Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

• Introduction

  • Meaning of Natural Vegetation (Virgin Vegetation)
  • Meaning of Wildlife
  • Flora and Fauna diversity in India

• Factors Affecting Vegetation & Wildlife

  • Relief
    • Land (Mountain, Plateau, Plain)
    • Soil (Sandy, Alluvial, Laterite)
  • Climate
    • Temperature
    • Photoperiod (Sunlight)
    • Precipitation (Rainfall)

• Types of Vegetation in India

  • Tropical Rain Forests (Evergreen)
    • High rainfall (>200 cm)
    • Dense, multi-layered canopy
    • Key trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood
    • Key animals: Elephant, Monkey, Rhino
  • Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon)
    • Most widespread in India
    • Moderate rainfall (70-200 cm)
    • Sub-types: Moist and Dry
    • Key trees: Teak, Sal, Peepal, Neem
    • Key animals: Lion, Tiger, Pig, Deer
  • Tropical Thorn Forests & Scrubs
    • Low rainfall (<70 cm)
    • Thorny trees and bushes
    • Key trees: Acacias, Palms, Euphorbias
    • Key animals: Rats, Mice, Wild ass, Camels
  • Montane Forests
    • Variation with altitude (decrease in temperature)
    • Sub-types: Wet temperate, Coniferous, Alpine
    • Key trees: Oak, Chestnut, Pine, Deodar
    • Key animals: Kashmir stag, Snow leopard, Sheep
  • Mangrove Forests (Tidal Forests)
    • Grown in tidal mud and saline water
    • Key trees: Sundri, Rhizophora
    • Key animals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, Turtles

• Wildlife of India

  • Rich biodiversity (90,000 animal species)
  • Endangered Species and causes of threat:
    • Poaching for horns, fur, skins
    • Deforestation and habitat destruction
    • Pollution and chemical wastes
  • Government Conservation Measures:
    • Biosphere Reserves (18 total)
    • National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Special Projects: Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Elephant Project

• Medicinal Plants in India

  • Total plant species: ~47,000
  • Important medicinal plants:
    • Sarpagandha (blood pressure)
    • Jamun (diabetes, digestive system)
    • Arjun (blood pressure regulation)
    • Babool (eyes, gums, sore throat)
    • Neem (antibacterial, antifungal)
    • Tulsi (cough and cold)