NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 – Forest and Wildlife Resources

NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 explains the importance of biodiversity, forest classification and wildlife conservation in India. In NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2, students understand how forests maintain ecological balance and support livelihoods.

India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world. According to NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2, India accounts for nearly 8% of the world’s biodiversity, with around 47,000 plant species and about 89,000 animal species. This rich biodiversity makes conservation extremely important.

A major theme of NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 is the classification of species into Normal, Endangered, Vulnerable, Rare, Endemic and Extinct categories. Species like the Asiatic Cheetah (extinct in India) and Black Buck (endangered) are important from exam perspective.

NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 also highlights how colonial forest policies, agricultural expansion and industrial development led to depletion of forests and wildlife.

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1. Biodiversity and Importance of Forests

• India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world with vast variety of flora and fauna.
• India has about 8% of the world’s biodiversity.
• Approximately 47,000 plant species and 89,000 animal species are found in India.
• Forests are the primary producers in the ecological system and support life by maintaining air, water and soil quality.
• Forests provide livelihood to millions of people, especially in tribal and rural areas.

2. Classification of Species (IUCN Categories)

• Normal Species – Population levels are considered normal for survival such as cattle, sal, pine, rodents.
• Endangered Species – Species facing risk of extinction such as Black Buck, Indian Rhino, Crocodile, Sangai (Manipur).
• Vulnerable Species – Species likely to move into endangered category such as Blue Sheep, Asiatic Elephant, Gangetic Dolphin.
• Rare Species – Species with small population such as Himalayan Brown Bear, Desert Fox, Wild Asiatic Buffalo.
• Endemic Species – Species found only in particular areas such as Andaman Teal, Nicobar Pigeon, Andaman Wild Pig.
• Extinct Species – Species not found after searches such as Asiatic Cheetah in India, Pink-headed Duck.

3. Causes of Depletion of Flora and Fauna

• Agricultural expansion and conversion of forests into farmland.
• Mining, quarrying and industrial development in forest areas.
• Construction of multi-purpose river valley projects leading to submergence of forests.
• Overgrazing and shifting cultivation (Jhum cultivation).
• Hunting and poaching for trade in ivory, skins and horns.
• Environmental degradation due to urbanisation and pollution.

4. Forest and Wildlife in India

• According to classification, forests are divided into Reserved Forests, Protected Forests and Unclassed Forests.
• Reserved Forests are regarded as most valuable for conservation.
• Protected Forests are protected from further depletion.
• Unclassed Forests include government, private and community forests.
• States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have large areas under Reserved and Protected Forests.
• North-Eastern States and parts of Gujarat have large areas under Unclassed Forests.

5. Reserved, Protected and Unclassed Forests (Area Distribution)

• More than half of the total forest area is declared as Reserved Forests.
• Around one-third of forest area is Protected Forests.
• Remaining area is Unclassed Forests, mostly in North-Eastern States.
• Reserved forests are under strict government control for biodiversity protection.
• Unclassed forests are often community-owned or privately managed.

6. Wildlife Protection and Conservation Efforts

• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was implemented to safeguard habitats.
• Establishment of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves.
• Special projects such as Project Tiger (1973) and Project Rhino.
• Project Elephant (1992) launched for conservation of Asiatic Elephants.
• Ban on hunting and trade of endangered species.

7. Role of Local Communities

• Local communities have played a major role in conservation through movements like Chipko Movement (Uttarakhand).
• In Alwar District, Rajasthan, villagers revived 5 villages through forest protection.
• In Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan), villagers resisted mining activities.
• Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme involves villagers in forest protection.
• In Arabari Forest Range (West Bengal), JFM showed successful regeneration of sal forests.

8. Joint Forest Management (JFM)

• Introduced formally in 1988.
• Local institutions are formed under JFM to protect and manage degraded forests.
• Around 22 States have adopted JFM.
• Over 33,000 JFM Committees manage nearly 17 million hectares of forest land.
• Villagers share benefits from forest products in return for protection.

9. Conservation of Forest and Wildlife

• Conservation aims to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
• Emphasis on sustainable use rather than complete prohibition.
• Need to conserve gene pool of plants and animals for future generations.
• Promotion of social forestry and afforestation programmes.
• Awareness campaigns against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

10. Exam Oriented Facts

• India accounts for 8% of world biodiversity.
• India has around 47,000 plant species and 89,000 animal species.
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act – 1972.
• Project Tiger – 1973, Project Elephant – 1992.
• More than 50% forests are Reserved Forests.
• Joint Forest Management introduced in 1988.
• Over 33,000 JFM Committees managing nearly 17 million hectares.
• Movements: Chipko (Uttarakhand), Arabari (West Bengal), Sariska (Rajasthan).

Understanding NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 – Forest and Wildlife Resources is essential to analyse biodiversity conservation and forest governance in India.

NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 explains forest classification, wildlife protection laws, community participation and conservation strategies. Students preparing for CBSE, BPSC and UPSC foundation courses should also refer to the official NCERT website for authentic textbooks and syllabus updates.

For competitive exams, focus on key terms like Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Project Tiger, Joint Forest Management (1988) and Biodiversity categories.

Continue reading NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 – Water Resources to understand water management and inter-state disputes in India.

FAQs

Q1. What is NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 about?
It explains biodiversity, forest classification and wildlife conservation in India.

Q2. What is the Wildlife Protection Act mentioned in Chapter 2?
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides legal protection to endangered species.

Q3. What is Joint Forest Management (JFM)?
It is a community-based forest conservation programme introduced in 1988.

Q4. Why is Project Tiger important?
Launched in 1973, it aims to protect tiger population and their habitats.

Q5. Why is Chapter 2 important for exams?
It forms the foundation for Environment and Ecology topics in CBSE, BPSC and UPSC exams.

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