Nagesh Agrawal

VII ‘B’Sri Aurobindo School

What s BIODIVERSITY ?Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the term used to

describe the variety of life found on Earth and all of the natural processes. This includes ecosystem, genetic and cultural diversity, and the connections between these and all species.

The different aspects between living things and their environments. It is helpful to think of an ecosystem as a woven carpet; if you pull on a loose thread it might only affect the thread and those closest to it or it might unravel the whole carpet.

Biodiversity also helps us in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, the greenhouse gases produced by human activities are building up in the atmosphere and causing climate change. Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity.

Climate change affects air and ocean temperatures, the length of seasons, sea levels, the pattern of ocean and wind currents, levels of precipitation, as well as other things. These changes affect the habitats and behavior of many different species. Many will not be able to adapt fast enough and may become extinct.

There are many things that you can do to combat climate change. Planting deciduous trees on the south side of your house or school will keep your house/school cooler in the summer. They will help produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. You can also encourage your friends and family to use public transit, carpool and walk or bike when they can.

Submitted To:-Vaishal i MamSubmitted by:-Nagesh Agrawal .Topic:-Conser vation of p lants and animals .

DEFORESTATIONDeforestation, clearance or clearing is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-

forest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use.More than half of the animal and plant species in the world live in tropical forests.The term deforestation is often misused to describe any activity where all trees in an area are removed. However in temperate

climates, theremoval of all trees in an area in conformance with sustainable forestry practices—is correctly described as regeneration harvest. In temperate mesic climates, natural regeneration of forest stands often will not occur in the absence of disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic. Furthermore, biodiversity after regeneration harvest often mimics that found after natural disturbance, including biodiversity loss after naturally occurring rainforest destruction. Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as pasture for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements. The removal of trees without

sufficient reforestation has resulted in damage to habitat, biodiversity loss and aridity. It has adverse impacts on biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Deforestation has also been used in war to deprive an enemy of cover for its forces and also vital resources. A modern example of this was the use of Agent Orange by the United States military in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Deforested regions typically incur significant adverse soil erosion and frequently degrade into wasteland.

Disregard or ignorance of intrinsic value, lack of ascribed value, lax forest management and deficient environmental laws are some of the factors that allow deforestation to occur on a large scale. In many countries, deforestation, both naturally occurring and human induced, is an ongoing issue. Deforestation causes extinction, changes to climatic conditions, desertification, and displacement of populations as observed by current conditions and in the past through the fossil record.

Among countries with a per capita GDP of at least US$4,600, net deforestation rates have ceased to increase

Effect of DeforestationLooking at the importance of forests and trees in the previous pages, you can deduce the

massive effects of deforestation and tree-cutting activities. Let us see a few below:

• Soil erosion destruction:- Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the sun’s heat. Soil moisture is dried up, nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected. Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces and erosion takes place. Soils never get their full potential back.

• Water Cycle:- Smaller lakes, rivers and streams that take water from these larger water bodies when re deforests astroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected. Trees absorb and retain water in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Some of this moisture is transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out. The watershed potential is compromised and less water will runs through ry up.

• Loss of Biodiversity:- Many wonderful species of plants and animals have been lost, and many others remain endangered. More than 80% of the world's species remain in the Tropical Rainforest. It is estimated that about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of destruction of their habitats, and that is a tragedy.

Many methods are being used across the world to maintain the forest cover.

AfforestationAfforestation means planting of trees. Replanting of trees in a forest is a slow and expensive process but it is a very important part of conservation.

Forest Management1:-CONSERVATION OF TREES CAN BE DONE BY REPLACING TREES THAT ARE CUT REGULARLY. A FOREST SO PLANNED WILL YIELD TREES FOR CUTTING REGULARLY, OPERATED ON A SUSTAINED-YIELD BASIS.2:-BLOCK CUTTING IS ANOTHER KIND OF LUMBERING WHERE TREES OF ABOUT THE SAME AGE ARE CUT AS A COMPLETE BLOCK. THIS EXPOSED LAND IS RESEEDED OR REPLANTED.

Preventing OvergrazingGrazing animal eat or trample young trees, destroy leave on lower branches and injure roots and trunks. Overgrazing must be controlled to save forests.

Conservation of Forest

Preventing Forest Fires

A forest fire destroy standing timber and consumers the seeds and young trees of the future forest. A large fire may even burn into the rich humus of the forest floor and destroy a number of wild animals. Lighting is a natural cause of forest fires. Humans carelessness in another cause .often these fires continue until it rains. To prevent and control forest fires, the following methods are used.

• Fire lines, which resemble roads, are made in a forest at which a fire can be stopped.

• Fire extinguishing solution are sprayed from airplanes to put out the fire.• Fire fighters equipped with trucks, water tanks and chemical fire

extinguishers can often brings a fire under control before it become extensive.

Conservation Of WildlifeWildlife is one of the most gracious gifts of nature to this land, which is as rich in its variety and colors as its number.The majestic lion, the grateful yet fearsome tiger, unproductive leopard, powerful elephant, the nimble deer, attractive antelope, the picturesque peafowl, the gorgeous pelican, the

beautiful parakeets, wood-pecker and the elegant flamingo are some of these of which any country might be proud. There are 312 species of mammals, 1175 species of birds, 399 species of reptiles, 60000 species of insects and 181 species of amphibians and 46610 species of plants. Over the past 2000 years about 106 species of animals and about 140 species of birds have become extinct because of climate and geographic changes and also by over hunting by man for food, medicine, fur and many other reasons. According to ecologist more than 600 species of animals and birds are expected to be extinct if not protected by wildlife management. Wildlife management is an ancient phenomenon. Vedas contain hymns in praise of animals. Sanatana dharma has linked some animals with the specific god or goddess as the best way of conservation of wildlife. For example, python has been associated with god vishnu, snake with god shiva, swan with goddess saraswati, and lion with goddess durga rendering the animal pious and protected. In mahabharata, rishis and munis have been indicated to conserve wildlife fauna such as deer and birds around ashrams. In arthashastra, chanakya had imposed severe penalties for killing, entrapping and molesting birds, fishes and deer, etc. In protected areas.

About 250 species of animals and birds have become extinct due to several factors including the human population, which has reached the pinnacle of progress and prosperity ignoring the other forms of life. Human activities pose the biggest threat to wildlife because expanding human population results in expanding needs of man. With scientific progress and technological development man has started utilizing natural resources at a much larger scale. Continuous increase in population caused an increasing demand for resources. Wildlife is considered a renewable resource and hence its conservation is essential if we desire sustainable yields. Nature has endowed India with such abundant and varied flora that it compares favorably with that of any country in the world whether it is developed, developing or underdeveloped.

India has large geographical size and variety of climate and habitat, wild animals constitute great national resources. These wild animals form important resources because they provide food (meat), skin, etc. Which are used in research as experimental animals and for education. They are also used for recreational purposes. The niche requirement of these animals is different. Their scientific and rational explanation is not being answered. Conservationists are often expected to justify their concern about the extinction of species. Preservation and protection of wildlife is important from the ecological point of view. The role of individual species in ecosystem (for example in food chain) cannot be undermined. Today amphibians are under a threat their population has declined. This is cause of ecological concern because some habitats and biomass of amphibians can exceed all other large animals combined.

Their role in food chain is crucial; they eat both plants and small animals like insects including mosquitoes and amphibians themselves constitute food for birds, mammals, man, reptiles and fishes. Wildlife, besides its crucial role in preventing ecological degradation has other values like serving as a genetic pool for livestock improvement, for pharmaceutical industry and other commercial value like providing furs and wools. Taking example of amphibians again, it has been discovered that many species of these animals have been found containing compounds that are being used in pain killing medicines and for treatment of burns. It is documented fact that tribal in Ecuador have been using secretions from the skin of frogs for killing pains. A pharmaceutical company is engaged in research to developing a drug from a secretion of frog.

There are many management plans to conserve wild life such as:1. The Indian board of wild life was set up in 1952, to ensure protection and scientific management of the diminishing wildlife in the country.2. Countrywide uniform legislation in the form of the wild life (protection) act was enacted in 1972 with object of ensuring stricter protection to wildlife and its better management.3. The 'project tiger' was launched in 1973 in the Corbett national park today; there is 28 per cent tiger reserve in all over the country, covering an area 1.5 per cent of the total area

of country.4. The forest (conservation) act was passed 1980, to impose a severe restriction, on the diversion of forestland to non-forest use.5. In order to preserve the inviolate, 7fragile ecosystem on hilly and mountainous areas, a ban has been imposed since 1983 on the felling of trees at an elevation of 1000 m and

above.6. As against 19 national parks and 205 wildlife sanctuaries in 1980, now their number is 95 national parks and 500 wildlife sanctuaries.7. With the launching of the crocodile project, three endangered species of crocodilians have been saved.8. A wildlife institute at the national level has been set up in 1982, to provide scientific training in wildlife management.9. A national wildlife action plan was launched by the then prime minister in November 1983, to impart tempo, scientific direction and completeness to wildlife manage~ and

administration.10. New scheme has been formulated for captive breeding and for rehabilitation endangered species.

Hunting Regulation

• The Hunting and Trapping Synopsis is a summary of the B.C. hunting and trapping regulations made under the Wildlife Act(British Columbia), prepared for the convenience of hunters and trappers. The Hunting and Trapping Synopsis sets out general hunting information, summarizes important hunting regulations, and defines the open seasons with maps indicating no hunting, no shooting, and other closed areas.

• The 2012 - 2014 edition of the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis covers two seasons effective July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014: it will be your guide to hunting and trapping for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons. In the event that there is a need to change a regulation in 2012/13 or 2013/14

Habitat Protection

Most threatened animals cannot be properly protected without conservation of their habitats. There are legal provisions for the protection and management of areas where threatened species occur.• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves and Marine Nature Reserves are selected and protected under British law because they are examples of important habitats and often contain rare invertebrates.• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are chosen under the Habitats Directive for other animals and plants needing habitat protection in Europe as a whole. Among these species are the Stag beetle and White clawed crayfish.• Other areas in the UK are designated under the Ramsar Convention, a world-wide agreement on the conservation of wetlands.Habitat Action Plans have been drawn up for priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Protected areas of India National parks National parks (IUCN Category II): India's first national park was Hailey National Park, now Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1935.

By 1970, India had 5 national parks; today it has over 120 national parks All national park lands then encompassed a total 39,919 km2 (15,413 sq mi) km², comprising 1.21% of India's total surface area. many species of animals residing in its world famous forests.

Animal sanctuaries Animal sanctuary (IUCN Category IV): India has over 500 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife Sanctuaries. Among these, the

28 Tiger Reserves are governed by Project Biosphere reserve (UNESCO designation roughly corresponding to IUCN Category V): The Indian government has also established Biosphere reserves, which protect larger areas of natural habitat, and often include one or more national parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to limited economic activities.

Reserved and protected forests Reserved forests and protected forest (IUCN Category IV or VI, depending on protection accorded): These are forested lands

where logging, hunting, grazing and other activities may be permitted on a sustainable basis to members of certain communities. In reserved forests, explicit permission is required for such activities. In protected forests, such activities are allowed unless explicitly prohibited. Thus, in general reserved forests enjoy a higher degree of protection with respect to protected forests.

Conservation and community reserves Conservation reserve and Community reserve (IUCN Category V and VI respectively): These are areas adjoining

existing protected areas which are of ecological value and can act as migration corridors, or buffer zone. Conservation reserves are designated government owned land from where communities may earn a subsistence, while community reserves are on mixed government/private lands. Community reserves are the only privately held land accorded protection by the government of India.

Village and panchayat Forests Village and panchayat forests (IUCN Category VI): These are forested lands administered by a village or a panchayat on a

sustainable basis, with the habitat, flora and fauna being accorded some degree of protection by the managing community.Private protected areas Private protected areas: These are regions which are owned by an individual or an organization / corporation not affiliated to the

government or a communal body. Even though Indian legislation does not provide for protection of such areas, some NGOs are using land trusts to help in the conservation effort, and providing limited means of protection.

Conservation areas Conservation areas: Conservation areas are large, well-designated geographical entities where landscape conservation is

undergoing, and usually contains different kinds of constituent protected areas, as well as privately owned land. Tiger, and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger.

Red List The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List), founded in 1963, is

the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit.

The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. These criteria are relevant to all species and all regions of the world. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction. According to IUCN (1996), the formally stated goals of the Red List are (1) to provide scientifically based information on the status of species and subspecies at a global level, (2) to draw attention to the magnitude and importance of threatened biodiversity, (3) to influence national and international policy and decision-making, and (4) to provide information to guide actions to conserve biological diversity.

Major species assessors include Birdlife International, the Institute of Zoology (the research division of the Zoological Society of London), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and many Specialist Groups within the IUCN Species Survival Commission(SSC). Collectively, assessments by these organizations and groups account for nearly half the species on the Red List.

The IUCN aims to have the category of every species re-evaluated every five years if possible, or at least every ten years. This is done in a peer reviewed manner through IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Specialist Groups, which are Red List Authorities responsible for a species, group of species or specific geographic area, or in the case of Birdlife International, an entire class (Aves).

Endemic Species

• A species or taxonomic group that is restricted to a particular geographic region because of such factors as isolation or response to soil or climatic conditions; this species is said to be endemic to the region (Allaby 1998).Exotic species. This term is commonly used in publications and literature, and is similar to the terms alien species, foreign species, introduced species, non indigenous species, and non native species (Heutte and Bella 2003). Other definitions include: 1. An introduced, non native species, or a species that is the result of direct or indirect, deliberate or accidental introduction of the species by humans, and for which introduction permitted the species to cross a natural barrier to dispersal (Noss and Cooper rider 1994). 2. In North America, often refers to those species not present in a bioregion before the entry of Europeans in the 16th century, or present in later parts of that region and later introduced to an ecosystem by human-mediated mechanisms (Cohen and Carlton 1988)a species is defined as native (or indigenous) to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention. Every natural organism (as opposed to a domesticated organism) has its own natural range of distribution in which it is regarded as native. Outside this native range, a species may be introduced by human activity; it is then referred to as an introduced species within the regions where it was anthropogenic ally introduced.

• For example:- the Asiatic lion is only found in the Gir National Park area in Gujarat . Only about 300 lions still remains.