India, a scenically rich and bio-diverse country in South Asia is one of the most popular hubs for wildlife exploration. It’s a wonderful treasure of a diverse range of landscapes teeming with the most exotic wildlife species of the world. A stroll around the tropical forests, biosphere reserves or the mountain ranges of Himalayas opens a vast treasure of faunal species which melts one’s heart with delight.
India possesses a tremendous diversity of faunal species numbering 92,037species out of which there are 61,375 species of insects only. Across the centuries nature and its resources here has been seen as a greatest gift of God. The National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, bio- diversity hotspots have kept hundreds and thousands of animal species to maintain the friendship with nature and the biological capital for the future generations to continue to draw on for life and development.
Each organism on this planet interacts with the ecosystem in its own way and contributes to the food chain. Just imagine if all the natural resources and wildlife will be destroyed due to human developmental needs then it will lead to wildlife extinction. On one hand we are trying to conserve wildlife and the other resources by maintaining the forest areas but on the other hand we cannot deny the fact that there are some loopholes in the regulations and our wildlife conservation process due to which we are not completely able to eradicate the problem of the conservation of wildlife resources. Already there are endangered and vulnerable species of more than 39 species of mammals, 72 species of birds, 17 species of reptiles, three species of amphibians, two species of fish, and a large number of butterflies, moths, and beetles in India.
There are several factors such as agricultural needs, habitat destruction, over-exploitation, pollution, natural disasters etc. contributing to the extinction of wildlife species in India. If we take an aggressive step to properly conserve wildlife species of India then the quality of human life and the health ecosystem will be maintained.
Let’s Take a Look at India’s Journey of Wildlife Conservation – History at Glance
India has a great wealth of wilderness ecosystems such as Himalayas, Terai, Central Indian highlands, Eastern and the Western Ghats, desert areas and coastal mangroves etc. teeming with rich wildlife species and floral species. But the abundance of wildlife was not always the same. There was a time when the rulers and the britishers were very fond of hunting (Shikar). They used to kill the majestic tigers, leopards and cheetahs. But soon they realized that the tiger population and the population of other animals are declining.
In 1952 the wild Cheetah population was officially declared as extinct. Gradually the bird population and elephant population were also declining. The decline was so rapid that The Madras Elephant Protection Act of 1873 and the Wild Birds and Animal Protection Act 1912 were not very helpful in conserving the animal and bird species.
There were several problems like the demand for agricultural space and the need for resources for human developmental needs. It was very difficult to maintain a healthy quality of life. The demands for firewood for domestic use for urban and rural areas increased which is the reason why forests were declining. Exploitation of forests for commercial and industrial purposes started.
More problems came such as illegal trade of animal products, illegal hunting, poaching, exploitation of resources for irrigation and power projects which the measures and inadequate enforcement laws could not solve.
The golden era of forest and wildlife conservation started around the late 50s and early 70s. Indira Gandhi the former Prime Minister of India took the responsibility to restore the wildlife wealth of India. The conservation project started with the 1972 Wildlife Protection act followed by the Project Tiger. The main aim behind these acts is to protect the reserves and forests of India which contain precious wildlife and other resources. Deforestation was the major cause of the habitat loss of the majestic animal Tigers. Project Tiger act was launched to restore the population of Tigers. In 1973 it started by creating 9 tiger reserves but today there are 52 more tiger reserves.
Efforts are also being made by the authorities of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in wildlife conservation. These authorities have left no stone unturned to conserve the precious wildlife wealth of India.
Here is a list of some of the most popular National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries who are successful in conserving the wildlife of India –
- Today Gir National Park is the only Habitat of the world’s most popular Asiatic Lions.
- Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a home to the most endangered species of One-horned Rhinoceros. It also has the highest density of Tigers in the world.
- Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest Tiger Reserves in India. It is where Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to restore the population of majestic Tigers. It preserves the population of Mugger crocodile and King Cobra which are endangered species. It has the largest numbers of Tiger population. There are a total 266 tigers in the reserve. There are also more than 600 species of Birds in this reserve.
- Sundarban Tiger Reserve is the biggest mangrove forest in the world which conserves the highest population of Royal Bengal Tigers. The Tigers here are known as Man eater tigers. It’s the place in the world where you will find Panthera Tigris species, which is very rare. You will also see critically endangered species like Ganges and Irrawaddy dolphins, Batagur Baska and estuarine crocodiles.
- All the white tigers of the world trace their origin to Bandhavgarh National Park. The park boasts of the highest density of tiger population in the world.
- The Land of the Jungle Book, Pench National Park protects 4 endangered species of vultures. It also has a good population of Leopards apart from the majestic Tigers.
- Kanha National Park protects the endangered species of Barahsingha. It also houses 350 species of flora and birds.
- The Great Himalayan National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site houses 4 globally threatened mammals, 3 globally threatened birds and a large number of medicinal plants. It houses Himalayan Tahr and Himalayan Musk deer which are quite rare to see. The rarest of all living pheasants, Western Tragopan is found here.
- Western Ghats is a home to around 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species which are also in IUCN Red Data List. 129 species are under the vulnerable species category, 145 species are under the endangered species category and the rest 51 species come under critically endangered species category.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park- It is a breeding center for Tigers Indian Pangolin and Long Billed Vultures. Gharials and Hippopotamus. Are also found here enlarge numbers.
What is the importance of Wildlife and why do we need to save our Wildlife resources?
“The real wealth of the nation lies in the resources of the earth, soil, water, forests, minerals and wildlife.” Rachel Carson
The sustenance and prosperity of future generations, communities of South Asian countries like India lies in the maintenance and preservation of its ecosystems. India has a vast treasure of flora and fauna.
For the past decades India has been preserving its wildlife wealth by maintaining the protected areas. These protected areas have unique ecosystems which take care of the floral and faunal species in its own habitat.
We get many benefits from it whether it is consumptive, non-consumptive and Spiritual or aesthetic experiences. Without a healthy ecosystem, healthy wildlife resources our sustenance would be impossible. Hence the protection of forests and wildlife resources is very essential for our survival.
India’s Rich Wildlife Wealth
India is blessed with 7 different types of ecosystems such as Aquatic ecosystem, Desert Ecosystem, coastal ecosystem, Alpine and mountain ecosystem, Savannah and Grassland ecosystems and Forest ecosystems for the conservation of wildlife and other resources.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic Ecosystem consists of rivers, lakes and wetlands. The wetlands of India contain a variety of endangered species, fish and water birds. These wetlands are directly or indirectly connected with major rivers such as Ganga, Kaveri, Tapti and Godavari etc.
It is very essential to protect the wetlands of India for saving the wildlife. Imagine if we don’t have wetlands then we will not be able to save ourselves from coastal erosion and natural disasters like floods, cyclones and tides? You will find many mammal species, birds, plants species, fish species etc. in these amazing wetlands, rivers and lakes. Some of the most endangered species like Indus River Dolphin, testudine turtle, Sarus crane, Red headed Vulture and IUCN red listed Three-striped Roof Turtle etc. found in this ecosystem.
The conservation of wildlife is directly linked with saving the ecosystems in India. Conserving the ecosystems would lead to a healthy food chain.
Desert Ecosystem
Yes, Desert ecosystems also preserve some unique wildlife resources. Desert ecosystems have dry and extreme types of climates with very less vegetation. Asiatic Wild Ass, Yaks, Dwarf Cows, Camels, Great Indian Bustard (endangered species), Asiatic Wild Cat, Chinkaraa and Saw- scaled Viper etc. Saving the desert ecosystem is essential for many purposes.
The sand of desert ecosystems is of unique kind and several bacterias reside in it which are helpful in sinking the carbon and preventing the CO2 from polluting the atmosphere. It is also the storehouse of various minerals. We also get food resources of high economic value in the desserts. The most prominent example of this is Ker, Sangri and Kumthiya. Some areas serve as clean catchment areas for water bodies supporting drinking water needs of various communities.
Coastal Ecosystem
Coastal ecosystems consist of salt marshes, islands, estuaries, beaches, mangroves and rocky shores etc. Coastal ecosystem protects the sizable population living near the Indian coasts.
These ecosystems possess rich biodiversity and high productivity. The mangrove wetlands, beaches, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, seagrass meadows, seaweed beds and coral reefs support and provide us with various resources. Protecting Coastal ecosystems are very essential for the conservation of forests and wildlife.
Mangroves, which are a part of these types of ecosystems, serve as a barrier for storms, cyclones and rising sea levels. The sea grass acts as a sediment stabilizer. Some habitats are very important for medical research. The most prime example of it are the mangroves which preserve a very precious asset called horseshoe crab which is used in medical research. These ecosystems also serve as a great source of recreation for the tourists. Some of the most prominent wildlife species found in Coastal ecosystems are Green Turtle, Sea Horse, Horseshoe Crab, Dugong, Crabs, Lobsters, Hawksbill, fishes, Echinoderms and Sea slugs etc.
Alpine and Mountain Ecosystem
Alpine and mountain ecosystems are very rich in floral and faunal species. They face seasonal variations in the climate. When the elevation increases the temperature drops down and the climate becomes cooler. The features and metabolic process of various flora and fauna depends on the climate change and elevation.
Various types of faunal species such as endemic species of Golden Langur and hispid hare, Asiatic Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep etc. Endemic birds such as rusty Throated Wren Blabber and Orange Bullfinch, Black necked crane and Himalayan Quail etc.
Various species of reptiles and amphibians are also found in these types of ecosystems. Protecting Alpine and mountain ecosystemsare very essential for the safety of wildlife and humankind. Soil formations in the forests help in nourishing the crop fields of the hills and provide them the essential soil and nutrients. Waterflow of the mountain rivers helps in controlling the pollution and maintaining a healthy aquatic diversity. We also get many organic foods.
Savannah and Grassland Ecosystem
The tropical grasslands of India are known as Savannah. Herbaceous, shrubs and various tree species consist of Savannah ecosystems. These ecosystems are very essential for the growth and conservation of wildlife. There are many species of insects, birds, mammals and reptiles found in this ecosystem. Also, there are around 206 species of endemic plants found in this ecosystem out of which 17 are in the IUCN red list of threatened species. Greater one-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephants, Hog Deer, Barahsingha, Chital, Hog Deer and Muntjac are some of the animal species found in this ecosystem. Grasslands Ecosystems are the major carbon dioxide processors, and are thus very crucial for global climate regulation.
Forest Ecosystem
Forest ecosystems consist of Lianas, shrubs, climbers and multistoried canopy trees etc. there are 6 types of forest ecosystems such as Mangroves, drylands, tropical deciduous forests, coniferous forests and high-altitude cloud forests. These categories also have many subcategories which contain varieties of plants and animal species.
The plants and animal species differ according to the forest ecosystems of particular regions. It gives shelter to various bird species. Protecting Forest ecosystems are very crucial for the conservation of wildlife as these ecosystems have very fertile soil which provides essential nutrients to the creatures.
These ecosystems are also a great source of regeneration and recreation for the tourists. You will find amazing species of animals such as Indian Elephants, leopards, Tigers, Chitals, Mishmi Takin, Bengal Fox and Chinkara etc. Many forest areas are considered as protected areas by the government, and they are now major biodiversity hotspots. Every year thousands of tourists visit the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to enjoy the wildlife of India.
Without forest ecosystems, India will turn into a dry wasteland. Regeneration will not be possible. Rural livelihood will be able to sustain itself. Fragmentation of the habitat will increase the mortality rate of wild animals. Entire food chain will be disturbed. There will be many problems like desertification, deforestation, soil infertility and climate change.
What Needs to be Done to Save Wildlife in India?
There are several issues and challenges which serve as a barrier for the conservation of forests and wildlife. Let’s discuss some crucial factors-
- Taking Care of the Ecosystems- A healthy and well-maintained ecosystem sustains the biological wealth of the world which is essential for the survival of humankind. Rapid land use, and its exploitation, depleting natural resources will definitely threaten the structure of Ecosystems. Hence it is very important to maintain the quality of ecosystems to conserve wildlife.
- Say No to Habitat Loss and fragmentation- Habitat loss and fragmentation is a major concern in India. Not only will it create a negative impact on climate but also increase the pollution of water and air which will create many ecological and economic problems. Also, the high population density of India and transportation projects also leads to habitat loss of wildlife species. The physical and psychological barriers created by railroad and other linear projects will decrease biodiversity. Hence, we must remove this challenge to protect our forests and wildlife.
- Stop Poaching and Illegal Trade – The unfair practices such as poaching, pillaging of forests, selling animal products illegally etc. leads to the destruction of Wildlife. This needs to be stopped permanently to conserve forests and wildlife.
- Spread Awareness – The metro population does not have much exposure related to the significance of conservation of wildlife at adult levels, environment problems and saving precious resources. Most of the people don’t have the knowledge of ecosystems and habitats, the technologies needed to save wildlife etc. There is not an immediate need to save wildlife in their busy lifestyle. They might or might not see the direct consequences of the loss of the habitat for wildlife. As the rural sector is more connected with nature, they have an exposure to the problems and consequences related to wildlife. As they use the resources and interact with nature for livelihood. If proper awareness is given then three will be a time when the metro population will also understand the need to save wildlife resources.
Government Initiatives to Protect the Wildlife Resources of India
Several Initiatives are taken by the government to conserve and restore the wildlife and forest resources in India.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
This is one of the most popular and important conservation projects for wildlife in India. This act ensures the safety of wildlife wealth of India. Strict punishment will be given to those who will harm wildlife species and resources. The vehicles or any weapon will be forfeited which will be used in committing wildlife offense. Protection will be given to all the rare and critically endangered species of India, like Tiger, Snow Leopard, Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, Dugong, etc. which have been listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Government has ensured the conservation of wildlife and forest resources by creating protected areas viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves. It ensures the safety of precious resources and species and maintains a healthy ecosystem.
- To improve the quality of wildlife and maintain the habitat of the species, financial assistance is given to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’.
- With the assistance of local communities in wildlife conservation measures by Eco developmental activities, the safety of wildlife and precious forest resources are ensured.
- Poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles are strictly prohibited. The Wild Life Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with the help of the State/UTs and other enforcement agencies gather proper intel on these activities. Necessary alerts and advisories are issued by the authorities to prevent these actions.
- The population of Cheetah will be restored which went extinct in 1952. It is a high priority conservation project of 2022. Around 12 Cheetahs are brought from South Africa. A bilateral agreement between the Namibian government has already been signed and a pact with South Africa will be signed soon. If done properly it would be considered as one of the great efforts by the Government to conserve wildlife.
- Another great initiative by the government for the conservation of Wildlife is that India is also having agreements with many Tiger range countries to bring new technologies in tiger conservation methods. India is also working in collaboration with Cambodia to bring Black wild tigers.
For the best practices in science-based wildlife monitoring India has collaborated with Leopard National Park in Russia. It’s basically a technical partnership.
Saving wildlife and forests are essential for economic, spiritual, and aesthetic purposes. Wildlife is an essential sector for the growth of tourism in India. Preserving it is the greatest asset and the gift of God to us humans. From the most basic needs of life to spiritual and aesthetic ones, Wildlife wealth is the lifeline of humankind. So, realize the importance of wildlife, save Wildlife and Go Green.