Chapter 2 · Question 4
Describe major steps taken to conserve forests and wildlife.
Answer
Direct Answer
Conservation steps include the Wildlife Protection Act, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, species protection projects, community reserves, restrictions on hunting, and awareness programmes. Conservation also requires local participation so that forest protection and livelihoods support each other.
Simple Explanation
Conservation includes laws like the Wildlife Protection Act, protected areas such as national parks and sanctuaries, species-specific projects, hunting bans, and community participation.
Exam-Ready Structure
Major steps taken to conserve forests and wildlife in India include both legal measures and practical programmes:
Legal and policy measures:
• The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) provides legal protection to wildlife, restricts hunting, and sets up protected areas.
• The Forest Conservation Act (1980) restricts the conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Protected areas:
• National parks — large areas where wildlife and natural habitats receive the highest level of protection.
• Wildlife sanctuaries — areas where animals are protected from hunting and habitat destruction.
• Biosphere reserves — large areas that conserve biodiversity along with sustainable development for local communities.
Species protection:
• Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Rhino focus on saving specific endangered species by protecting their habitats.
Community involvement:
• Joint Forest Management (JFM) involves local communities in protecting and managing forests.
• Sacred groves — traditional community-protected forest patches found across India, especially in tribal areas.
• Local participation ensures that conservation and livelihoods support each other rather than conflict.
Restrictions on hunting and trade:
• Ban on hunting of most species and strict regulation of trade in wildlife products.
Awareness programmes:
• Environmental education and campaigns to build public support for conservation.
Key Points
- Conservation steps include the Wildlife Protection Act, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, species protection projects, community reserves, restrictions on hunting, and awareness programmes.
- Conservation also requires local participation so that forest protection and livelihoods support each other.
Relevant Maps and Figures
Community Conservation Examples
figure
Use the chapter examples to move beyond laws and mention community-backed conservation methods.
It helps connect formal protection programmes with participation on the ground.
This chapter section ties sacred groves, Chipko, and Joint Forest Management to the idea that local communities can protect biodiversity directly.
Answer Sources
- Forest and wildlife conservation measurestextbook section | Contemporary India-II | Forest and Wildlife Resources | Conservation of forest and wildlife in India | Pages 1-3