FORESTS AND WILDLIFE

RESOURCES

Prepared by Divya Das. S. S

INDIA: FEATURES India has a rich biological diversity . It is one of the twelve mega bio-

diversity countries of the world. It has nearly 8% of the total number of

species in the world. Total no. of plant species in India- 47000

Flowering plant species- 15000 This account for 6% in the world’s total no. of

flowering plants. Non flowering plant species- 32000

India occupies 10th place in the world & 4th in Asia in plant diversity.

Total no. of animal species- 81000

NATURAL VEGETATION

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community which has grown naturally without any human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.

It is otherwise known as ‘Virgin vegetation’.

FACTORS AFFECTING NATURAL VEGETATION

RELIEF LAND SOIL

CLIMATE TEMPERATURE SUNLIGHT PRECIPITATION

WHY FORESTS ARE IMPORTANT? ECONOMIC VALUE:

Wood is a major forest product. Other minor products are oil, gums & resins, tans

& dyes, paper & rayon, medicines from herbs & roots etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE: Checks soil erosion Increases the level of water table. Revitalizing the atmosphere. Increase the fertility of the soil. Modify the temperature,controls wind force &

causes rainfall. Natural habitat for plants & animals

CLASSIFICATION OF SPECIES International Union for Conservation of

Nature & Natural Resources (IUCN) has classified the species into various categories as under:

Extinct species Endangered species Vulnerable species Rare species Endemic species Normal species