01 · Explore
Biodiversity and the Web of Life
India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of biological diversity, possessing a vast array of flora and fauna that are deeply integrated into our daily lives.
We share our planet with millions of living beings, ranging from microscopic bacteria and lichens to giant banyan trees, elephants, and blue whales. This variety of life forms is known as biodiversity. It is not just a collection of species but a complex web of ecological systems where every organism plays a specific role.
Humans are merely a part of this system and are heavily dependent on it for survival. For instance, plants, animals, and micro-organisms are responsible for recreating the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that produces our food. Forests are considered the primary producers in this system because all other living beings depend on them directly or indirectly.
Despite its importance, this biodiversity is currently under great stress. Insensitivity toward the environment has led to a rapid decline in wildlife populations and forestry, making conservation an urgent necessity.
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Why are forests called 'primary producers' in an ecological system?
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02 · Explore
The Need for Conservation
Conservation is the planned management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
The rapid decline in wildlife and forestry has made conservation essential for several reasons. Primarily, conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems—water, air, and soil. Without these, human life cannot be sustained.
Furthermore, conservation preserves genetic diversity. This is crucial for the better growth and breeding of species. In agriculture, we still rely on traditional crop varieties that possess natural resistance and traits. Similarly, fisheries depend on the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity to remain productive.
In response to these needs, conservationists in India demanded a national wildlife protection programme during the 1960s and 1970s, leading to significant legislative action.
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How does conservation benefit agriculture and fisheries?
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03 · Explore
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 marked a turning point in India's approach to protecting its natural heritage.
Implemented in 1972, this Act provided various provisions for protecting habitats. One of its main features was the publication of an all-India list of protected species. The primary thrust of the programme was to protect the remaining populations of endangered species.
The Act achieved this by banning hunting, providing legal protection to wildlife habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife products. Following this, the central and state governments established numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to provide safe havens for animals.
Over time, the focus expanded from just a few animals to a wider range of species. While initial projects focused on large mammals like the tiger and rhinoceros, later notifications in 1980, 1986, and 1991 added hundreds of butterflies, moths, beetles, and even plant species to the protected list.
Evolution of Protected Species Lists
- 1
1972 Act
Focus on endangered mammals and birds; banning hunting and trade.
- 2
1980 & 1986
Inclusion of insects: hundreds of butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly added.
- 3
1991
Plants added to the list for the first time, starting with six species.
The progression of wildlife protection in India from large animals to insects and plants.
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What were the three main methods used by the 1972 Act to protect endangered species?
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04 · Explore
Project Tiger: A Case Study
Launched in 1973, Project Tiger is one of the most well-publicized wildlife conservation campaigns in the world.
In 1973, authorities realized that the tiger population had plummeted from an estimated 55,000 at the start of the 20th century to just 1,827. The threats were many: poaching for trade (skins and bones for traditional medicine), shrinking habitats, and the depletion of prey species.
Since India and Nepal host about two-thirds of the world's surviving tigers, they became prime targets for illegal trade. Project Tiger was launched not just to save an endangered species, but as a means of preserving entire biotypes of significant magnitude.
Several tiger reserves were established across India to manage these populations, including Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Sariska (Rajasthan), Manas (Assam), and Periyar (Kerala).
| Tiger Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand |
| Sunderbans National Park | West Bengal |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan |
| Manas Tiger Reserve | Assam |
| Periyar Tiger Reserve | Kerala |
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According to 1973 data, what was the estimated decline in the tiger population since the turn of the century?
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