Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

The protection, preservation, management or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources, such as forests, soil and water is known as conservation. The variety of life on earth is commonly referred to as biodiversity. It plays an important role in the function food chains and food webs. In fact, it helps to maintain the ecological balance of ecosystem.

Biodiversity : Number and variety of life forms includes plants, animals and microorganism that exists is known as biodiversity.

Conservation of Wildlife: By preventing deforestation, planting new forest(afforestation) and creating wildlife sanctuary we can protect natural habitat and provide food and shelter.

Wildlife includes those animals that have not been domesticated or tamed and are usually living in a natural environment including both game and non - game species. Deserts, forests, rain, forest, urban sites , plains, grasslands and other areas including the most developed all have distinct forms of wildlife.

Factors responsible for extinction of wild life :

Poaching : Illegal hunting of animals is called poaching.

Habitats loss : Habitats have been destroyed due to developmental works, deforestation and pollution.

Introduction of new species : Intentional or chance introduction of exotic species into new islands or countries by man adversely affects the native species.

Increase in human population and use of land for agricultural and urban development.

Climate changes : Global warming due to natural and man-made reasons have also forced species to adapt to the changing environment.

Strategies for wildlife conservation : Wildlife protection act was passed in 1972 and amended 1981. Forest protection act was passed in 1980 while environment protection act was passed in 1986. Under the wildlife protection act a large number of sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves were established in different parts of the country.

Important steps for wildlife conservation are :

Protection of life in natural as well as artificial habitat.

Maintenance of life supporting system like air, water and land.

Protection of migratory animals by international agreements.

Preservation of an ecosystem rather than a single species.

Discouraging the over exploitation of species of ecosystem.

Stopping trade of rare species.

Setting up national park, sanctuaries of national conservation .

Integration of national conservation programmes with international ones.

Conservation are categorised into in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

Ex - situ conservation	In - situ conservation
It means the conservation of biological diversity outside their natural area.	It means the conservation of biological diversity in their natural habitat it self.
Artificial conditions are created to make their habitat almost like their natural habitat.	Protected areas are the sancturies and the national parks
It involves the maintainence of genetic variation(Genetic conservation) away from its original location.	It aims to enable biodiversity to maintain itself within the context of ecosystem.
Established botanical and zoological gardens, conservation strands, banks of germplasm, pollen, seed, seedling, tissue culture, gene, DNA etc.	Establish a protected area network with appropriate management practices.
It identifies and rehabilitates threatened species.	It involves the reduction of biotic pressure rehabilitation.
Example : Zoo, Aquarium, seed banks, botanical gardens etc.	Example : National parks, biosphere reserves, parks and sancturies.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

In some countries, the buying and selling of animals such as orangutans and leatherback turtles have been banned. These animals need to be protected so that ___________ .
A. Their value can increase		B. Their numbers can increase
C. The zoos can attract more visitors		D. Scientists can have more animals to experiment with.
Right Option : B
View Explanation

Question : 2

Which one of the following is not included under in - situ conservation ?
A. National park	B. Sanctuary	C. Botanical garden	D. Biosphere reserve
Right Option : C
View Explanation

Question : 3

Process of clearing forests to use land for other purposes are called ___________ .
A. Reforestation		B. Deforestation
C. Afforestation		D. None of these
Right Option : B
View Explanation