NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 - Forest and Wildlife Resources

In this chapter, students will learn about the biodiversity in India and the problems faced by the wildlife and forests of India.

Forest plays an important role in the ecological system as they are the primary producers of fresh oxygen and other resources. India is one of the world's richest countries in terms of biodiversity. However, due to the increasing development of areas, forests and wildlife are facing serious threats. The IUCN and Natural Resources have classified species of flora and fauna in categories as normal, endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic, and extinct. Over time, many animals and plants have become endangered, i.e. they are on the verge of extinction, for example, black buck, Indian wild ass and Indian rhino. Several species are no longer found and have been considered extinct, for example, Asiatic cheetah and pink head duck.

Destruction of forests leads to the destruction of habitat, loss of home, and employment for forest department communities. Many steps have been taken for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

The Indian forest wildlife Act 1972, the wildlife act of 1980 and 1986, was formed to conserve the forest. The central government has established national parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves to conserve endangered species. For example, the Kaziranga National Park protects the rhinos. Project Tiger was initiated to protect and conserve tigers in National Parks like Corbett Park of Uttarakhand and Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal. The Indian authorities classify forests and habits as reserved, protected, and unclassed forest to mark the presence of common or endangered species.

Indian communities and societies have shown awareness of the conservation of biodiversity, and they worship them as sacred areas. Various movements such as the Chipko movement, Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya show actions of the community to save the forest. A joint forest management program also involves the participation of local communities by various state governments.