NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE 🌿🐅

Nature provides us with various plants, trees, and animals that grow and live in different parts of the world. These form the natural vegetation and wildlife of a place.

But what do we mean by "Natural Vegetation" and "Wildlife"?

• Natural Vegetation refers to the plants and trees that grow naturally in an area without human interference.
• Wildlife includes all the animals, birds, insects, and other living creatures found in forests, rivers, mountains, and other natural habitats.

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1. FACTORS AFFECTING NATURAL VEGETATION 🌳

The type of plants and trees that grow in an area depends on several factors:

1.1. Climate ☀️🌧️

• Sunlight: Plants need sunlight to grow. The amount of sunlight a place gets affects the types of plants found there.
• Rainfall: Areas with high rainfall (like Kerala and Assam) have thick forests, while areas with less rainfall (like Rajasthan) have shrubs and thorny bushes.
• Temperature: Different plants grow in different temperature conditions. For example, coconut trees grow in warm, coastal areas, while pine trees grow in cold, hilly regions.

1.2. Soil 🏜️🌱

• Different plants need different types of soil to grow.
• For example:
  • Cactus grows in sandy desert soil.
  • Teak and Sal trees grow in black soil.
  • Mangroves grow in salty coastal soil.

1.3. Relief (Landforms) 🏔️🏞️

• Plains: Rich and fertile soil in plains helps in the growth of dense forests.
• Mountains: Cold and hilly regions have pine and fir trees.
• Deserts: Dry lands have cactus and thorny bushes.
• Coastal areas: Mangrove forests grow in areas where rivers meet the sea (deltas).

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2. TYPES OF NATURAL VEGETATION IN INDIA

India has different types of forests and vegetation due to its varied climate and landforms.

2.1. Tropical Evergreen Forests 🌿🌲

• Found in hot and rainy areas (rainfall more than 200 cm).
• Located in Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, North-Eastern states.
• Trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood (Tall trees with dense foliage).
• Animals: Elephants, Monkeys, Deer, Leopards, Snakes, Hornbills.

2.2. Tropical Deciduous Forests 🍂

• Found in areas with moderate rainfall (100-200 cm).
• Located in Central India, the Himalayan foothills, and some parts of South India.
• Trees: Sal, Teak, Peepal, Neem (Shed leaves in dry season).
• Animals: Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Deer, Wolves.
• These are also called Monsoon Forests.

2.3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs 🌵

• Found in dry and hot regions (rainfall less than 50 cm).
• Located in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, parts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Trees: Cactus, Babool, Date Palm (Have long roots and small leaves to save water).
• Animals: Camel, Blackbuck, Wolf, Fox (Can survive in less water).

2.4. Montane (Mountain) Forests ⛰️

• Found in the Himalayas and high mountains.
• Trees:
  • Lower slopes: Oak, Chestnut.
  • Middle slopes: Pine, Deodar, Fir.
  • Higher slopes: Alpine vegetation (Mosses, Lichens).
• Animals: Snow Leopard, Yak, Red Panda, Himalayan Bear.

2.5. Mangrove Forests 🌊

• Found in coastal and delta regions (where rivers meet the sea).
• Located in Sundarbans (West Bengal), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mahanadi Delta.
• Trees: Sundari tree (in Sundarbans).
• Animals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, Turtles, Snakes.

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3. WILDLIFE IN INDIA 🐘🦜

India is home to a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Some are endangered and need protection.

3.1. Major Wildlife Species

• Mammals: Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinoceros, Deer.
• Birds: Peacocks, Parrots, Eagles, Flamingos.
• Reptiles: Crocodiles, Snakes, Turtles.
• Amphibians: Frogs, Toads.

3.2. Endangered Species

• Endangered species are animals and plants that are at risk of extinction.
• Examples: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Snow Leopard.

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4. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE 🌍

Due to deforestation, hunting, pollution, and climate change, many plants and animals are disappearing. Conservation is important to protect nature.

4.1. Steps Taken for Conservation

1. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

   • Protected areas for animals and plants.
   • Examples:
     • Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) – First national park in India.
     • Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) – Home to tigers and barasingha.
     • Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal) – Home to Royal Bengal Tigers.

2. Biosphere Reserves

   • Large areas to protect whole ecosystems.
   • Examples: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

3. Project Tiger & Project Elephant

   • Government programs to protect tigers and elephants.

4. Afforestation

   • Planting more trees to restore forests.

5. Ban on Hunting and Poaching

   • Strict laws to protect animals from illegal hunting.

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5. IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE 🌏

1. Maintains Ecological Balance – Plants and animals depend on each other for survival.
2. Provides Oxygen – Trees help in producing oxygen and cleaning the air.
3. Prevents Soil Erosion – Forests stop soil from washing away.
4. Source of Resources – Provides wood, medicine, food, and shelter.
5. Tourism and Economy – National parks and forests attract tourists and help in economic growth.

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CONCLUSION

Natural vegetation and wildlife are precious resources. Humans have been destroying forests and killing animals for selfish needs, leading to many species becoming endangered. If we do not take care of nature, future generations may not see many animals and plants. 🌍

We must all work together to save our forests, protect animals, and take care of our planet! 🌱🐘