Geography Project

Wild life conservation

efforts in India

Submitted by
Manoj M
10th “A”
Submitted to
Sujatha mam
Preface
 Content

sl Topic Page
no no
1 Introduction

IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE
2 CONSERVATION

3 Threats for wild life

5
 Introduction
The Indian sub-continent with its varied geographical spread from the
Himalayas in the north to the Cauvery basin in the south and the Kutch
region in the west to the plains of Assam in East present a diverse range
of environmental conditions for some of the most magnificent as well
as the rarest wildlife species of the world in India to exist. However,
the past few decades have seen the greed and negligence of human
beings working to the detriment of this rich wildlife. Large-scale
poaching and habitat destruction have resulted in a rapid decline in the
population of most of the wild animals and birds. Some animals like the
Indian cheetah due to this are now extinct. Conservation of Indian
wildlife was not given the requisite importance for a long time.
However, the government as well as the people slowly and gradually
understood their responsibility of saving wildlife in India.
Today, efforts are being made towards wildlife conservation in India, to
preserve this natural wealth. Numerous wildlife conservation projects
have been undertaken in India, both by the government as well as the
NGO’s, to protect the rich wildlife of the subcontinent. The private
sector has also started stepping in as part of their corporate social
responsibility to bring about this change and increase people’s
awareness.
IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION
Wildlife conservation is applied ecology and may also be regarded as
bio-economy. Wild life conservation is the management and sensible
use of the available natural resources. Governments of India have
passed laws and established national parks, sanctuaries and other
wildlife reserves in an effort to save the dwindling wildlife.

Every species plays an important role in maintaining an ecological

balance among the living system of the earth. These systems must
continue to function if is to survive. Loss of any species threatens the
survival of several species inclusive of man. Destruction of wildlife may
cause upset in such a balance resulting in severe consequences. Thus,
protection of every animal species is of great importance to the quality
of life and to the survival of man himself.

On all continents wildlife is becoming an increasingly important

recreational asset and tourist attraction.
The preservation of wildlife helps many naturalists and behavior
biologists to study morphology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior
biology of the wild animals under their natural surroundings.
Threats to Wildlife
 The problem of overpopulation is one of the major reasons for
the depleting of natural wild life in India. Exploitation of wild
populations for food has resulted in destructions of wild life.
 With the increase in tourism, the parks have witnessed an
increase in wildfires also. Innocent campfires started by visitors
have, more often than not, led to menacing wildfires. These fires
not only kill animals, but also destroy their natural habitat.
 Releasing of chemicals and other toxic effluents into the water
bodies has led to poisoning of the water. The animals and birds
drinking such water face a fatal threat. Even the population of
fish, living in such water bodies, is declining at a fast pace.
 The climate changes taking place in the world today, are affecting
not only humans, but also the wildlife. The natural habitat as well
as migration patterns of the animals and birds are experiencing
disturbs patterns.
 The threat of poaching has been haunting the wildlife of India
since ages. Even after the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries
and national parks, the threat of poaching has not been totally
eliminated.
 The destruction of forest land for agriculture, development of
towns and cities, construction of dams, or other purposes is also
an important threat for wild life.
 Conservation of Wild life
Last few decades have seen emergence of human encroachment to an
extent that has never been seen. This is one of the greatest threat to
India's wildlife. In order to overcome the result of human
encroachment many national parks as well as protected areas have
been established so far and the first came in 1935. Also in 1972, to
protect the tiger and wildlife in India, the Wildlife Protection Act and
Project Tiger to safeguard were enacted.
National parks in India
 Conclusions
Wildlife habitat and species around the world are facing a crisis. It is
estimated that global warming may cause the extinction of 15–37% of
species by 2050. This is another aspect which needs attention because
we could lose about 1.25 million species. Unlike other environmental
losses, this one cannot be reversed because nature does not give
second chances to biodiversity.

If we take into consideration the conventional reasons why wildlife is

disappearing in Asia, India is doing far better than other countries. India
has launched an extensive protected area network of research
institutions in which legislation, socio-economic factors, and wildlife
research are playing a great role. The Central Zoo Authority plays a key
role with zoos in programming research activities related to the
conservation and propagation of wild animals. Planned research
activities include studies on wildlife biology, genetic variability, species-
specific nutritional requirements, animal behavior, epidemiological
surveys, and disease diagnosis through postmortem examination. The
future depends on interaction between captive and wild animals,
preservation of biodiversity, and genetic and demographic variations of
species. India still has 65% of Asia’s tiger population, 85% of the Asian
rhino population, 80% of the Asian elephant population, and 100% of
the Asiatic lion population. These are all highly endangered and
poached animals.
 Acknowledgement
I take this opportunity to express my profound
gratitude and deep regards to my teachers
Prof.____________________ and Prof_______________. for their
exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement
throughout the course of this project. The blessing, help and guidance
given by them time to time shall carry me a long way in the journey of
life on which I am about to embark.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of

gratitude to,_________ Principal, Senior Secondary School for his
cordial support, valuable information and guidance, which helped me
in completing this task through various stages.

I would also like to express my heartily gratitude to the

lab assistants for their support during the
making of this project.
Lastly, I thank almighty, my parents and friends for their
constant encouragement without which this project would not be
possible.
Bibliography