CBSE Class 10 Social Geography Forest and Wild Resources Notes

I. Introduction

   A. Biosphere: The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth that is inhabited by living organisms, including both plants and animals. It encompasses various ecosystems and supports a wide range of life forms.

   B. Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a complex, interconnected system consisting of a community of living organisms and their physical environment. It includes both biotic factors (living organisms) and abiotic factors (non-living elements like air, water, and soil).

II. Flora and Fauna

   A. Flora: Flora refers to the plant life present in a specific region or during a particular period. It includes all types of vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, and other plant species.

   B. Fauna: Fauna refers to the animal species found in a specific region or time. It encompasses a wide range of organisms, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

III. Forests and Wildlife Conservation

   A. Forests: Forests are extensive areas covered with a dense growth of trees. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna, regulating climate, conserving water resources, and supporting livelihoods.

   B. Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary is a designated area set aside for the preservation and protection of wildlife, their habitats, and natural beauty. These sanctuaries provide a safe haven for endangered and vulnerable species and promote biodiversity conservation.

IV. Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms present on Earth, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. It encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem resilience, supporting ecosystem services, and contributing to human well-being.

V. Types of Species

   A. Normal species: Normal species are those whose population levels are considered normal for their survival. Examples include common animals like cattle, and common plants like sal trees, pine trees, and rodents.

   B. Endangered species: Endangered species are those that are at high risk of becoming extinct. Their population numbers have significantly declined, and they face various threats to their survival. Examples include tigers, elephants, and certain rare plants.

   C. Vulnerable species: Vulnerable species are species whose population has declined to levels where they could potentially become endangered in the near future if the negative factors affecting them continue. They require conservation efforts to prevent further decline. Examples include certain bird species and marine turtles.

   D. Rare species: Rare species are characterized by their small population size and limited distribution. If the negative factors affecting them persist, they may move into the vulnerable or endangered category. Examples include certain orchid species and elusive predators like snow leopards.

   E. Endemic species: Endemic species are species that are found only in specific areas, usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. They are unique to those regions and are not found anywhere else in the world. An example is the Nicobar pigeon, which is endemic to the Nicobar Islands.

   F. Extinct species: Extinct species are those that are no longer found after extensive searches in known or likely habitats. They have completely disappeared from a local area, region, country, continent, or the entire Earth. Examples include the Asiatic cheetah and the pink head duck.

VI. The Indian Wildlife Act: The Indian Wildlife Protection Act, implemented in 1972, is a crucial legislation aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving natural habitats. It provides legal provisions for the protection, preservation, and management of wildlife in India, including regulating hunting, trade, and habitat destruction.

VII. Types of Forests

   A. Reserved Forests: Reserved forests are highly valuable forests concerning the conservation of forest and wildlife resources. They are legally protected and managed to ensure the sustainable use of forest products while preserving their ecological integrity.

   B. Protected Forests: Protected forests are forests that are safeguarded from further depletion. They might have restrictions on logging, hunting, or other human activities to maintain their biodiversity and ecological functions.

   C. Unclassed Forests: Unclassed forests include forests and wastelands that belong to both the government and private individuals or communities. These areas may not have specific legal protection or management measures in place.

   D. Permanent Forests: Reserved and protected forests together form the permanent forest estates. These forests are maintained for the primary purpose of producing timber and other forest products while also serving protective functions such as soil conservation, watershed management, and wildlife habitat preservation.

VIII. Conservation Movements

   A. Chipko Movement: The Chipko Movement was a grassroots environmental movement launched by the people of the Himalayan region in India during the 1970s. It aimed to protect forests from deforestation by embracing non-violent methods such as hugging trees to prevent their felling. The movement gained widespread attention and highlighted the importance of preserving forests for ecological stability, local livelihoods, and sustaining biodiversity.

   B. Joint Forest Management: Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a program initiated in India for the management and restoration of degraded forests. It involves the active participation and collaboration between local communities, forest department authorities, and other stakeholders in decision-making, planning, and implementing sustainable forest management practices. JFM aims to promote community-based conservation, improve forest quality, and provide socio-economic benefits to the participating communities.

These points collectively emphasize the significance of protecting and conserving the Earth's diverse ecosystems, flora, fauna, and natural resources. By understanding the various types of species, the importance of biodiversity, the role of forests in maintaining ecological balance, and the need for wildlife conservation measures, we can work towards ensuring sustainable development and the preservation of our planet for future generations.