Question.
Identify and discuss the factors responsible for the diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India
(UPSC 2023 General Studies Paper 1 (Main) Exam, Answer in 150 words)
Answer.
India is home to diverse natural vegetation that includes Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Wet Deciduous Forest, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest ( monsoon forest), Mangrove forest, Montane forest, and Desert vegetation.
Several factors are responsible for the diversity of natural vegetation in India, some of the factors are as follows:
Diverse Climate:
India has a wide range of climates, from tropical in southern India, to temperate in northern India, to alpine in the Himalayas. It influences the types of vegetation that can thrive in different regions.
Diverse topography:
India has a diverse topography, that includes mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, and coastal regions, which contribute to the diversity of ecosystems including the diversity of natural vegetation. For example, the Western Ghats and the Himalayas have unique vegetation due to their elevation and climatic conditions.
Soil types:
India has different soil types, which include alluvial soil, red soil, laterite soil, black soil, and mountain soil. It influences the types of plants that grow in specific regions.
Rainfall:
Although most part of India receives monsoon rainfall, however, the amount and pattern of rainfall varies in the region. A region like the Western Ghats receives high rainfall, thus supporting dense forest. While thar desert receives very little rainfall, thus supporting desertic vegetation.
Photoperiod:
Longer duration of sunlight promotes dense vegetation.
Significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India:
The regions like the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Coastal region of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and parts of North East India are rich in rainforest.
Wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ( Kerala, Western Ghat), Saddle Peak National Park ( Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary ( Andaman and Nicobar Islands), and Hornbill ( Dan Deli) Wildlife Sanctuary ( Western Ghats, Karnataka) are located in rainforest regions of India.
The significance of these wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India are as follows:
Biodiversity Conservation:
Rainforests are often biodiversity hotspots with a high concentration of unique flora and fauna. Wildlife sanctuaries help protect and conserve this rich biodiversity.
Endangered Species Protection:
Rainforests are home to many endangered species. Wildlife sanctuaries provide a protected environment for these species to thrive and recover.
Minimizing Man-Animal Conflict:
These Wildlife Sanctuaries in rainforests help in minimizing human-animal conflicts and help in the conservation of wildlife in rainforests.
Research and Education:
These wildlife sanctuaries in rainforests serve as important sites for scientific research, helping the studies and conservation of the ecosystem.
Tourism and Awareness:
Wildlife Sanctuaries in rainforest regions attract ecotourism, raising awareness about the importance of conserving these ecosystems.
In summary, the conservation of rainforest areas through wildlife sanctuaries is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development practices. However, major challenges of conservation are habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, illegal activities, invasive species, and climate change, which can be addressed by promoting sustainable development practices.
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