Forest and Wildlife Resources
1 . Multiple choice questions
(i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint forest management
(b) Beej Bachao Andolan
(c) Chipko Movement
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: (d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
2. Match the following.
| Reserved forests | other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities |
| Protected forests | forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources |
| Unclassed forests | forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
Answer:
| Reserved forests | forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources |
| Protected forests | forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
| Unclassed forests | other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities |
3. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in a given area. It is important because it preserves ecological balance, provides air, water, food, and is vital for human survival.
(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
Answer: Human activities like deforestation, hunting, habitat destruction, overgrazing, mining and industrialization have caused large-scale depletion of flora and fauna. Insensitivity towards the environment has put many species under threat.
4. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?
Answer: In many parts of India, local communities have played an active role in conserving forests and wildlife. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, villagers opposed mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In Alwar district of Rajasthan, villagers declared 1,200 hectares of forest as Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, making their own rules to protect wildlife. The Chipko Movement in the Himalayas resisted deforestation and promoted afforestation with indigenous species. Farmers’ groups like Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya encouraged ecological farming without chemicals. Sacred groves across India preserved virgin forests due to religious beliefs, while communities like Bishnois protect blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks around their villages. These examples highlight that community initiatives are vital for sustainable conservation.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
Answer: Several good practices have emerged in India to conserve forests and wildlife. Sacred groves, preserved by tribals and villagers, protect diverse species. Worship of trees like mahua, kadamba, tamarind and mango reflects community efforts towards conservation. The Chipko Movement and Beej Bachao Andolan promoted afforestation and organic farming practices. Joint Forest Management (JFM), started in Odisha in 1988, involves local communities in protecting degraded forests, in return for forest produce and timber benefits. Around Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, animals like blackbuck, chinkara and peacocks are protected as part of community tradition. These practices show that people-centric, environment-friendly approaches are key to ecological balance and sustainable development.
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