India’s Natural Vegetation and Wildlife: A Symphony of Biodiversity
Dotted with a wide variety of vegetation and teeming with diverse wildlife, India is a treasure trove of biodiversity. This unique blend is a result of India’s geographical and climatic variations.
1. Natural Vegetation: What Is It?
- Refers to plants that have grown without human intervention.
- Categorized into different types based on climatic conditions and altitude: forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands.
2. Factors Influencing Vegetation
- Relief: Land, soil, and altitude dictate the type of vegetation.
- Rainfall: Wet regions foster dense forests, while deserts have scanty vegetation.
- Temperature: Determines the nature of plants and the height at which they grow.
3. India’s Forest Cover
Tropical Evergreen Forests
- Found in areas with heavy rainfall.
- Trees: Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
- Location: Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Tarai region of the Himalayas.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
- Most widespread in India.
- Trees shed leaves in the dry season.
- Trees: Sal, teak, neem, and sheesham.
- Location: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Desert Vegetation
- Sparse due to low rainfall.
- Plants: Cacti, babool, and keekar.
- Location: The arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Mountain Vegetation
- Changes with altitude.
- Trees: Pine, deodar, cedar, and fir in the Himalayan region.
4. Grasslands
- Found in regions of moderate rainfall.
- Mainly support grass species.
- Location: Rajasthan (in the west) and Assam (in the east).
5. India’s Vibrant Wildlife
Mammals
- Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, and one-horned rhinoceros.
Birds
- Peacock (national bird), duck, stork, and pigeon.
Reptiles
- King cobra, crocodile, and gharial.
Marine Life
- Rich variety in the coastal regions including fishes, amphibians, and sea turtles.
6. Preserving Our Natural Wealth
- India has established numerous National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves to protect its flora and fauna.
- Project Tiger, launched in 1973, is a significant initiative to conserve tigers.
7. Challenges
- Deforestation due to urbanization and population explosion.
- Poaching of wildlife, leading to the endangerment of several species.
8. The Way Forward
- Strict enforcement of laws against illegal logging and poaching.
- Reforestation and afforestation initiatives.
- Educating people about the importance of conservation.
Note: This article is an SEO-optimized summary of Chapter 5, ‘Natural Vegetation and Wildlife’, from the Grade 9 Social Science NCERT Geography textbook. For an in-depth understanding, including maps, illustrations, and case studies, students should refer to the actual textbook.