CBSE Class 10 Social Geography Forest and Wild Resources Notes
✨ Main Summary
1. Introduction
India is rich in biodiversity: about 8% of the world’s species are found here.
Forests and wildlife are essential for ecological balance.
Over-exploitation of resources has caused severe loss of biodiversity.
2. Types of Biodiversity in India
Normal species: Found in sufficient numbers (e.g., cattle, pine).
Endangered species: At the risk of extinction (e.g., black buck, crocodile).
Vulnerable species: Likely to become endangered (e.g., blue sheep).
Rare species: Found in small numbers (e.g., hornbill).
Endemic species: Found only in particular areas (e.g., Andaman wild pig).
Extinct species: No longer exist (e.g., Asiatic cheetah).
3. Causes of Depletion of Forest and Wildlife
Deforestation for agriculture, mining, urbanisation.
Overgrazing by cattle.
Hunting/poaching of animals.
Development projects (dams, industries, roads).
Pollution and forest fires.
4. Conservation of Forest and Wildlife
Government initiatives:
Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Project Tiger, Project Elephant.
Biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries.
Community initiatives:
Chipko Movement (tree protection).
Bishnoi community of Rajasthan protects blackbuck.
Sacred groves in Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, etc.
5. Types of Forests in India (based on ownership)
Reserved forests – Most protected; activities strictly controlled.
Protected forests – Some protection, some activities allowed.
Unclassed forests – Neither reserved nor protected; mostly community ownership.
6. Community and Forests
Local people depend on forests for fuel, fodder, medicines, and food.
Joint Forest Management (JFM, 1988) encourages local participation in forest conservation.
📝 NCERT Questions (Brief Answers)
Q1. Define normal, endangered, vulnerable, and extinct species with examples.
👉
Normal: Present in sufficient numbers (e.g., pine, cattle).
Endangered: At risk of extinction (e.g., tiger, crocodile).
Vulnerable: Likely to become endangered (e.g., blue sheep).
Extinct: No longer existing (e.g., Asiatic cheetah).
Q2. What are the main causes of depletion of forests and wildlife in India?
👉 Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, hunting/poaching, industrialisation, urbanisation, and development projects.
Q3. What are the steps taken by the Indian government to protect forests and wildlife?
👉
Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Project Tiger, Project Elephant.
Establishment of biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries.
Q4. How have communities conserved forests and wildlife?
👉 Through movements like Chipko Movement, Bishnoi community practices, and protecting sacred groves.
Q5. Differentiate between reserved, protected, and unclassed forests.
👉
Reserved forests: Most protected, government control.
Protected forests: Some protection, community + government control.
Unclassed forests: Community or private ownership.
🌍 Conclusion
Forests and wildlife are vital for ecological balance. Conservation is possible only through combined efforts of the government, communities, and individuals.
♦ Biosphere : Part of the earth which is covered by living organisms both plants and animals.
♦ Ecosystem : An integrated unit consisting of the community of living organisms and the physical environment.
♦ Flora : Plants of a particular region or period are referred to as flora.
♦ Fauna : Species of animals are known as fauna.
♦ Forest : Extensive area covered with trees.
♦ Wildlife Sanctuary : A reserved area for preserving natural beauty, e.g., wildlife.
♦ Biodiversity : It is the sum total of all the varieties of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms living on the earth.
♦ Wasteland : Land which is not fit for cultivation.
♦ Normal species : The species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival, such as cattle, sal, pine, rodents, etc.
♦ Endangered species : The species which are in danger of extinction.
♦ Vulnerable species : These are some species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate.
♦ Rare species : Species with small population may move into the endangered or vulnerable category if the negative factors affecting them continue to operate.,
♦ Endemic species : These are species which are only found in some particular areas usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. For example Nicobar pigeon.
♦ Extinct species : These are species which are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur. A species may be extinct from a local area, region, country, continent or the entire earth. Examples of such species are the Asiatic cheetah, pink head duck.
♦ The Indian Wildlife Act : It was an act implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting natural habitats.
♦ Reserved Forests : These are the most valuable forests as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned.
♦ Protected forests : These are the forests which are protected from any further depletion.
♦ Unclassed forests : These are forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.
♦ Permanent forests : Reserved and protected forests are referred as permanent forest estates maintained for the purpose of producing timber and other forest produce and for protective reasons.
♦ Chipko Movement : It was a movement launched by the people of the Himalayas against deforestation.
♦ Joint Forest Management : It was a programme launched for management and restoration of degraded forests.
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