they prefer the food in that manner. For example, herbivores become instinct towards vegetarian food while carnivores towards non-vegetarian food. Deer become tempted to see grasses whereas tigers will not.

For the sustenance of life, the animals consume different types of food in the variable seasons and in this way their food-choice may be said as primary, secondary and so on.

Thus, the food may be categorized in the following kinds:

(i) Preferred Food:

The most tasteful and liked food is called preferred-food of the species.

(ii) Staple Food:

After preferred-food, the staple-food comes in the series. Generally, this food is important for the living of the animal being available for long time.

(iii) Emergency Food:

When there is scarcity of staple food, the species depends upon certain food which is neither so tasteful nor nutritive and called as emergency-food. Such food cannot sustain the animal for a long period because it induces malnutrition.

(iv) Stuffing Food:

The food which is totally non-nutritive and is consumed by the animal only to fulfill its stomach is called stuffing-food. Such food is taken in by the animals when there is no alternative.

(v) Miscellaneous Food:

Sometimes, certain animals take unusual food which is not in their habit. For example, sometimes bark eaten by sambhar and cheetal, grass by tiger (as found in its pellet sometimes) etc.

Pinch Period:

The period in which the food is not sufficiently available and causes trouble to the animal, is called pinch-period. This period may be for other basic requirements also such as water etc. The period varies as per the habitat, climate, country etc. The management part is very essential and plays important role for such period.

Selection of food by the animals depends upon the following factors:

(i) Availability:

The selection of food by the animal depends upon the season and period of the habitat, it depends upon the fact that in which season or period, which type of food is available, and how much labour is to be done to procure it by the animal; because season is responsible for the availability and quantity of the food in a particular habitat.

Hence; the food, which is easily and sufficiently found in a season, is consumed in enough quantity by the animal. It can be said that plenty of food is directly related with its consumption.

(ii) Palatability:

Palatability of food for animal is related with its taste, easy availability and digestibility etc.

(iii) Physiology:

Physiological regions is also responsible in the selection of food as per need of the animal.

(iv) Habit:

Since its evolution and habit, the animal selects its food accordingly as it is capable of digestion as well as has habitual instinct for such food.

Hence; by considering all these situations, it can be said that the quantity and quality of food serve a lot in the survival and propagation of the animals. For their survival, different kinds of animals take different kinds of food as per their adapted habit and habitat.

For example; some species survive by eating seeds of the plants which is very nutritive while some are living on grasses and leaves of the trees, some are habituated on dry grasses and leaves, some take tender leaves and grass while some prefer hard grasses and so on. Some are grazers whereas some are browsers.

All these depend upon the condition of the habitat and adaptations of the animals. Climate, soil and other natural as well as biotic-factors are responsible for outcome of the condition of the habitat to which the animal adapts it accordingly.

The aquatic animals have developed various adaptations morphologically as well as physiologically, terrestrial animals have also modified and adapted themselves to suit their living environment and the desert animals have likewise adaptations in all means to conserves water and reducing the loss of water less and less for their survival.

In each and every type of environment and habitat, the animals are having adaptations to be suited and survive nicely. Selection of food, its quality and quantity, palatability etc.; all these depend upon the conditions and adaptations of the habitat and the species concerned respectively. 

(ii) Water:

Water is another basic requirement of the wild animals. It varies with food, weather, environment, habitat and the animal’s ability to conserve it. Since water is essential for metabolic activities, it is required up to a certain extent by the animals for their survival, growth and propagation. All animals preserve metabolic water.

The desert animals conserve water to exist indefinitely on metabolic water and for this they have various adaptations in their morphology as well as physiology. Water conservation is also provided for by habits; such as the nocturnal or burrowing habit that escapes from diurnal heat and low humidity by the adaptations like possession of chitin, scales as the morphological protection and excretion of dry faeces as physiological adaptations.

Thus, the necessity of water is different in different types of animals. The size of the waterholes is not so important for wildlife rather its proper distribution in the entire habitat throughout the year is very important. Its spatial-distribution and availability with sufficient numbers have great importance for the survival and propagation of the animals.

If the number of waterholes is very few, there will be crowd and pressure of the animals around it and hard competition will arise for the survival and will not be utilized properly by them.

On the other hand, if it is properly distributed throughout the area, it will sustain the total animals as per the carrying-capacity. Therefore, management of water sources or waterholes plays an important role in the field of wildlife management. 

(iii) Shelter:

The place or area which gives protection and serves other biological needs of the species is known as shelter.

It can be divided into:

(a) Cover and

Covers are those vegetation or plants which save the animals from causal-factors and provide safety, resting, shade as well as protecting from adverse environmental-effects.

The cover can be classified as:

(i) Escape Cover:

Where, the wild animals escape themselves to protect from predators or hunters. Its shape and size depends upon the size of the animals.

(ii) Nesting Cover (Breeding-Cover):

Here the birds hide themselves for breeding, laying and nursing the eggs. Likewise, the larger animals also require such cover to deliver the litters. Its size and shape also depend upon the size and requirements of the animals.

(iii) Shelter Cover:

It is that cover which protects the animals from the problematic season etc. It may be bushes or the trees in accordance with the size of the animals.

(iv) Roosting Cover (Resting-Cover):

The cover under which, shade the animals take rest after taking the food and use as perch. This may be bush, tree or cave.

There should be sufficient space for living of the animals. Therefore, space is the important characteristic of the habitat. Without it, the animals cannot survive. Space is multi-dimensional. It is not only horizontal, but also includes vertical dimension. The horizontal dimension requires sufficient space as per the need of the animals like home-range, territory etc.

In vertical dimension in any field, the wild animals are living in six-seven levels such as at the peak height vulture etc. fly; then eagle, crows etc.; then other birds fly and live on the trees; below them some birds and animals like small birds, squirrels, monkeys etc. live on the branches of the trees; just above the ground, some animals dwell in the bushes and grasses; on the ground, the terrestrial animals like small and large mammals roam; and lastly inside the soil, wild soil-dwelling animals live.

In lack of sufficient space, the animals come under stress and there is crowd in the habitat and ultimately leading towards the diseases, casualty, hampering in courtship and mating, improper supply of food, water and so on.

Hence, proper management of the habitat is to provide proper and sufficient basic requirements of the animals (food, water and shelter) as per the carrying-capacity is the most essential and important primary objective of wildlife management.

4. Essay on the Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Wildlife:

The ecosystem is the outcome of two components viz. biotic and abiotic factors. Therefore, the ecological factors are falling under two categories such as biotic or living factors and abiotic or physical factors.

In the context of wildlife, it can be dealt as follows:-

Biotic Factors or Living Factors :

It includes living organisms such as plants and animals as well as other forms of life. These factors are the resultant of the interactions and interrelations of the same species (intraspecific) or different-species (interspecific) because, in the ecosystem, all organisms are interlinked and interdependent on each other and none can live alone or in isolation for getting their basic needs like food, water and shelter and protection.

Not only this, but the animals of one species are related or dependent upon the animals of the same species and vice-versa. Such interdependency exists without considering kind and size, such as big animals or plants are associated with small insects or parasites. Such association is intraspecific (between same species) and interspecific (between different species).

The interspecific relationship is further divided into:

i. Parasitism,

ii. Mutualism (Neutralism),

iii. Symbiosis,

iv. Commensalism,

v. Predation etc.

Abiotic Factors or Physical Factors :

Broadly, the physical factors which has affected and affecting the fauna and flora of an ecosystem can be divided into two parts viz. Medium and Climate. Mainly there are six media where animals and plants live which soil, light, temperature, water, air and parasite are living in or on the body of other organism (host).

Here, we will discuss about soil, light, temperature and water in detail:

The soil, which is formed by weathering of rocks associated with organic matter and the living organisms, is the most essential medium for the survival of plants and animals. It contains various types of nutrients, minerals, water and gases and support for the plants (producers).

Thus, it is essential for the sustenance of any form of life. The dead part of the organism is decayed and transformed by the decomposers dwelling in the soil and contribute also in the soil- formation particularly humus and continue the energy-nutrient-cycle also.

The vigour and hygiene of health of the wild animal depends upon the presence and absence of the minerals in the soil. The mineral-rich soil supports more wildlife than poorly aerated and acidic soil. The animal develops in the particular soil containing materials needed for it; for example, snails are found in the soil which is enriched in calcium required for their shell formation.

That’s why; flora and fauna are different in different types of soil. The soil which is slightly acidic or neutral is generally well-suited for most of the plants and animals. Therefore, status and kinds of wildlife has direct relationship with the soil-condition of an area or habitat.

On good soil, vegetation is luxuriant and nutritious resulting good size and number of the herbivores and subsequently optimum number of carnivores are found there establishing dynamic and viable ecosystem maintaining proper food-chain. Any deterioration, naturally or artificially, changes the characteristics of the soil leading the change in food, shelter and status of wildlife in reverse direction.

(B) Light :

Light is also an important factor in influencing growth, behaviour and distribution of flora and fauna. The most important work in this field is the phenomenon of photosynthesis. The green plants (producers/ autotrophs) trap sunlight and act as factory for producing food materials maintaining food-chain of the ecosystem.

The amount of light received by an organism depends upon the intensity and duration of light. The duration of light to which an organism is exposed to receive, is called as photoperiodism.

The effect of light controls various activities of wild animals such as:

(i) Effect on Metabolism:

The intensity of light effects the metabolic rate of the animals resulting the phenomenon like hibernation, aestivation and diapause in certain species like amphibians, reptiles, insects etc. as per the intensity of light in the different seasons.

(ii) Effect on Growth:

Since there is relation between metabolism and growth, the light influences the growth of the animal as per the rate of the metabolic activities. For the growth of plants, light is very essential while certain animals may die or survive in presence or absence of light.

(iii) Effect on Reproduction:

In certain animals, especially birds and mammals, gonads and ultimately reproduction are stimulated by light. To the, intensity or illumination of light, different kinds of animals response in different ways. Sexual activities, migration etc. depend upon the duration of light in certain animals and thus their breeding seasons are also different. Likewise, plants are also effected by the relative length of day light.

(iv) Effect of Photoperiodism:

The length of day and night light affects reproduction, behaviour, migration, hibernation, and aestivation etc. of the animals. Hence, photoperiodism influences the various activities of the animals. Perhaps, the sense organs are stimulated by the photoperiodism and required physiological changes occur in the animals to response to the desired performance.

(v) Other Effects:

Light is also responsible for changing the colour of the skin of certain animals. Mimicry is the example of that which is a kind of protective measure to suit in the environment. Eyes of certain deep water aquatic animals are enlarged while nocturnal animals, as in owls, have enlarged eyes to see in night. In certain lower animals, locomotion is influenced by light known as photokinesis. Butterflies move in day period while moths in the night.

(C) Temperature :

Temperature is also one of the important factors controlling distribution and behaviour of the animals. Like light, it also controls the various activities of the animals like reproduction, embryonic development, migration, diapause and other metabolic activities. The temperature at which the body activities, physiological and metabolic, are at maximum is called as Optimum-temperature.

As per the capacity of tolerance of temperature by the animals, they are of following types:-

(i) Eurythermal:

The animals, which can tolerate, wide range of temperature such as mammals etc.

(ii) Stenothermal:

The animals which can tolerate narrow range of temperature like Pisces, snakes etc.

(iii) Poikilothermic or Cold-Blooded:

The animals, whose body temperature varies/fluctuates with the changes in temperature of the environment such as pieces, amphibians, reptiles etc.

(iv) Homoiothermic or Warm-Blooded:

The animals whose body temperature do not fluctuate with the changes in temperature of the environment and are able to regulate and maintain the body temperature at a constant level like birds and mammals.

The effects of temperature upon the animals are as follows:

(a) Effect on Metabolism:

Temperature influences metabolism of the animals by influencing the enzymatic-activities of the body. Increase or decrease of temperature, up to a certain limits, increases and decreases enzymatic-activities and subsequently the metabolism of the animals.

(b) Effect on Reproduction:

Like other factors, temperature also affects the activities and behaviour or reproduction of the animals. It also controls or induces sex-cells maturation and their liberation in certain animals. The outbreak of grasshopper, sex-ratio of rotifers, and production of fertilized and unfertilized eggs in daphnia is governed by the temperature or period of temperature.

(c) Effects on Growth:

Growth and development of animals are also effected and controlled by the temperature. It affects them at the different stages of their life-cycle.

(d) Effects on Distribution:

Specially cold-blooded and warm ­blooded animal’s distributions are related with the temperature. The animals having narrow range of tolerance of temperature are restricted to the specific areas only, whereas the animals having greater range of tolerance of temperature are widely distributed.

(e) Effect on Structure and Behaviour:

Temperature is also responsible for animal’s structure and their behaviour such as the animals living in colder region has more life span than the warmer areas.

There are certain theories in this regard like:

(i) Bergmann’s Rule:

According to this, the animals living in cold region are much larger than the warmer region. For example, the largest polar bears are found in far north in cold climate whereas the smaller black bears are living in warmer climate.

Furthermore; it is well known that of a given species, the races which inhabit desert areas are always pale or sandy-coloured whereas those living under the influence of heavy rainfall, in well-wooded or humid tracts, tend to be darker in colouration. It is assumed that the reduced force of ultraviolet rays due to water vapour suspended in the air may account for the darkening. 

(ii) Gloger’s Rule:

The rule says that the temperature together with light and moisture governs the colour of many animals. In warm humid climate, majority of birds and mammals are darker than the animals living in cold or dry climate.

(iii) Jordan’s Rule:

Temperature has apparent control on the number of vertebrae in certain species of fishes. The fishes living in low water temperature have more vertebrae than those living in warm water as found in cool-fish.

(iv) Allen’s Rule:

As per this rule; the tail, neck and other external parts of the animals living in colder parts are compact as well as shorter in comparison with the animals living in warmer parts. For example, the ear sizes of three different species of fox (Arctic fox, Red fox and Desert fox) have different sizes of the pinna.

Their ear-sizes (pinna) are found increasing from arctic to desert fox. Arctic fox has smallest ear-size, Red-fox has bigger and Desert fox has the biggest size. It is assumed that the shorter ear-size will reduce the area of exposure and, thus, help in reduction in loss of heat from the body.

(D) Water :

We know that water plays an important role in the existence of the living organisms and comes under basic need of the animals for all types of metabolic-reactions of the body. Even various animals have adopted for aquatic-life (fresh water or salt water). The animals which can tolerate narrow fluctuation of the salt-concentration are called as stenohaline and which can tolerate wide range is called as euryhaline.

Of course; all the animals, whether aquatic or terrestrial, require water. On the hand, there are various aquatic-adaptations in aquatic animals; on the other hand, there are various adaptive-features to conserve water in the animals living in dry and desert places. For such particular mode of life; animals have developed morphological, anatomical and physiological adaptations.

Thus, water acts as a limiting-factor for the animals living in any ecosystem. Any factor, which approaches or exceeds the limits of tolerance, is said to be limiting-factor. If in a particular habitat, the scarcity of food, water or shelter arises at any stage or time then it is called the limiting-factor for that particular thing of that habitat.

For example; the scarcity of food will be limiting-factor for food, scarcity of water will be limiting-factor for water and likewise scarcity of shelter will be the limiting-factor for shelter and soon. The period in which limiting-factor – arises is called as pinch-period. In case of aquatic animals, oxygen acts as a limiting-factor because it is in scarce in water but the same is not as a limiting-factor for the terrestrial animals where it is in abundance.

The distribution of water also determines the carrying-capacity of a habitat. By creating more waterholes in an area, carrying-capacity can be enhanced. The wildlife is more concentrated at the watery areas.

Besides this, relative-humidity also determines the occurrence of specific vegetation as well as distribution and availability of the animals. It is clear that the animals depend upon the vegetation for food and the vegetation is dependent upon the water and its distribution.

Hence; the ecological factors, abiotic and biotic, act as limiting- factors with respect to that organism. It is the established fact that the amount of a substance below or above the certain limits may also limit the abundance or distribution of a species. For example, carbon-dioxide is necessary for growth of green plants through photosynthesis.

Small increase in its concentration increases the rate of plant growth; but if the concentration is increased significantly, it becomes toxic. Sheldford (1913) postulated the theory called as “Law of Tolerance”. According to him, all environmental-factors have a tolerable limit, the critical- minimum and critical-maximum.

The range between the critical- minimum and critical-maximum is known as “Limit of Tolerance”. If for a particular species, the tolerance exceeds its limit, the species will disappear from that particular area, as long as such condition exists. But, before this range is crossed on either sides and the limits of tolerance are reached, there is stress upon the animals and called as “Zone of Physiological Stress.”

Generally, it is difficult to identify a single limiting- factor because presence and absence of an organism or a group of organisms in an ecosystem depends upon a complex of factors and entire complex of conditions involved.

Therefore, the approach towards the limiting-factor should cover all the aspects of ecosystem and a single species approach may not be helpful in proper understanding of the various interactions in population, factors, habitat etc. For wildlife management, we should follow wholestic concept of the ecosystem.

5. Essay on the Importance of Wildlife :

If we view wildlife from close quarters and juxtapose our observations and all the major disciplines, we simply cannot believe how important wildlife is.

We may nail down the following cardinal points:

(i) Ecological Balance:

Wildlife maintains nonetheless balance of nature through:

(a) Regulation of population of different species by self-regulation and feedback,

(b) Food-chains or passage of food and energy through series of populations comprising producers, consumers and micro-organisms, and

(c) Natural cycles or circulation of inorganic nutrients between biotic and abiotic environments, prevention of leaching and run-off.

Thus it preserves the environment as a self-sustaining system. It balances population and maintains food-chains and natural-cycles.

(ii) Gene Bank:

The most direct relationship of preservation of wildlife to human progress is its significance as gene banks for breeding programmes in agricultural, animal husbandry and fishery. Wildlife serves as a gene banks for breeding improved varieties in agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery.

Plant and animal breeders have been able to produce high-yielding and disease-and-stress resistant varieties which form the backbone of modern agriculture. Average life of a crop variety is 5-15 years.

More application of fertilizers, irrigation and pesticides cannot raise production unless a variety of a crop or of an animal has the genetic potentiality to respond to improved inputs. To develop such varieties, a very wide range of plants or animals has to be screened and selected.

Scientists have been constantly examining the wild relatives of crop plants for the presence of useful genes that can be introduced to breeding programmes. Hence, gene- bank maintenance is essential.

Let us see how this point has held well in practice:

(i) Some old rice varieties from Kerala saved rice cultivation when Nilaparvata lugens (Brown Plant Hopper) attacked all modern rice varieties.

(ii) Wild rice (Oryza nivara) provided the resistance to the grassy stunt virus which has threatened rice cultivation in 1970’s. It was incorporated in IR-36 by Dr. Khush and others.

(iii) In potatoes, resistance to late blight has been incorporated from Solanum demissum, mosaic virus and leaf roll virus from Solanum acaule, mosaic virus Y from Solanum stoloniferum damping-off and nematodes from Solanum spegazzini.

The production of high-yielding, disease-resistant crops, livestock and fish cannot continue without the wild relatives of the cultivated varieties. This is because of pests and pathogens evolve new strains; climates change; soils vary; and consumers’ demands change with time. Since the average life of a crop variety is only 5-15 years, new varieties are constantly being produced to meet the changing demands.

We cannot predict which species become useful to us in the future. With increasing knowledge and skills, man is busy finding new uses for the traditionally used species. If penicillium had been eliminated from the earth before man could discover its antibiotic properties or Cinchona had become extinct from Peru before quinine was discovered, some of the severest infectious diseases would have continued to savage the world.

Man is the only species who has widely used the hidden values of a wide range of species around him. He is aware that the rich diversity of organisms today is the product of natural evolution stretching unbroken through 3.5 billion years.

A species once lost cannot be retrieved. Therefore, it would be unethical to be responsible for the destruction of a species. We have an evolutionary responsibility to conserve biological diversity for our descendants.

(iii) Plant Propagation:

Pollination in certain plants is performed by wild animals like birds; insects etc., and thus help in plants propagation, which is very essential.

(iv) Cleaning of Environment:

Scavengers and decomposers wild animals (like vultures, eagles, jackals, hyaenas etc.) as well as micro-organisms, which feed upon dead animals, convert them into different nutrients and release energy back to the nature increasing fertility of the soil. They do very important work of cleaning the environment; otherwise what the fate of this planet will be, can be assumed.

(v) Scientific Importance:

For research purposes and studies of anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolutionary aspects; wild animals are used, which help in saving human life.

(vi) Soil Erosion:

It is prevented by plant cover, litter, mixing of litter by movement of wild animals and conversion to spongy humus by micro-organisms.

(vii) Experimental Animals:

Monkeys, Rabbits, Guinea-pigs, Rats etc.

(viii) Economic Importance:

Timber, firewood, paper, gum, resins, tannins, several drugs, essential oils, spices, lac, silk, honey, hair, feathers, guano (the dung of sea-fishes used as manure or the manure made from fish), leather, musk, ivory etc. are obtained from wildlife.

Besides these, benefits are also obtained from:

i) Tourists

ii) Exports

iii) Hunting of surplus stock

iv) Procurement of food materials

v) Hide, ivory etc. after death of wild animals; though now-a-days it is legally banned and not in practices.

(ix) Potential Uses:

Just as all present day cultivated/domesticated plants and animals are derived from wildlife; new foods, beverages (A beverage is a type of plant product used by everyone daily which contains an alkaloid called caffeine having the stimulative action in the human body; e.g., tea, coffee, cocoa etc. It is also fragmented product of the plant), drugs and other useful products may be obtained in future from wildlife.

6. Essay on the Conservation of Wildlife:

India is rich in biodiversity including the wildlife. Its wildlife includes rare animals like the lion in Gir forests of Gujarat, elephants in Kerala and Assam jungles, rhinoceros is found in Assam and northern West Bengal. The Bengal tiger of Sunderbans is really ferocious to look at. Rewa in Madhya Pradesh is known for the White tigers. Gaur or Indian bison is another big animal common in Central parts of India.

The Rann of Kutch has the wild ass. Rajasthan has cranes and Indian bustard. The country has a large species of deer and antelope. It has crocodiles and gharials in rivers and salt water. There is a large variety of monkeys, snakes and other reptiles. Tortoises are also very common. Besides these animals, it has very large varieties of birds and fishes. Tiger is our National Animal and Peacock is our National Bird.

Many of these species have become rare. Some are almost on the way to extinction. With growing population, forests are recklessly cut down. The hunger for cultivated land, for building, big dams and hydel power projects has snatched the homeland of wild animals. Many people kill them for fun of hunting. Indian Cheetah and other so many animals have become extinct (in recent years).

It is high time that we give up our arrogance and carelessness towards the wildlife. The Government has setup several sanctuaries, national parks, projects etc. Hunting of animals is prohibited so that they may thrive in peace. Such sanctuaries and national parks have now become centres of tourists’ interest. They are a source of income and employment to a large number of people, serving domestic and international tourists.

Conservation is defined as the management of human use of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.

It is scientific management of wildlife so as to maintain it at its optimum level and derive sustainable benefit for the present as well as future generations. The conservation of wildlife is directly related to healthy and better forests. Wildlife conservation includes protection, preservation, perpetuation of rare species of plants and animals in their natural habitats.

Conservation of living resources has three specific objectives:-

(i) To maintain essential ecological processes and lite-supporting systems.

(ii) To preserve the diversity of species or the range of genetic material found in the world’s organisms.

(iii) To ensure sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems which support millions of rural communities as well as major industries. Thus, conservation of living resources is a complex operation which is specifically concerned with plants, animals and the micro­organisms; and with those non-living elements of the environment on which they depend. 

Conservation Strategies:

Wildlife conservation as well as its propagation through the proper management techniques is a must. Sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, projects etc. have been created for exclusively protecting the wild flora and fauna in all parts of the world as a part of broad wildlife management prospective.

Scientists representing 100 countries of the world have evolved a comprehensive “World Conservation Strategies” (national and international conservation strategies) for the judicious use of resources.

Some of the steps proposed to save the existing species of the wildlife are as follows:-

(i) All efforts should be made to preserve the species that are endangered throughout the range. The species that are sole representative of their family or genus should receive special attention. An endangered species should be given priority over vulnerable one, a vulnerable species over a rare one and a rare species over other categories.

All the threatened species is protected. Priority is given belonging to monotypic genera, endangered over vulnerable, vulnerable over rare and rare over other species.

(ii) Prevention of extinction requires sound planning and management of land and water uses. The wildlife should be protected both in their natural habitat (in situ) and in zoo and botanical gardens (ex situ).

The threatened species be provided with both in situ conservation (under natural habitat in forest/national park/sanctuary/biosphere reserve) and ex situ conservation (in zoo/botanical garden/biological garden/arboureta/channelling into trade).

(iii) As many varieties as possible of food crops, forage plants, timber trees, livestock, animals for aquaculture, and their wild relatives and microbes should be preserved. Priority should be given to those varieties that are most threatened and are most needed for national and international breeding programmes.

All the possible varieties, old or new of food, forage and timber plants, livestock, aquaculture animals and microbes are conserved.

(iv) Each country should identify the habitats of wild relatives of the economically valuable and useful plants and animals and ensure their preservation in protected areas (sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves).

Wild relatives of all the economically important organisms be identified and conserved in protected areas.

(v) The critical habitats (the feeding, breeding, nursery and resting areas) of the species should be safeguarded.

(vi) In case of migratory or wide-ranging animals, a network of protected areas should be established to preserve the habitat of the species.

Resting/feeding places of migratory/wide-ranging animals are protected.

(vii) If a species migrates or ranges from one national jurisdiction to another, bilateral or multilateral agreements should be made to set up the required network. Exploitation of the species and pollution of the environment along the migration routes should also be regulated.

For migratory/wide-ranging animals, pollution and exploitation should be controlled. Bilateral and multilateral agreements be made where required.

(viii) Unique eco-system should be protected as a matter of priority. Only those uses which are compatible with their preservation should be permitted.

The national protection programmes have to be coordinated with the international programmes, particularly the biosphere reserve (unique ecosystem) programme of the UNESCO’S Man and the Biosphere Project and National Parks and Protected Areas of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

The international network of biosphere reserve programme aims to conserve and use the diversity and integrity of plant and animal communities for the present and the future within natural ecosystem. This would safeguard the genetic diversity of species and their continuing evolution.

National Wild Life (Protection) Act, enacted in India in 1972. Wildlife protection strategies formulated in India in 1983 and protection programmes integrated with international programmes. Wildlife Institute of India was located at Dehradun, Uttaranchal. Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) was established in 1952.

Unique ecosystem is preserved on priority basis.

(ix) The productive capacities of exploited species and ecosystems have to be determined and it has to be ensured that utilization does not exceed those capacities. Industries, communities and countries that are over-exploiting the living resources they depend on, should be convinced that they would be better off if utilization is kept at a sustainable level.

The reproductive capacity of the exploited species and productivity of the ecosystem be determined. Exploitation should not exceed the same.

(x) International trade in wild plants and animals has to be regulated to appropriate legislative and administrative measures. International trade in wildlife should be highly regulated.

India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Our late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi addressed in her inaugural speech of World Conservation Strategy in 1980 – “The interest in conservation is not sentimental one but the rediscovery of a truth well-known to our ancient sages. The Indian tradition teaches us that all forms of life – human, animal and plant – are so closely interlinked that disturbance in one gives rise to imbalance in the other. Nature is beautifully balanced. Each little thing has its own place, its duty and special utility. Any disturbance creates a chain reaction which may not be visible for some time. Taking a fragmentary view of life has created global and national problems.” 

Protected Areas in India:

India is richly endowed with various bio-geographical provinces, ranging from the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti to the hot deserts of the Thar; the temperate forests in the Himalayas to the lush green tropical rain forests of the low lands. India is also endowed with large fresh water bodies such as the Wular and the Manasbal lakes in Kashmir, the Chilka in Orissa and the Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh and the rugged and rich coastline and coral reefs of the Deccan.

To protect, preserve and propagate these varied natural bounties; the Government of India passed Wild Life (Protection) Act in 1972 under which national parks and sanctuaries could be created. Creation of biosphere reserves has also been put into practice since 1986.

Protected Areas are ecological/bio-geographical area where wildlife is conserved by maintaining habitats, natural resources and preventing poaching. They are delimited to protect biological diversity, i.e. cold desert (Ladakh and Spiti) hot desert (Thar), Wetland (Assam and N.E. States), saline swampy areas (Sunderbans, Rann of Kutch), mangroves, temperate forests, subtropical forests, tropical forests, tropical wet evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, tropical thorn, coral reef etc.

Protected Areas include:

a. National parks,

b. Sanctuaries and

c. Biosphere reserves.

a. National Parks:

They are areas which are strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife. They are the areas maintained by government and reserved for improvement of wildlife. Cultivation, grazing, forestry-operation and habitat-manipulation are not allowed.

b. Sanctuaries:

In a sanctuary, protection is given only to the fauna and operations such as harvesting of timber, collection of MFP and private ownership rights are permitted so long as they do not interfere with the well-being of animals.

They are tracts of land where wild animals/fauna can take refuge without being hunted. Other activities like collection of forest products, harvesting of timber, private ownership of land, tilling of land etc. are allowed.

c. Biosphere Reserves:

During the past few decades, the concept of biosphere reserves has been evolved by the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) of the UNESCO.

India has identified 14 areas to be declared as Biosphere Reserves. Of this Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve including parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu was declared in 1986.

In a biosphere reserve, multiple land use is permitted by designating various zones. There is the Core Zone (where no human activity is permitted), the Buffer Zone (where limited human activity is allowed) and the Manipulation Zone (where a large number of human activities would go on). In a biosphere reserve, wild population as well as traditional life styles of tribals and varied domesticated plant and animal genetic resources is protected.

Biosphere Reserves are multipurpose protected areas which are meant for preserving genetic diversities in representative ecosystems by protecting wild populations, traditional life style of tribals and domesticated plant/animal genetic resources. There are some 243 biosphere reserves in 65 countries of the world. In India 14 potential sites were identified in 1979 by Core Advisory Group but only 12 biosphere reserves have been set up by now.

Each biosphere reserve has a:

(a) Core Zone: No human activity is allowed.

(b) Buffer Zone: Limited human activity is permitted.

(c) Manipulation Zone: Human activity is allowed but ecology is not permitted to be disturbed.

(d) Restoration Zone: Degraded area for restoration to near natural form.

National parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves would be the last refuse (shelter) for wild plants and animals in the coming years.

Wildlife Organizations:

There are several organizations engaged in conservation of wildlife at national and international levels.

Some of them are mentioned below:

(i) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

(ii) Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB Programme).

(iii) United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

(iv) Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

(v) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

(vi) Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

(vii) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

(viii) Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).

(ix) Wildlife Preservation Society of India (WPSI).

(x) Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India (CAZRI).

(xi) Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Research Institute (CBMTRI).

(xii) Tiger Conservation Society (TCS).

(xiii) Zoological Survey of World (ZSW).

(xiv) Botanical Survey of World (BSW).

(xv) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

(xvi) Botanical Survey of India (BSI).

(xvii) International Council for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).

(xviii) International Council for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN).

(xix) Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

(xx) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (WII).

(xxi) Global Tiger Forum (GTF).

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Essay on wildlife conservation (671 words).

Essay on Wildlife Conservation!

Like forests, wildlife is also a national resource, which not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but is also beneficial from economic, recreational and aesthetic points of view. There was a time when human interference was minimum the number of wild animals was quite high and there was no problem of their protection or conservation. But, with the expansion of agriculture, settlement, industrial and other developmental activities and mainly due to greed of man, the number of wild animals gradually became lesser and lesser. With the result that several species of animals have become extinct and several, others are on the verge of being so.

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Deforestation is also one of the main reasons for the loss of wildlife. Mass killings of wild animals for their meat, bones, fur, teeth, hair, skin, etc., are going on throughout the world. Therefore, the need for wildlife conservation has now become a necessity.

Population growth, expansion of agriculture and livestock raising building of cities and roads, and pollution are among the many pressures on the natural habitat of wildlife. Along with illegal hunting, habitat reduction and its degradation has threatened the bio-diversity of the regions where these are rampant.

Preservation of wildlife does not mean a blanket protection to all faunal and floral species; rather, it implies a proper, judicious control over the multiplication of plants and animals, which interact together to provide a proper environment to man whose very existence is in peril today.

Due to the irrational use of natural and biotic resources of the earth in the past, most of the wildlife has been destroyed beyond retrieval. It is our urgent duty to protect the natural splendor of ecosystems and to evolve a system of co-existence with every living creature upon the earth.

Although must countries of the world are very particular regarding conservation of wildlife, the number of wild animals is reducing day by day. World Wild Life Fund is the international agency, which is doing commendable work in promoting the protection of wildlife. There are national agencies also engaged in the conservation of wildlife.

Some steps in the direction of wildlife conservation could be as follows:

(i) To survey and collect all the information about wildlife, especially, their number and growth.

(ii) To protect habitat by protecting forests.

(iii) To delimit the areas of their natural habitat.

(iv) To protect wildlife from pollution and from natural hazards.

(v) To impose complete restriction on hunting and capturing of wildlife.

(vi) To impose restrictions on export and import of wildlife products and severe punishment to be given to those who indulge in this activity.

(vii) To develop game sanctuaries for specific wild animals or for general world life.

(viii) To make special arrangements to protect those species whose number is very limited.

(ix) To develop general awareness at national and international level regarding protection of wildlife.

(x) To adopt a system of wildlife management through trained personnel.

India is a good example where several steps have been taken for wildlife conservation. It is a country of varied wildlife, where more than 500 types of wild animals, 2,100 types of birds and about 20,000 types of reptiles and fishes have been found. According to an estimate, in India, about 200 species of wild animals and birds have already become extinct and another 2,500 are on the verge of extinction.

Some of them are black buck, chinkara, wolf, swamp deer, nilgai, Indian gazelle, antelope, tiger, rhinoceros, gir lion, crocodile, flamingo, pelican, bustard, white crane, grey heron, mountain quail, etc. In India, the government and NGOs are taking keen interest in the protection of wildlife. The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 has several provisions for the conservation of wildlife.

As many as 165 game sanctuaries and 21 national parks have been developed to protect the natural habitat and wild animals. Apart from this, a Wild Life Conservation Week is also celebrated from 7th of October every year. But still there is a long way to go in this direction.

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Wildlife Conservation

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Conservation of Forest Essay

The conservation of forest essay is a useful learning resource for kids to understand the value of forests and wildlife. Forests are important to us. They provide air and water, absorb carbon dioxide, protect us from natural disasters, and house many of our wild animals. Hence, it is our duty to conserve them.

Due to human activities, the world is losing its forests. If we do not take action now, we will lose them forever. The continuing destruction of our forests is both a cause and consequence of climate change. This destroys the habitat of many plant and animal species that cannot adapt to changing conditions. Unfortunately, the trend toward extinction has been accelerated with the recent introduction of exotic species, which have caused millions of trees and other species to be lost or destroyed. We must preserve the environment for future generations, and all of us need to do our part in conserving what is left by keeping invasive species at bay.

To protect the environment, we have to reduce our carbon footprint. Minimising food waste is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It is also important for us to care about our wildlife and forests through awareness programmes on the importance of protecting them. The conservation of forest and wildlife essay is a great way to teach kids the significance of coexisting with nature and protecting its elements.

Importance of Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

The conservation of forest essay keeps your little ones engaged in learning the significance of protecting nature and wild animals. Conservation implies preserving something or maintaining it to keep it alive. People have concerns about preserving forests and wildlife because of the need for trees, which is why many people save a fallen tree from being chopped down by cutting it into logs.

Since forests are home to many species, it’s vital to preserve them because it is where animals can escape from danger and find food, water, and shelter. Moreover, forests contribute to climate stability and provide food for animals who live there or depend on them for their livelihoods.

The Earth is full of species, and it is our responsibility to take care of them. Some animals need conservation as they are facing the threat of extinction. The more we help these animals, the better the planet will be. Also, the conservation of forest essay PDF helps create awareness among kids so that they can take the necessary steps to protect our planet.

With the Earth’s resources being depleted, protecting our wildlife and nature is crucial. Conservation of wildlife has a lot of benefits to society that many people are unaware of, and it also helps the environment by reducing pollution and protecting endangered species.

You can find more essays similar to the conservation of forest essay on BYJU’S website. Also, explore a range of kid-friendly learning resources, such as short stories, poems, worksheets, etc., for young learners on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Conservation of Forest Essay

Does deforestation affect climate change.

Yes. Deforestation affects climate change, as it increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which leads to a rise in atmospheric temperature.

Why is it important to conserve wildlife and forests?

It’s important to preserve wildlife and forests because animals can escape from danger and find food, water, and shelter. Moreover, forests contribute to climate stability and provide food for animals who live there or depend on them for their livelihoods.

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