BIODIVERSITY
Bio – Life
Diversity – Variety
HABITAT
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Tiger One Horned Rhinoceros
Kashmir Stag or Hangul Asiatic Lion
Indian Elephant Black Buck (Chinkara)
Indian bustard (Godawan) Snow leopard
Tiger
The majestic tiger, our national animal, faces threats from habitat loss and poaching.
Conservation efforts like Project Tiger aim to protect and revive their dwindling populations.
One-Horned Rhinoceros
Native to India and Nepal, the one-horned rhinoceros is known for its thick, armor-like skin.
Intensive conservation, especially in Kaziranga National Park, has helped its numbers recover.
Kashmir Stag (Hangul)
The Kashmir stag, or hangul, is the only surviving sub-species of red deer in India.
Found mainly in the Dachigam National Park, it struggles with habitat disturbance and
poaching.
Asiatic Lion
Once widespread across Asia, the Asiatic lion now survives only in Gujarat’s Gir Forest.
Protection programs have helped increase its numbers, but it remains vulnerable to diseases.
Indian Elephant
A cultural symbol in India, the Indian elephant faces threats from habitat fragmentation.
Conservation projects focus on creating corridors to allow safe movement across forests.
Black Buck (Chinkara)
The black buck, known for its striking twisted horns and graceful leaps, inhabits open
grasslands.
Hunting and habitat loss have made it endangered, but protected reserves support its survival.
Indian Bustard (Godawan)
The Indian bustard, a tall and heavy bird, is critically endangered with fewer than 200
individuals.
It suffers due to habitat loss in grasslands and collisions with power lines.
Snow Leopard
The elusive snow leopard roams the high mountains of Central and South Asia.
Climate change and human activities threaten its cold, rugged habitats.
Types of crocodile
Water Crocodile (Mugger Crocodile)
The mugger crocodile, also called the marsh
crocodile, is found in freshwater habitats across
India.
Though protected now, it once faced severe
decline due to hunting and habitat loss.
Water crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile is the largest living
reptile, found in coastal areas and estuaries.
Conservation efforts, especially in Odisha’s
Bhitarkanika sanctuary, have helped its
population grow.
Saltwater crocodile
Gharial
The gharial, with its long, narrow snout, is
adapted to catching fish in Indian rivers.
It is critically endangered due to river pollution,
habitat destruction, and fishing activities.
Gharial
TYPES AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORESTS AND WILDLIFE
Feature Reserved Forest Protected Forest Unclassed Forest
Forests notified under Forests where
Forests not classified as
Indian Forest Act where activities are
Definition Reserved or Protected,
activities are strictly allowed but with
often unmanaged.
regulated. some restrictions.
Degree of Moderate Least protection or
Highest protection level.
Protection protection level. regulation.
Rights exist unless
Rights of No rights unless specifically Local communities
specifically
People granted. often use them freely.
withdrawn.
Permission is needed for Some activities like
Permission Activities usually
grazing, hunting, and grazing are allowed
for Activities uncontrolled.
collection of forest produce. but controlled.
State Government
State Government under Managed by State
under Indian Forest
Declared By Indian Forest Act, 1927 Government or local
Act, 1927 (Section
(Section 20). bodies.
29).
National Parks, Wildlife Village forests, some
Examples Community forests.
Sanctuaries. tribal areas.
Chipko Movement
1. Started in the 1970s in
Uttarakhand (then Uttar
Pradesh).
2. Aimed to protect forests
from commercial tree-
cutting
3. Villagers, especially women,
hugged trees to prevent
them from being felled.
4. Important leaders were
Sunderlal Bahuguna and
Gaura Devi.
5. It became a symbol of non-
violent environmental
protest in India.
Beej Bachao Andolan
1. Started in the 1980s in Uttarakhand.
2. Aimed to protect indigenous (traditional) seeds
from extinction.
3. Promoted organic farming and opposed
chemical agriculture.
4. Led by Vijay Jardhari and other local farmers.
5. Focused on reviving old crops like millets and
native rice varieties.
Bishnoi Movement
1. Started in 1730 AD in the
village of Khejarli, Rajasthan.
2. Aimed to save Khejri trees
and wildlife from
destruction.
3. Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi
and supported by the
Bishnoi community.
4. 363 people sacrificed their
lives to protect trees.
5. It inspired later environmental movements in India.
SACRED GROVES
Mahua ( Bassia Latifolia) Kadamba ( Anthocaphalus cadamba)
Mango (Mangifera indica) Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
