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• The destruction of wildlife results in the loss of cultural diversity by depriving indigenous and local communities of their traditional knowledge, practices, and spiritual connections associated with wildlife and natural ecosystems. Many cultures around the world have deep-rooted traditions, rituals, and folklore centered on wildlife and biodiversity, reflecting their close relationship with nature. As species disappear due to habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and other human activities, these cultural ties are weakened, leading to the erosion of cultural diversity and identity.

• Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a participatory approach to forest management that involves collaboration between local communities and government agencies. Under JFM, communities living in or near forests are given rights and responsibilities for sustainable forest management and are involved in decision-making processes related to forest conservation, protection, and utilization. This approach aims to empower local communities, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance forest conservation efforts by fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among the people who depend on forests for their survival.

• The government has taken various steps to conserve and protect wildlife, including:

  • Establishment of protected areas: Creation of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to provide habitats for wildlife and conserve biodiversity.
  • Wildlife conservation laws and regulations: Enactment and enforcement of wildlife protection laws, such as the Wildlife Protection Act, to prohibit hunting, poaching, and illegal trade of wildlife species.
  • Conservation breeding programs: Implementation of captive breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species to increase their populations and prevent extinction.
  • Community-based conservation initiatives: Engagement of local communities in wildlife conservation through ecotourism, sustainable livelihood projects, and participatory conservation programs.

• The various categories into which existing species of plants and animals can be classified include:

  • Endemic species: Species that are native and restricted to a specific geographic region or habitat, such as the California condor (animal) and Nepenthes rajah (plant).
  • Keystone species: Species that play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems, such as elephants (animal) and oak trees (plant).
  • Indicator species: Species whose presence, absence, or abundance indicates the health or condition of an ecosystem, such as amphibians (animal) and lichens (plant).
  • Invasive species: Species that are non-native to an ecosystem and cause harm to native species, habitats, or ecosystems, such as the cane toad (animal) and water hyacinth (plant).

• Three methods of forest conservation adopted by the Government post-independence include:

  • Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees and restoring degraded forest areas to increase forest cover and biodiversity.
  • Sustainable forest management: Implementing practices that ensure the long-term health and productivity of forests while meeting the needs of present and future generations.
  • Legal and policy frameworks: Enacting laws and policies to regulate forest use, promote conservation, and prevent deforestation and illegal logging.

• Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Examples include the Bengal tiger, African elephant, and orangutan. Vulnerable species are those that are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild if conservation efforts are not implemented. Examples include the snow leopard, giant panda, and blue whale.

• Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect and conserve the Bengal tiger and its habitat. Under this project, tiger reserves are established in various parts of the country to provide protected areas for tigers and other wildlife species. The project focuses on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, community participation, and scientific monitoring to ensure the survival and recovery of tiger populations.

Four reasons for the depletion of forest resources in India include:

• Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, infrastructure development, and industrial activities.
• Illegal logging: Unsustainable and unauthorized harvesting of timber and forest products for commercial gain.
• Habitat loss and fragmentation: Fragmentation of forest habitats due to human activities, leading to loss of biodiversity and wildlife populations.
• Forest degradation: Degradation of forest ecosystems due to soil erosion, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable land use practices.