Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Conservation is necessary to preserve the ecological diversity and our life support systems such as air, water, and soil. In response to the conservationist’s demand, The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act came into action in the year 1972. This act provided several provisions for protecting habitats.

The primary agenda of the programme was to protect the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife. For this, the central and the state governments established different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

The central government has also come up with different projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and others. In the year 1973, Government of India, came up with the Project Tiger to save the endangered species of tiger in the country.

Under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species. In the year 1991, plants were also added to the list.

Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources

In our country, the majority of forest and wildlife resources are either owned or managed by the government. This is done by the Forest Department or other government departments. Forests are usually divided into following categories:

Reserved Forests:As far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned, these are believed to be most valuable. Hence, known as the reserved forests. It covers half of the total forest land.

Protected Forests:Such forests land is protected from any further depletion. Thus, these are called the protected forests. About -third of the total forest area is protected forest.

Unclassed Forests:Finally, there were the unclassed forests.This includes the other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities. Since they weren’t classed or categorized, they got the name unclassed forests.