indian wildlife essay

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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

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.

Wildlife Conservation Essay

500+ words essay on wildlife conservation.

After the evolution of humans, we have changed the land cover of the planet Earth. Wildlife means species of animals living in their natural habitats and not domesticated by humans. Wildlife is found in almost all grasslands, plains, rainforests, ecosystems, deserts, etc. It maintains stability in our environment and is involved in natural processes both directly and indirectly. So, living organisms found in the forest region are also considered wildlife. Every living organism plays a crucial role in the food chain: producer, consumer, or decomposer. All these roles are connected and depend on each other for survival.

Some of the primary reasons that lead to wildlife destruction are the increase in demand for meat leads to hunting, deforestation leads to scarcity of food and space, and natural disasters like floods and earthquakes cause wildlife destruction.

In India, we have a diversity of wildlife. It is a hub of a variety of animals. The ecosystem of India ranges from the Northern Himalayas to the evergreen rainforest of the south, the Western Ghats of the west, to the marshy mangroves of the east. The national animal of India, the Tiger, is found in various parts. Various national parks and sanctuaries have been set up to save tigers.

Wildlife helps in maintaining the ecological balance. Before, the count of wild animals was much greater, but the development of farming, developmental activities and hunting has led to a decrease in the number of wild animals. But, now, due to human interference, wildlife is getting affected and we are now becoming increasingly concerned about their safety and conservation. Unfortunately, many animals are already extinct due to these reasons, and a few of them are on the verge of extinction. So, it is crucial to safeguard these rare wildlife species. This essay on Wildlife Conservation will look at its significance and tackle the situation.

Deforestation

Deforestation means cutting down trees from forests at a large scale for human activities. It is an unavoidable environmental concern as it leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, disturbance in the water cycle and damage to natural habitats. It is also a significant contributor to global warming and climate change.

Approximately forests cover 31% of the Earth’s total land surface. Between 2000 and 2012, over 568 million acres of forest have been claimed by deforestation. In 2018, approximately 9 million acres of virgin tropical forest were cut down. 20% of the world’s oxygen supply comes from the Amazon rainforest. Due to deforestation, every minute, approximately 1.32 acres are lost.

Due to road construction, pollution, and agricultural development, our wildlife is disturbed. Due to illegal hunting, some wild animals are on the verge of extinction.

We should be serious about wildlife conservation because much of wildlife is being rapidly wiped off the earth. The World Wildlife Fund is a global organisation that works towards wildlife protection. National agencies are also involved in wildlife conservation.

Importance of Wildlife Conservation

For our ecosystem, wildlife is an essential aspect. Below, we have listed a few reasons to conserve wildlife:

For medicinal values – Wild plants cover one-third of the pharmaceutical needs. Forests provide great scope for experiments and research for medical science and technology. It also offers excellent scope for the large-scale manufacture of therapeutic medicines.

Keeps our environment healthy – It helps in balancing temperatures globally. It also helps in fighting against the greenhouse effect and controlling the rising sea levels.

Helps in maintaining ecological balance – The interdependence of plants and animals is essential in this aspect.

Economic importance – From forests, we can obtain raw materials which help in the country’s economic growth and contribute to a better standard of living.

How can we conserve wildlife?

Wildlife can be conserved by a strict observance of the following points:

• We can protect our wildlife by building more national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to protect animals in natural habitats.
• Species that are vulnerable and endangered should be kept in zoos or sanctuaries and bred for population increase.
• Deforestation should be prohibited strictly. Forests are home to a variety of wild animals.
• We should ban hunting animals.

Conclusion of Wildlife Conservation Essay

If all the animals are safe, people can live a very social and happy life. They are an integral part of our life. Some people harm animals because of their personal needs. We should all stop this and save them from getting beaten up or tortured because these innocent beings can’t speak up as we do.

From our BYJU’S website, students can also access CBSE Essays related to different topics. It will help students to get good marks in their exams.

Frequently asked Questions on Wildlife conservation Essay

How does wildlife imbalance affect the human species.

All species on Earth are inter-related to one another and the sustenance of all these species is necessary. Humans are dependent on other species and also on the eco-system for various needs.

How to write a 500+ words essay within the stipulated time?

Students must practise writing essays on a regular basis to gain the necessary speed and momentum to write 500+ words essay.

Which topics are to be asked in the Board exam essay question (most probable)?

The topics for essay can be asked from a wide list as this is a generic question. However topics of national importance and issues regarding equality, etc can be given more importance.

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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.

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Tiger Conservation Essay | Essay on Tiger Conservation for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by sastry

Tiger Conservation Essay: Tiger is the national animal of India. As the national animal of India, tiger symbolises India’s wildlife wealth. It is chosen as the national animal for the combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power. Also, India is home to the largest number of tigers in the world and consists of approximately 50% of the world’s tiger population. Yet this creature is the most slaughtered one in the country, so much so that it was on a verge of getting extinct. It was in 1970, that the alarm was raised and thus hunting of tigers was made illegal.

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Long Essay on Tiger Conservation 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Tiger Conservation of 500 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.

During the British rule in India, tiger was hunted in large numbers for several reasons. Hunting tiger was a popular source of entertaining sport for the royal families and elites; they were killed for the beautiful skin which was used for making clothes, rugs etc; for its multitude of medicinal properties and for other selfish interests. There was and there is a huge demand for tiger parts and products in the market outside India’s border, which is proving an added threat to the tiger’s very existence. It has been observed that large development projects like mining, thermal and hydroelectric dams are also affecting the tiger’s habitat as many forests have been destroyed to facilitate such projects. Activists have rightly put the slogan:

“Tigers are killed for greed and not out of need”.

Tiger conservation is most crucial for the whole planet for numerous reasons. As a large predator, tiger plays significant role in maintaining the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Tiger along with other predators keeps a check on the herbivore animals, thus help in maintaining the right balance of animals. This in turn checks deforestation. This way with just one tiger several acres of forests can be protected. Apart from the benefits to human beings, tigers and other animals will also get their natural habitat.

In order to control all this, Project Tiger was initiated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1973 with the aim of creating a safe and ideal environmental condition for the survival and growth of tigers and its prey. Over the time it has saved tigers and has identified and eliminated the factors responsible for the decline of tiger population in the country. In order to conserve tigers, the project started with 9 Tiger Reserves and today stands with 28 Reserves across the country. Since its launch, the tiger population has shown a gradual increase. Other than conserving, the main aim of Project Tiger has been to aid and facilitate the breeding of tigers within a safe environment and then transport these tigers further afield so that their world population can be upped.

Though Project Tiger tackled various issues over the past 20 years, it has not been able to keep pace with the rapid changes that have occurred. In 2006, it was replaced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Along with governmental projects, some NGOs and individuals are implementing a variety of conservation activities to protect tiger habitats, mitigate tiger-human conflict, tackle wildlife crime, monitor tiger populations, raise awareness and improve the livelihoods of people living next to tigers. Efforts are also being done to save the rarely seen white tigers. Along with this, NDTV-Aircel Save Our Tigers, a social campaign was launched to create awareness about the alarming state of the tiger in the country.

The campaign is supported by India’s Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Sanctuary Asia, India’s premier wildlife magazine and the Wildlife Conservation Trust. On this Amitabh Bachchan said: “Collective action is the need of the hour. It is for the government, wildlife experts, the media and the public to come together and affect a change.” And added “If my face and voice can be used to impress people about a national cause then I am all for it.” Later, MS Dhoni too became the face of the campaign.

Despite all these problems, India still holds the best chance for saving the tiger in the wild. Tigers are found in 17 states within India, with 7 states reportedly having a population in excess of 100 tigers. Adequate funding and international pressure will help. But probably the most effective way to conserve tiger in India is to enhance NGO participation to keep the issue energised on a national level and to increase general awareness. The Indian conservation and scientific community is now a proven force; it needs to be strengthened.

Tiger Conservation Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Agility – sharpness, cleverness
• Slaughtered – beat, kill
• Verge – edge, border
• Extinct – having no living member, no longer in existence
• Rug – carpet, floor mat
• Multitude – in large number, numerous
• Facilitate – aid, enable
• Predator – hunter, an animal that survives by killing and eating other animals
• Equilibrium – balance, stability
• Herbivore – animals that feed on plants
• Reserves – facility where animals are brought to live in their natural habitat and be protected for the rest of their lives
• Breeding – the producing of offspring
• Afield – away from home
• Mitigate – ease, lessen
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Essay on Biodiversity in India | Biology

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

Essay on Biodiversity in India

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Causes of Destruction

ADVERTISEMENTS: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essay # 1. Introduction to Biodiversity in India:

Biodiversity encompasses all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms and the ecosystems and ecological processes of which they are parts. It is an umbrella term for the degree of nature’s variety including both the number and frequency of ecosystems, species or genes in a given assemblage. Thus, the term ‘biodiversity’ refers to the totality of ‘genes, species and ecosystems’ of a region.

It is usually considered at three different levels:

(i) Genetic diversity,

(ii) Species diversity, and

(iii) Ecosystem diversity.

(i) Genetic diversity is the sum total of genetic information, contained in the genes of individuals of plants, animals and microorganisms that inhabit the earth.

(ii) Species diversity refers to the variety of living organisms on earth and has been variously estimated to be between 5 and 50 million or more, though only about 1.4 million have actually been described.

(iii) Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats, biotic communities, and the ecological processes in the biosphere as well as the tremendous diversity within ecosystems in terms of habitat differences and the variety of ecological processes.

Biodiversity is defined as “the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems.”

Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is fundamental to ecologically sustainable development. Biodiversity is part of our daily lives and livelihood, and constitutes resources upon which families, communities, nations and future generations depend.

Every country has the responsibility to conserve, restore and sustainably use the biological diversity within its jurisdiction. Biological diversity is fundamental to the fulfilment of human needs. An environment rich in biological diversity offers the broadest array of options for sustainable economic ability, for sustaining human welfare and for adapting to change. Loss of biodiversity has serious economic and social costs for any country.

The experience of the past few decades has shown that as industrialisation and economic development in the classical sense have taken place, patterns of consumption, production and needs change, straining, altering and even destroying ecosystems.

India, a megabiodiversity country while following the path of development, has been sensitive to the needs of conservation and, hence, is rich in biological resources. Ethos of conservation and harmonious living with nature is very much ingrained in the lifestyles of India’s people.

Essay # 2. Magnitude of Biodiversity :

The foundation for assessing the importance of biodiversity is an inventory of how many species exist and which species exist where. At the global level the plants and animals are relatively well known. Erwin (1982), for example, suggests as many as 30 million species in total, with most undescribed species living in tropical forests. The known and described number of species of all organisms on the earth is between 1.7 and 1.8 million which is fewer than 15 per cent of the actual number.

About 61 per cent of the known species are insects. Only 4,650 species of mammals are known to biological science. A large number of plant species (2,70,000) and vertebrates are known. But the fact remains that basic knowledge of the organisms that make up most ecosystems, especially in the tropics, is inadequate. Information about bacteria, viruses, protists and Archaea is only fragmentary. For convenience, many assume that about 10 million species exist though the final figure is likely to be 30-50 millions.

ADVERTISEMENTS: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essay # 3. Status of Biodiversity in India :

India occupies only about 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area but its contribution to the world’s biodiversity is approximately 8 per cent of the total number of species which is estimated to be 1.75 million. Of these, 126,188 have been described in India. The species recorded includes flowering plants (angiosperms), mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes, constituting 17.3 per cent of the total, whereas nearly 60 per cent of India’s bio wealth is contributed by fungi and insects. Based on the available data, India ranks tenth in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity, and ranks tenth in the number of endemic species of higher vertebrates in the world.

There are about 410 species of mammals (8.86% species of the world), about 1,250 species of birds (about 12% of the world species), about 2,546 species of fishes (about 11% of the world species), about 197 species of amphibians (4.4% of the world species), and more than 408 species of reptiles (6% of the world species) are found in India. Among these groups the highest levels of endemism are found in amphibians.

Essay # 4. Uses and Threats of Biodiversity :

Uses of Biodiversity:

Humans derive many direct and indirect benefits from biological diversity. All our food comes from wild species brought into domestication. Most of our medicines, pharmaceuticals, fibres, rubber and timber come from biological resources. The biodiversity also provides many ecological services free of charge that are responsible for maintaining ecosystems. Our water is supplied by one of nature’s most important processes, called the ‘hydrological cycle’. Forested watersheds provide clear, high-quality water for domestic or agricultural use, while healthy rivers provide water, transport and fish.

Threats to Biodiversity :

Major biodiversity threats are as follows:

1. Habitat destruction and fragmentation;

2. Extension of agriculture;

3. Filling up of wetlands;

4. Conversion of rich biodiversity site for human settlement and industrial development;

5. Destruction of coastal areas;

6. Uncontrolled commercial exploitation;

7. Disturbance and pollution; and

8. Introduction of non-native (exotic) species.

Essay # 5. Vanishing Wildlife :

Before the arrival of man about two million years ago, animal species were subjected to natural causes of extinction. A few examples are of extinct ammonites, large cephalopods and brachiopods of Devonian period and dinosaurs of Mesozoic Era. Siwaliks (Himalayan range) were formed in the last and in it are found the largest number of fossils of Tertiary period.

Siwalik fossils include mastodons, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, Sivatherium (large four-horned ruminant), giraffe, horses, camels, bison, deer, antelope, pigs, chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, langurs, macaques, cheetals, sabre-toothed cats, lions, tigers, sloth bear, Aurochs, leopards, wolves, sholes, porcupines, rabbits, etc.

Many fossil tree species have also been found in the intertrappean beds including Grewioxylon (Eocene) and Heritieroxylon keralensis (middle Miocene) from Kerala and H. arunachalensis (Mio-Pliocene) from Arunachal Pradesh. Grossopteris (fern fossil) was discovered from India and Antarctica led to the discovery of Gondwanaland. Fossil cycads are also found in India.

From Narmada valley was discovered the first dinosaur, Titanosaurus indicus. Another dinosaur fossil from the same area was Rajasaurus narmadensis. Whale fossil Himalayacetus subathuensis was found in Simla hills (Eocene). This area was under water during Tertiary period. Another whale fossil was Remingtonocetus about 43-46 million years old.

During Indus valley civilisation species of wild cattle Bos primegenius nomadicus was vanished. Other mammals which became extinct in India are Indian/Asiatic cheetah, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran rhinoceros.

Pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea) and Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) have became extinct.

The number of species of wild fauna disappeared during the last four centuries are 7 species, 11 species, 27 species and 67 species in seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries respectively.

Essay # 6. Causes of Destruction :

It is very necessary to access the factors which are hampering in the growth of population of the species such as decimating (death) factors like diseases, predators, etc., or scarcity of food, water and shelter.

Human Population:

Man can easily destroy but cannot create a new species. Forests are unlocked property, it is vast and open and, hence, vulnerable for theft, hunting and killing, poaching, etc. Enormous growth in human population results in conversion of forest into agricultural fields, hunting of wild animals for food, etc. Increase in human population and enhancement in cattle (livestock population) goes side by side which causes adverse effect on wild population.

Pollutants as insecticides, byproducts of industries in the form of gases and water pollutants, quarry of mines, etc., inside forest and such other activities resulting into habitat shrinkage as well as death and disease among the wild animals. Hunting, poaching, killing, smuggling, etc., of wild animals have been hampering and suffering the wild animals. Majority of people are poor and illiterate and are unaware about the importance of wildlife and its role in ecosystem. Wildlife is very much essential for ecobalance and is ultimately essential for human life.

For the existence of an organism/wildlife, food, water and shelter are required. These basic components are exclusively related with wildlife habitats. Wildlife habitats are presently undergoing tremendous changes primarily by the man for his needs, encroachment of forest land for grazing and agricultural purposes due to mushroom growth in human population, constructing roads and cities, etc.

Therefore, man’s manipulation of environment for his needs is the most prevalent factor affecting wildlife habitat and wildlife populations. For instance, in U.S.A., the dense old growth forests may be disastrous to the spotted owl’s nesting and feeding requirements, while it greatly increases preferred forage food for elk.

Destruction of Habitat:

The most serious depletion of wildlife is due to habitat destruction. Habitats which protect wildlife are being converted for human settlements, harbours, dams, reservoirs, croplands, grazing grounds, mining operations, etc. Environmental pollution and deforestation have also caused the degradation of important habitats.

Migratory animals are also vulnerable to the destruction of habitats because disturbance at any point of their migratory routes affects them. Some of the dams are blocking spawning, migration of fishes by inundating habitats and by altering the physical environment. Many species of whales, sea cows and sea turtles are facing total extinction as they are caught by mechanical devices for the sea industry.

Vultures and kites feed on carcases. Since carcases are being buried or burnt now, the population of large flying bird, California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) has started declining.

Asiatic wild ass (Asinus hemionus khur) in Rann of Kutch, Indian lion, musk deer, etc., are facing danger of imminent extinction due to reduction of habitat.

Wildlife Diseases:

In wild animals, there are a number of diseases which are decimating factors and cause a lot of loss of wild animals. It is also very difficult to diagnose and treat the disease in wild animals because they are free ranging animals. Khera (1980) pointed out that the prevalence of epizootic diseases among wildlife has also been a major factor associated with decline in number of some species of wildlife population.

Important diseases found in wild animals are as follows:

1. Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) caused by Picorna virus mostly occurring in wild boar, cheetal, sambhar and gaur (hoofed mammals).

2. Rinderpest caused by Paramyxo virus found in ruminants such as cattle, cheetal, sambhar, gaur and wild buffalo, etc. It also infects wild animals through the cattle.

3. Anthrax caused by Bacillus anthrasis (bacteria) found in mammals (enlargement of spleen).

4. Brucellosis caused by Brucella bacteria found in cattle, cheetal, sambhar, etc. It causes tumor in the joints.

5. Botulism a kind of paralysis caused by Clostridium botulinum (bacteria). It makes the food poisonous. It occurs in aquatic birds.

6. Tuberculosis caused by Bacterium tuberculosis. It is found in wild animals like human beings. It is also common in monkeys.

7. Rabies caused by Rhabdo virus. It is very common in pet dogs and street dogs, wolf, jackal, fox, jungle cat, mongoose, etc.

8. Distemper caused by Paramyxo virus. It is found in carnivorous mammals. Fever affects central nervous system.

Adverse Climate:

Adverse climatic conditions also cause casualty in wild animals such as very hot weather, excessive rainfall and cold, flood, earthquake, volcano, etc. The population having excessive number than the carrying-capacity is more liable to death. Such deaths can be minimised by increasing carrying capacity, food, water and shelter.

Fire, flood, earthquake and road crossing, etc., also cause their accidental death. In forest fire, many wild animals, their young ones, eggs, shelter are burnt. Such accidents can be avoided or minimised by proper management.

Wild animals are also killed by poisoning by man to save agricultural crops and cattle, etc.

Illegal Hunting:

Illegal hunting of wild animals by man is also to be checked. It is done by smugglers and local people living inside forest or neighbouring forest. It causes heavy loss in wild populations.

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• Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World

Have you noticed that the plants and animals everywhere are not the same? Some are large leafy green trees, and some are thorny bushes. In the same way, even animals differ from each other depending upon their habitat and other natural factors surrounding them. They have basically adapted to their natural environment around them, so they can survive. This is basically what we mean by natural Vegetation and wildlife in India .

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Natural vegetation.

Natural vegetation refers to the plant life (flora) that grows in a region according to the climatic conditions and other such factors prevailing in that region. In general, there are about five broad varieties of natural vegetation in the world. Let us take a quick look.

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Types of Vegetation in the World

• Forests : A forest is a dense area with a lot of trees, so much that they shade the ground below them. But not all forests are same. The trees in the forest largely depend on the climatic conditions of the region. And the forests are generally classified by the kind of trees found in them. Some examples are Evergreen Forests, Temperate Forest, Mixed Forest Rain forests etc
• Grasslands : The name here is self-explanatory. These are flat regions that extend miles, and the primary form of vegetation here is grass. Here also there are types such as temperate grasslands, savannas etc. The Savannas of Africa are the most famous ones. Grasslands are the important source of weeds and crops such as oats which are cattle fodder.
• Desert : As you can imagine due to the dry and arid conditions there is not a lot of vegetation in deserts. The soil too mostly consists of sand and gravel. So the plants that grow in these regions have adapted to such conditions. They have long roots and stems that can store water . Cactus is the most valid example of such vegetation.
• Tundra : This type of vegetation is found in the coldest regions of our planet like the Arctic region. Vegetation is limited to some shrubs and few patches of grass, but mostly moss is found in such regions. There is also permafrost in this region, which is permanently frozen soil-like substance.
• Ice Sheets : Now this is interesting because these are regions absolutely devoid of any form of vegetation. There are only two such places on earth, i.e. Antarctica and Greenland.

Learn more about  Deforestation here in detail 

Vegetation in India

India has a very diverse geography. Due to being in two separate temperature zones, and a very varied landscape it also has a large variety of its natural vegetation. Let us take a look at the different types of vegetation we can find in India and the regions where.

• Tropical Evergreen Rainforests: These grow in regions that receive an excess of 200 cm of rainfall. Here the trees never shed their leaves, hence are known as evergreen. These are dense forests found in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam etc
• Deciduous Forest: These grow in regions with moderate rainfall. The trees will shed their leaves in autumn or the dry season. The trees are usually very valuable as timber. These forests are found in Maharashtra, Bihar, Orissa and some regions of the Himalayas too
• Desert Vegetation: This is the sparse vegetation found in the regions of Thar desert. It mostly consists of bushes, acacia, cacti and date trees. It is found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and some regions of Punjab.
• Mountain Forests: These are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. The vegetation keeps changing according to the altitude. At the base you will find evergreen tall trees such as bamboo and teak, As you go higher there are conifer trees like the pine. And after a point its just grasslands and moss.

Wildlife  in India

The animals that live in a specific region are what we call the wildlife of the region. Just as vegetation is the flora, wildlife is the fauna of a region. Animals can be found in every time of vegetation and are usually isolated from any human contact. It includes all the animals, birds, insects etc of the region.

The diversity of wildlife in the world is unimaginably large. There are said to be about 1 to 2 million species of animals on the planet! And India in particular boasts of an incredible wildlife presence.

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Our national animal the tiger is one such rare animal found in India. In fact, the Bengal tiger can be found nowhere else on earth. We also have the Asiatic Lion, the only species of lions found outside Africa. It is home to many such exotic animals such as the Indian Elephant, the rhinoceroses and the leopard.

To preserve these amazing animals and their natural habitats, we have many conservatories, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In recent times to bring down illegal hunting and poaching the government has passed some very strict laws as well.

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Question: What are some famous wildlife sanctuaries in India?

Solution: India boasts of some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in the world.  Among them, the oldest and by far the most famous is the Corbett National Park in Uttrakhand. It was established to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers from hunters and poachers.

Another important sanctuary is the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Other than tigers, leopards, hyenas and the wild boar can also be found here. And then there is the Bandipur National Park famous for the elephants that stay there.

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3 responses to “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World”

which state has maximum forest cover area

if you ask which state has maximum forest cover area percentage then its Mizoram (86.27%). Hope this helps. PLEASE reply by email.

madhya pradesh

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564 Words Essay on Indian Wildlife

India is blessed with an incredible wealth of wildlife and boasts significant biodiversity. It is home to 7.6% of all mammalian, 12.6% of avian, 6.2% of reptilian, and 6.0% of flowering plant species.

Many Indian animal species have descended from taxa originating in Gondwana, to which India originally belonged. Volcanic eruptions and climatic changes which occurred 20 million years ago caused the extinction of many endemic Indian forms.

Later, many mammals entered India from Asia through two zoogeographical passes on either side of the emerging Himalaya. Consequently, among Indian species, only 12.6% of mammals and 4.5% of birds are endemic, contrasting with 45.8% of reptiles and 55.8% of amphibians.

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The Nilgiris leaf monkey and the brown and carmine Beddome’s toad of the Western Ghats are endemic to India. India contains 172 threatened species. These include the Asiatic lion, the Bengal tiger, and the Indian white-romped vulture, which nearly became extinct after eating the carrion of didofenac-treated cattle.

Human encroachment is one of the greatest threats to India’s wildlife. To counter this threat, the system of national parks and protected areas was introduced. In 1972, India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act and Project Tiger to protect wildlife habitat. India now has over 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 14 biosphere reserves.

Four of these are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. India has many large mammals like the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Sloth Bear and Indian Rhinoceros. Others include ungulates such as the rare Wild Asian Water buffalo, common Domestic Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of deer and antelope.

Some members of the dog family such as the Indian Wolf, Bengal Fox, Golden Jackal and the Dhole or Wild Dogs are also found in many parts of India. The country is also home to the Striped Hyena, Macaques, Langur and Mongoose species. The world’s rarest monkey, the golden langur, is a typical example of the precarious survival of much of India’s mega fauna.

Some people question the need for conservation of wildlife in India saying that tackling poverty deserves more priority. Such people do not seem to be aware that animals are part of the food chain and therefore our survival too depends on them. The presence of large and charismatic mammals is good for wildlife tourism. Therefore many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries cater to these needs.

As early as 1969, serious concern had been expressed about the threat to several wildlife species and the shrinking of wilderness in India. In 1970, a national ban on tiger hunting was imposed and in 1972 the Wildlife Protection Act came into force. Project Tiger has become one of the most successful conservation ventures in modern history.

The project involves specially constituted ‘tiger reserves’ for maintaining a viable tiger population in its natural environment. Today, there are 27 Project Tiger wildlife reserves in India. Project Elephant was started in 1992 and works for elephant protection in India.

Exploitation of land and forest resources by humans, hunting and trapping for food and sport, etc. has caused the extinction of many species in India in recent times. These species include mammals such as the Indian / Asiatic Cheetah, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran Rhinoceros. Most of India’s rhinos can be seen in the Kaziranga National Park. The national animal of India is the Royal Bengal Tiger and the national bird is the Indian Peafowl.

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Write 10 Lines on Wildlife in India

India’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscape. From the majestic Bengal tigers to the playful macaques, you’ll find a rich variety of creatures here.

Each species has a unique story to tell. As you explore, you’ll uncover the fascinating interactions between animals and their habitats.

10 sentences on Wildlife in India for kids (set #1)

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UP’s tiger reserves need community-based wildlife conservation: Experts

About the Author

Keshav Agarwal is based in Pilibhit and associated with TOI since 2014. He specialises in forest & wildlife, environment and farmer issues.

Visual Stories

• 9 teams from the 1976 Montreal Olympic hockey competition did not compete in the 1980 Moscow Olympic hockey tournament. The boycotting teams included the top 3 teams at Montreal - New Zealand (gold), Australia (silver) and Pakistan (bronze). European hockey powerhouses Germany, Holland and Great Britain also did not compete in this US-led boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games.
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• In a greatly weakened field of participants, India thrashed last minute entry Tanzania 18-0 in its first match. In one purple patch, India found the net 5 times in as many minutes. This huge victory over Tanzania was the second biggest score in Olympic hockey, after the 24-1 victory by India over USA in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
• India was lucky to get away with a 2-2 draw with Poland in the next game, with Merwyn Fernandes equalising for India with only 5 seconds to spare. India had another lucky 2-2 draw with Spain, with the equaliser coming in the last 4 minutes. After surviving these hiccups, India beat Cuba 13-0 and hosts USSR 4-2 to come second in the pool (behind Spain) and qualify for the final.
• In the final against Spain, India had a rousing start and established a comfortable three goal lead early in the second half. But Spain gamely bounced back into the game with 2 unanswered goals. With Spain raiding the Indian defence, and with only 6 minutes left, Mohammed Shaheed scored a goal to give more breathing room to India.
• However, with only 4 minutes remaining, Spain scored yet again with their skipper Juan Amat completing his hat-trick. The atmosphere in the last few minutes was electric, and India finally won the thriller 4-3, and thus regained the elusive gold after 16 long years. Spain had to be content with the Fairplay Trophy.
• Those were the days before satellite television had invaded India. Fans faithfully followed the game on Akashvani , and this golden victory was the top story in the Doordarshan bulletin that night.
• The 16 goals scored by centre-forward Surinder Singh Sodhi in the 1980 Moscow Olympics is the highest tally by an Indian in an Olympic hockey competition. It beat the earlier record of 15 goals set by the great Udham Singh in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
• Hockey proved very popular with the fans in Moscow. There were attendance figures of 10,000 or more at nearly every game. A total of 177,880 paying spectators watched the hockey matches. This made hockey the 6th most watched event at the Moscow Olympics.
• For the generation of Indians born after the mid-1960s, the Moscow Olympics hockey title remains their only link to India's golden Olympic past.
• India's record in the 1980 Olympics at Moscow was as follows :
• Goals For: 43
• Goals Against: 9
• The following were the members of the 1980 Indian Olympic Team :
• Vasudevan Bhaskaran (captain)
• Allen Schofield (goalkeeper)
• Bir Bahadur Chhetri
• Sylvanus Dung Dung
• Rajinder Singh
• Davinder Singh
• Gurmail Singh
• Ravinder Pal Singh
• Sommayya Maneypande
• Maharaj Krishan Kaushik
• Charanjit Kumar
• Merwyn Fernandes
• Amarjit Singh Rana
• Mohammed Shahid
• Zafar Iqbal
• Surinder Singh Sodhi

Photo Courtesy Wills Book of Excellence - Olympics

Why is India standing with Putin’s Russia?

No one should be surprised that India, especially under Modi’s leadership, chose to support Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the Indian government, and large segments of the Indian public, have firmly been on Putin’s side. Hashtags like #IStandWithPutin and #istandwithrussia trended on Indian social media, and the Indian government demonstrated – perhaps most notably by refusing to support UN resolutions condemning the invasion – that it is not willing to jeopardise its strong ties with Russia over Putin’s actions in Ukraine.

India’s approach to the situation in Ukraine is hardly surprising or atypical. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties following India’s independence in 1947, relations between Moscow and New Delhi have been shaped by a “ high degree of political and strategic trust ”. Across the years, Russia and India routinely took similar stances and supported each other on contentious international issues.

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From the very beginning, Moscow saw its alliance with India as essential for offsetting American and Chinese dominance in Asia. And India always enjoyed the leverage that support from a major power like Russia provided in international politics.

In 1961, after India used its military to end Portuguese colonial sovereignty over Goa, Daman and Diu, for example, the US, the UK, France, and Turkey put forth a resolution condemning India and calling upon its government to withdraw its troops immediately. But the Soviet Union opposed the proposal.

In 1971, India and the Soviet Union signed the “ Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation ”. The treaty formalised India’s alliance with what was then a superpower and arguably ensured its preeminence  in South Asia.

The Soviet Union and later Russia’s support for India on the issue of Kashmir has also been unrelenting and politically significant. In 1955, declaring support for Indian sovereignty over Kashmir, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev said, “We are so near that if ever you call us from the mountain tops we will appear at your side.” Since then, Moscow has been a bulwark against international intervention in Kashmir.

The Soviet Union vetoed UN Security Council resolutions in 1957, 1962 and 1971 that called for international intervention in Kashmir, insisting that it is a bilateral issue that needs to be solved through negotiations between India and Pakistan. And it took a similar stance on the Indo-Pak conflict in general. Such a stance was appreciated across the political spectrum in India.

In 1978, then Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee – a founding member of the right-wing, Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who served as India’s prime minister between 1998 and 2004  – for example, put aside his ideological differences with the Soviet Union, and greeted a Soviet delegation to India saying , “our country found the only reliable friend in the Soviet Union alone”.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia has worked to maintain its special relationship with India.

In 2000, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and then Prime Minister Vajpayee signed a “ Declaration of Strategic Partnership ”. In 2010, marking a decade of this strategic partnership, both countries signed the “ Special and Strategic Partnership ”. As part of this special partnership, Russia reaffirmed its pro-India stance on Kashmir. In 2019, when India scrapped Article 370 of its constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir special status, the Modi government faced severe criticism in the international arena, but Russia once again deemed this to be an “internal matter” for India.

In January 2020, following a China-led push for international intervention in Kashmir, Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s first deputy permanent representative to the UN, tweeted, “UNSC discussed Kashmir in closed consultations. Russia firmly stands for the normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan. We hope that differences between them will be settled through bilateral efforts.”

About the same time, after envoys of several countries announced their intention to visit Kashmir, the Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev refused to do so. He said , “I do not feel there is a reason for me to travel. This is an internal matter belonging to the Constitution of India … This is not an issue for Russia. Those who believe that this is an issue, those who are concerned about the situation in Kashmir, those who doubt the Indian policies in Kashmir can travel and see for themselves. We never put it in doubt.”

New Delhi may not have the political clout that comes with being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, but since entering into a strategic partnership with the Soviet Union soon after independence, it has done everything it can to show its support for Moscow in the international arena.

In 1956, for example, India refrained from publicly condemning the Soviet Union’s violent suppression of the Hungarian revolution – this despite India’s then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru being critical of Moscow’s actions in private.

More than a decade later, in 1968, when Soviet forces invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave a disapproving speech in the lower house of the Indian parliament but refrained from criticising Moscow on an international platform. India abstained from a subsequent vote on a resolution condemning the invasion.

When the Soviet Union  entered Afghanistan in 1979 to prop up the new pro-Soviet regime, many in India – including Prime Minister Charan Singh – strongly opposed the invasion. However, having been the beneficiary of many Soviet vetoes across the decades, India once again abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly resolution  condemning the Soviet Union. It was the only  non-aligned country to do so.

Maintaining this pro-Moscow voting record in the 2000s, India voted against a UN Human Rights Commission resolution that condemned Russia’s “disproportionate use of force” in the second Chechen war. In 2008, along with North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, it also voted against a UN General Assembly resolution that declared the “right of return” of those displaced by Russia’s campaign in Abkhazia. India also abstained from voting in the 2013 and 2016 UN General Assembly resolutions critical of the Assad regime supported by Russia. Expectedly, in 2014, it also abstained from the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Crimea and, in 2020, it voted against a Ukraine-sponsored UN General Assembly resolution condemning human rights violations in Crimea.

A multifaceted relationship

The relationship between Russia and India, however, is not dependent only on UN vetoes and favourable political statements. The decades-old Indo-Russian alliance is also underpinned by a long history of bilateral collaboration  on economic and strategic issues.

The Soviet Union was India’s largest trading partner until its collapse. Soviet economic contributions and technical know-how were essential in the establishment of India’s domestic industries, including oil and gas and mining. The Soviet Union also helped ensure India’s energy security. The first Indian citizen to travel to space, Rakesh Sharma, had done so through the Soviet Union’s Intekosmos programme.

Cultural exchanges have also been at the centre of Russia and India’s bilateral relations from the very beginning. Russian historians, philosophers and artists have expressed their admiration and respect for revolutionary and literary Indian figures. During the height of the Cold War, Hindi films were dubbed into Russian and were immensely popular among Muscovites. The Soviet Union also went to great lengths to ensure that Russian classic texts were available in India, setting up publishing houses that were solely focused on the Indian market.

As Deepa Bhasthi recounted in a recent essay, “For a generation that came of age at the cusp of that very strange period in India when socialism ended and capitalism was becoming wholeheartedly embraced, these books remain a kind of sentimental paraphernalia. The world depicted in the Russian stories was an exotic one … different in weather, names, food, and façades. But the affordable books made it a world its readers felt able to touch, to sense and know well.”

Of course, the most enduring aspect of the Indo-Russian ties has been the  military cooperation  between the two countries.

The Soviet Union is said to have supplied India during the years with enough military hardware to equip several fleets. This has included “aircraft carriers, tanks, guns, fighter jets, and missiles”. The Soviet Union was also central to the creation of the Indian navy and, in the 1980s, it even leased a nuclear-powered submarine to India.

This Soviet-era legacy has persisted post-1991. Russian-origin weapons are believed to account for 60 to 85 percent of the hardware of the Indian armed forces today.

According to the  Stockholm International Peace Research Institute , Russia was the second-largest global arms exporter to India between 2016 and 2020. As its largest importer, India received 23 percent of Russian hardware. Admittedly, compared with 2011-2015, exports to India dropped by 53 percent. However, there are several recent deals in the works. This includes a deal to buy state-of-the-art air defence systems, a Russian proposal to build AIP-powered conventional submarines, as well as a plan to lease two Russian nuclear-ballistic submarines.

A tricky path ahead

In light of this long history of strong diplomatic, military, cultural and economic ties, it is hardly surprising that the Indian government and the public at large, chose to stand with Russia as it faced condemnation from the international community.

India wants to maintain a positive relationship with Russia because it needs Moscow’s support in resolving its territorial conflicts with its neighbours, especially China. It also wants to continue to enjoy economic and military support from Russia. Furthermore, as Russia repeatedly supported India at the UN on issues like Kashmir, many Indians feel as if it is now their turn to return the favour.

Maintaining support for Russia is not going to be easy for India in the coming weeks and months – especially as Moscow, facing crippling sanctions, comes closer to officially becoming a pariah state.

India, however, is experienced in maintaining a needs-based partnership with pariah states. It did so with Iran, for example, despite mounting pressure from the US. Furthermore, under Modi’s leadership, India cultivated strong relationships with other authoritarian leaders like Putin, who had received much criticism from the international community because of their rhetoric and actions, on issues like human rights, democracy and migration, in recent years. Modi famously enjoyed a “bromance” with populist right-wing US President Donald Trump. Under Israel’s far-right leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel laid the foundations for a robust economic and strategic alliance with India. In 2020, Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was a  guest of honour  at India’s annual Republic Day celebration in New Delhi.

But all this does not mean India will maintain its support for Russia whatever it does. In recent years, New Delhi has been rapidly strengthening its ties with the West, and it may soon become too costly for it to maintain its traditional ties with Moscow.

Indeed, if Russia fails to score a decisive victory in Ukraine, or struggles to maintain its economic and military influence in Asia due to sanctions, the Indian government may feel the need to reassess its stance on Putin.

But, at least for now, no one should be at all surprised that India is “standing with Russia” and “supporting Putin”.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.