Chapter 2 – Forest and Wildlife Resources
📖 Answers to the Exercises
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
👉 (d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries
2. Match the Following
- Reserved forests → Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as conservation of forest and wildlife resources is concerned.
- Protected forests → Forest lands are protected from any further depletion.
- Unclassed forests → Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.
3. Short Answer Questions (about 30 words)
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
👉 Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms found in a particular area.
It is important because it maintains the balance of air, water, and soil, provides food, and supports the survival of all living beings including humans.
(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna?
👉 Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, hunting, mining, urbanisation, and industrialisation have led to loss of forests and habitats. This has reduced plant and animal species and disturbed the ecological balance.
4. Long Answer Questions (about 120 words)
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
👉 In many parts of India, local communities have actively helped in conserving forests and wildlife. For example, villagers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan fought against mining. Five villages in Alwar district declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the ‘Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri’, protecting wildlife with their own rules. The Chipko Movement in the Himalayas resisted deforestation by hugging trees. Communities have also preserved “Sacred Groves” – forest patches considered the abode of gods and goddesses, which remain untouched. Farmers’ groups like Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya have promoted organic farming and the use of traditional seeds. These examples prove that community participation plays a vital role in conservation.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
👉 Good practices include community afforestation programmes like the Chipko Movement, protection of forests through Sacred Groves, and Joint Forest Management (JFM) where villagers work with the forest department. Projects like Project Tiger, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks also help in protecting endangered species. Farmers’ movements such as Beej Bachao Andolan promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture. All these practices ensure that ecological balance is maintained, biodiversity is preserved, and resources are available for future generations.