Forest and Wildlife Resources – Class 10 Geography Notes
Revise Chapter 2 from NCERT Contemporary India – II with clear topic-wise notes, key terms, important facts, textbook examples, exam-style questions and model answers. Learn why biodiversity matters, how forests are classified, how India protects wildlife, and how communities help conserve natural resources.
What You Will Learn
Meaning, ecological interdependence and importance of flora and fauna.
Why forests and wildlife need protection and how conservation developed in India.
Threats to tigers and the launch of a major wildlife campaign.
Reserved, protected and unclassed forests.
Chipko, sacred groves, Beej Bachao Andolan, Navdanya and JFM.
Definitions, textbook exercise questions, MCQs and model answers.
Quick Navigation
Topic 1: Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna in India
Textbook reference: Contemporary India – II, Chapter 2, opening section.
What Is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the variety of living organisms and the many forms and functions they have within interconnected ecological systems. It includes microorganisms, plants, animals and other living beings. Humans are part of this ecological web and depend on it for survival.
Plants, animals and microorganisms help maintain the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food. Forests are important because they are primary producers on which other living beings depend.
Flora and Fauna
The plant life of a region, such as trees, shrubs, grasses and other plants.
The animal life of a region, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and other animals.
The variety of living organisms and their interdependence within an ecosystem.
India is one of the world's biologically diverse countries. Its varied plants and animals are integrated into everyday life, but many are under stress because of human insensitivity towards the environment.
Why Is Biodiversity Important?
- It supports ecological balance and life-support systems such as air, water and soil.
- It helps maintain the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
- Traditional crop varieties remain important in agriculture.
- Fisheries depend heavily on the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity.
- Human beings depend on healthy ecosystems for their own existence.
Things to Remember
- Flora means plant life; fauna means animal life.
- Biodiversity includes variety, function and interdependence among living organisms.
- Forests are primary producers in ecological systems.
- Human beings are a part of nature, not separate from it.
Exam Practice: Questions from This Topic
Q1. What is biodiversity?
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Q2. What is meant by flora and fauna?
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Q3. Why are forests important in an ecological system?
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Q4. Explain three reasons why biodiversity is important for human life.
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Q5. Explain how living organisms are interdependent.
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Topic 2: Conservation of Forests and Wildlife in India
Textbook reference: conservation needs and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Conservation became essential because wildlife populations and forest resources were declining rapidly. Conservation helps preserve ecological diversity, life-support systems and the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
Why Is Conservation Necessary?
- To preserve ecological diversity and life-support systems such as water, air and soil.
- To protect the genetic diversity of plants and animals for species growth and breeding.
- To support agriculture, which still depends on traditional crop varieties.
- To maintain aquatic biodiversity on which fisheries depend.
- To protect threatened species and their habitats for the future.
Wildlife Protection in India
During the 1960s and 1970s, conservationists demanded a national wildlife protection programme. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972. It included provisions for protecting habitats and supported an all-India list of protected species.
The programme focused on protecting remaining populations of endangered species by banning hunting, providing legal protection to habitats and restricting trade in wildlife. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established, and specific projects were announced for threatened animals.
Examples of Species Mentioned in the Chapter
Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Kashmir stag (hangul), Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, blackbuck/chinkara and snow leopard.
Freshwater crocodile, saltwater crocodile and gharial.
Great Indian bustard (godawan).
The chapter also notes that conservation planning expanded to include more components of biodiversity. Notifications under the Wildlife Act in 1980 and 1986 added many butterflies, moths, beetles and a dragonfly to the protected list. In 1991, plants were added to the list for the first time, beginning with six species.
Things to Remember
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act: 1972.
- Conservation protects species, habitats, ecological diversity and genetic diversity.
- Measures included banning hunting, protecting habitats and restricting wildlife trade.
- The chapter describes a widening conservation focus, including insects and plants.
Exam Practice: Questions from This Topic
Q1. In which year was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented?
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Q2. State two measures used to protect endangered wildlife under the programme described in the chapter.
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Q3. Explain why conservation of forests and wildlife is important.
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Q4. How did the focus of conservation expand beyond large animals?
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Topic 3: Project Tiger
Textbook reference: the Project Tiger feature in Chapter 2.
The tiger is a key wildlife species in the faunal web. The chapter states that the tiger population had fallen to 1,827 in 1973, compared with an estimate of 55,000 at the turn of the century mentioned in the textbook. The sharp decline highlighted the need for conservation.
Major Threats to Tigers
- Poaching for illegal trade.
- Shrinking natural habitats.
- Decline in prey species.
- Growing human population and pressure on natural areas.
- Trade in tiger skins and use of bones in traditional medicines.
Launch of Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched in 1973. It became one of the best-publicised wildlife campaigns. Tiger conservation was viewed not only as a way to save an endangered species, but also as a way to preserve large habitats and the many species that depend on them.
The chapter gives examples of tiger reserves and protected areas, including Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
Things to Remember
- Project Tiger began in 1973.
- The textbook cites a population figure of 1,827 in 1973 and an estimate of 55,000 at the turn of the century.
- Key threats include poaching, shrinking habitat and depletion of prey.
- Tiger conservation can protect the wider ecosystem and other species.
Exam Practice: Questions from This Topic
Q1. When was Project Tiger launched?
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Q2. Mention any two threats to the tiger population.
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Q3. Why was Project Tiger launched?
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Q4. Name three tiger reserves or protected areas mentioned in the chapter and their states.
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Topic 4: Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources
Textbook reference: forest categories managed or owned by government, communities and individuals.
Managing, controlling and regulating India's forest and wildlife resources is challenging. The chapter classifies forests into three categories according to their legal and management status.
| Forest category | Textbook description | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Reserved forests | More than half of the total forest land is declared reserved forest. | Regarded as the most valuable for conservation of forest and wildlife resources. |
| Protected forests | Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, as declared by the Forest Department. | Protected from further depletion. |
| Unclassed forests | Other forests and wastelands belonging to government, private individuals and communities. | May be managed by government bodies, private owners or local communities. |
Permanent Forest Estates
Reserved and protected forests are also referred to as permanent forest estates. They are maintained for timber and other forest produce and for protective purposes. The textbook states that Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, constituting 75 per cent of its total forest area.
The chapter also describes regional differences in forest classification. Some states have large percentages of reserved forests; several others have much of their forest area under protected forests. In many north-eastern states and parts of Gujarat, a high proportion of forests is classified as unclassed and managed by local communities.
Things to Remember
- Reserved forests: most valuable for conservation according to the textbook.
- Protected forests: protected from further depletion.
- Unclassed forests: include forests and wastelands belonging to government, private individuals and communities.
- Reserved + protected forests are called permanent forest estates.
- Textbook figure: Madhya Pradesh has 75% of its total forest area under permanent forests.
Exam Practice: Questions from This Topic
Q1. Which conservation strategy listed in the textbook exercise does not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint Forest Management (b) Beej Bachao Andolan (c) Chipko Movement (d) Demarcation of wildlife sanctuaries
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Q2. What are permanent forest estates?
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Q3. Distinguish between reserved, protected and unclassed forests.
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Q4. Explain the distribution pattern of forest categories mentioned in the chapter.
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Topic 5: Community and Conservation
Textbook reference: local initiatives, sacred groves and Joint Forest Management.
Conservation is not new in India. Many communities have traditional beliefs and practices that protect forests and wildlife. In several places, local people work with officials or organise their own efforts to protect habitats because their livelihoods depend on these environments.
Examples of Community Conservation
Villagers opposed mining by referring to the Wildlife Protection Act.
Five villages in Alwar district declared 1,200 hectares of forest as a community-protected area and established rules against hunting and outside encroachment.
The movement in the Himalayas resisted deforestation and showed that community afforestation using indigenous species could succeed.
These initiatives demonstrated the possibility of diversified crop production without synthetic chemicals.
Sacred Groves
Sacred groves are patches of forest or parts of larger forests protected because of traditional beliefs and nature worship. Local people leave these areas untouched and prohibit interference. Such practices have helped preserve rare species and forest patches.
The chapter gives examples of tree worship: the Munda and Santhal communities of the Chota Nagpur region worship mahua and kadamba trees; some tribal communities in Odisha and Bihar worship tamarind and mango trees during weddings. Peepal and banyan trees are also considered sacred by many people. In Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai and peacocks are protected as part of community life.
Joint Forest Management (JFM)
Joint Forest Management involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The textbook notes that the programme has been in formal existence since 1988, when Odisha passed the first resolution for JFM. Village institutions undertake protection activities, mostly on degraded forest land managed by the Forest Department. In return, community members may receive intermediate benefits such as non-timber forest produce and a share in timber harvested after successful protection.
Things to Remember
- Chipko Movement: resisted deforestation in the Himalayas.
- Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya: associated with diversified crop production without synthetic chemicals.
- Sacred groves: forest patches protected through traditional beliefs and rules.
- JFM: formal existence from 1988, with Odisha passing the first resolution.
- JFM links local protection efforts with benefits such as non-timber forest produce and a share in timber.
Exam Practice: Questions from This Topic
Q1. What is a sacred grove?
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Q2. What was the contribution of the Chipko Movement to conservation?
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Q3. Explain how communities have conserved forests and wildlife in India.
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Q4. How does Joint Forest Management work?
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Q5. Describe good practices towards conserving forests and wildlife.
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Complete Chapter Revision Sheet
Variety of life forms and their interdependence.
Implemented in 1972 according to the chapter.
Launched in 1973.
Regarded as most valuable for conservation.
Protected from further depletion.
May belong to government, private individuals or communities.
Resisted deforestation in the Himalayas.
Forest patches protected by traditional beliefs.
Community participation in forest protection; formal existence from 1988.
Mind Map: Forest and Wildlife Resources
Important Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity | The variety of living organisms and their interdependent ecological relationships. |
| Flora | Plant life of a region. |
| Fauna | Animal life of a region. |
| Endangered species | Species facing a serious risk of extinction; conservation measures may be needed for their survival. |
| Sacred groves | Forest patches protected through traditional beliefs and community rules. |
| Permanent forest estates | Reserved and protected forests maintained for forest produce and protective purposes. |
| Joint Forest Management | A programme involving local communities in protection and restoration of degraded forests. |
Revision Checklist
NCERT Exercise Practice with Answers
These questions follow the exercise section at the end of Chapter 2 in the supplied PDF. Attempt each question before opening its answer.
Q1. Which conservation strategy does not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint Forest Management (b) Beej Bachao Andolan (c) Chipko Movement (d) Demarcation of wildlife sanctuaries
Show answer
Q2. Match the forest category with its description.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Reserved forests | A. Other forests and wastelands belonging to government, private individuals and communities. |
| Protected forests | B. Forests considered most valuable for conservation. |
| Unclassed forests | C. Forest lands protected from further depletion. |
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Q3. What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
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Q4. How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna?
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Q5. Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
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Q6. Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
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Final Practice Test
Suggested time: 25 minutes. Attempt the questions before revealing the answer key.
Define biodiversity.
In which year was Project Tiger launched?
Give two reasons for conserving forests and wildlife.
Differentiate between reserved, protected and unclassed forests.
Explain any three threats to tiger populations described in the chapter.
Explain how communities participate in conserving forests and wildlife in India. Give examples.
Show practice-test answer key
- Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms and their forms, functions and interrelationships in ecological systems.
- 1973.
- Conservation protects ecological diversity and life-support systems, preserves genetic diversity, and supports agriculture and fisheries. Any two relevant reasons.
- Reserved forests are considered most valuable for conservation; protected forests are protected from further depletion; unclassed forests include forests and wastelands belonging to government, private individuals and communities.
- Poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey species and growing human pressure are examples.
- Examples include the Chipko Movement, sacred groves, villagers opposing mining in Sariska, Bhairodev Dakav “Sonchuri”, Beej Bachao Andolan, Navdanya and Joint Forest Management. Explain how these protect forests, wildlife or biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which book contains Class 10 Geography Chapter 2, Forest and Wildlife Resources?
It is Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 10 Geography textbook Contemporary India – II.
2. What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms and their interdependence in ecological systems.
3. When was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented?
The chapter states that the Act was implemented in 1972.
4. When was Project Tiger launched?
Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
5. What are the three categories of forests in this chapter?
Reserved forests, protected forests and unclassed forests.
6. What are sacred groves?
Sacred groves are forest patches protected by local communities through traditional beliefs and practices.
7. What is Joint Forest Management?
It is a programme that involves local communities in protecting and restoring degraded forests, often in cooperation with the Forest Department.