Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India: A Comprehensive Guide for Competitive Exams
India, known for its vast geographical diversity, is a treasure trove of natural vegetation and wildlife. From the towering Himalayas to the sun-drenched Thar Desert, and the dense tropical forests of the Western Ghats to the coastal mangroves of Sundarbans, India’s varied ecosystems support an incredible array of plant and animal species. This article explores the natural vegetation and wildlife of India in detail, providing valuable insights for competitive exams.
What is Natural Vegetation?
Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows naturally without human interference. It includes forests, grasslands, shrubs, and other plant types found in specific climatic and soil conditions. India’s rich biodiversity is primarily influenced by factors like climate, soil, altitude, and topography.
Classification of Natural Vegetation in India
India’s natural vegetation is broadly classified into the following types:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests
- Location: Found in areas with heavy rainfall (above 200 cm) such as the Western Ghats, northeastern states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Features: Dense, multi-layered forests with a rich canopy; remain green throughout the year.
- Flora: Rosewood, mahogany, ebony, and rubber.
- Fauna: Elephants, tigers, leopards, and various species of birds, reptiles, and insects.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests
- Location: Found in regions with moderate rainfall (100–200 cm), such as the central Indian plateau, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, and parts of Odisha.
- Features: Shed leaves during the dry season.
- Flora: Teak, sal, sandalwood, and bamboo.
- Fauna: Deer, langurs, sloth bears, and peacocks.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests
- Location: Found in arid and semi-arid regions with rainfall below 50 cm, like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Haryana.
- Features: Dominated by thorny bushes and shrubs.
- Flora: Babool, khejri, cacti, and date palms.
- Fauna: Camels, foxes, and desert lizards.
4. Montane Forests
- Location: Found in high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas.
- Features: Vary according to altitude (subtropical, temperate, and alpine types).
- Flora: Pine, deodar, fir, and rhododendrons.
- Fauna: Snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas, and Himalayan monals.
5. Mangrove Forests
- Location: Found in coastal areas, especially in the Sundarbans delta.
- Features: Adapted to saline and tidal conditions.
- Flora: Sundari trees, nipa palms, and mangroves.
- Fauna: Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and aquatic species like fish and crabs.
Wildlife of India
India is home to approximately 7-8% of the world’s recorded species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries globally. The Indian subcontinent is divided into several biogeographic zones, each supporting unique fauna.
Notable Wildlife Species
- Big Cats: India hosts iconic species like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and snow leopard.
- Elephants: Found in the forests of Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam.
- Rhinoceros: The one-horned rhinoceros is primarily found in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
- Birds: India’s diverse birdlife includes peacocks, hornbills, and migratory species like flamingos.
- Reptiles: Includes the king cobra, Indian python, and gharials.
Wildlife Conservation in India
India has taken several steps to conserve its rich wildlife heritage. Notable initiatives include:
Protected Areas
- National Parks: Over 100 national parks, such as Jim Corbett, Gir, and Ranthambore.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: More than 550 sanctuaries, including Bharatpur and Periyar.
- Biosphere Reserves: 18 reserves like the Nilgiri and Sundarbans Biosphere Reserves.
Key Projects
- Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 to protect tigers and their habitats.
- Project Elephant: Focuses on the conservation of Asian elephants.
- Crocodile Conservation Project: Aims to save declining crocodilian species.
Laws and Acts
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to endangered species.
- Environment Protection Act, 1986: Enforces measures to protect and improve the environment.
Significance of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
- Ecological Balance: Forests and wildlife maintain the balance of nature.
- Economic Importance: Provide resources like timber, medicines, and tourism revenue.
- Cultural Significance: Many species are deeply embedded in Indian culture and mythology.
- Climate Regulation: Forests play a critical role in carbon sequestration and rainfall patterns.
Challenges and Threats
Despite efforts, natural vegetation and wildlife face threats like deforestation, poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Urbanization and industrialization further exacerbate the problem.
Way Forward
- Afforestation: Promote large-scale tree planting and reforestation.
- Sustainable Development: Balance development with environmental conservation.
- Awareness and Education: Educate communities about the importance of biodiversity.
- Strengthening Laws: Ensure stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
Conclusion
India’s natural vegetation and wildlife are invaluable assets that require collective efforts for conservation. By understanding the intricate connection between ecosystems and species, we can pave the way for sustainable coexistence. For competitive exams, remember key data, conservation projects, and classifications, as these are often tested in questions. Let’s pledge to protect this incredible biodiversity for future generations.
1. Which of the following is not correctly matched? [UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2009]
Simlipal National Park is in Odisha, not Madhya Pradesh.
2. Which one of the following is not correctly matched? [UPPSC (Pre) 2014]
Hangul is found in Dachigam National Park, not Periyar.
3. Which of the following is not correctly matched? [UPPSC 2010]
Bandipur National Park is in Karnataka, not Tamil Nadu.
4. Which of the following National Parks of India are declared as World Heritage by UNESCO? [CDS 2018]
Keoladeo, Sundarbans, and Kaziranga National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ranthambore is not.
5. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? [IAS (Pre) 2020]
Desert National Park is spread over two districts and is a natural habitat for the Great Indian Bustard. However, human habitation exists within its boundaries.
6. Consider the following pairs. [IAS (Pre) 2013]
National Park – River Flowing through the Park
I. Corbett National Park – Ganga
II. Kaziranga National Park – Manas
III. Silent Valley National Park – Kaveri
None of the pairs are correctly matched. The rivers flowing through these parks are different.
7. Consider the following pairs. [IAS (Pre) 2013]
I. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve – Garo Hills
II. Loktak Lake – Barail Range
III. Namdapha National Park – Dafla Hills
Only Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the Garo Hills is correctly matched. The other pairs are incorrect.
8. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the code given below. [UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
List I | List II
A. Dachigam | 1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Papikonda | 2. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Sariska | 3. Rajasthan
D. Bandipur | 4. Karnataka
Dachigam is in Jammu and Kashmir, Papikonda is in Andhra Pradesh, Sariska is in Rajasthan, and Bandipur is in Karnataka.
9. The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in [OPSC 2018]
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam.
10. Which one of the following wildlife sanctuaries is situated in Munger district of Bihar? [BPSC 2019]
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Munger district of Bihar.
11. In which district of Karnataka is the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary located?
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
12. The Chinar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in [SSC CGL 2019]
The Chinar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala.
13. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is situated in [BPSC (Pre) 2015]
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Gurgaon, Haryana.
14. Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is located in [UPPSC (Mains) 2016]
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is located in Nepal.
15. The first marine sanctuary in India with coral reefs, mollusks, dolphins, tortoises, and various kinds of seabirds within its bounds has been established in [IAS (Pre) 1999]
The first marine sanctuary in India is the Gulf of Kachchh Marine Sanctuary, located in Gujarat.
16. Which National Park/Sanctuary has been selected to house Gir lions? [MPPSC (Pre) 2008]
Palpur Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been selected to house Gir lions.
17. Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located in
The Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.
18. The Bird Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu is located in [UPPSC (Mains) 2008]
Karikili Bird Sanctuary is one of the bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.
19. Select the state amongst the following with the maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries. [UPPSC (Pre) 2008, UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2004]
Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries among the listed states.
20. Where is the wild ass sanctuary located in India? [UPPSC (Pre) 2010]
The Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
21. Which one of the following is a Wildlife Sanctuary? [SSC 2011]
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is the correct answer. Others are National Parks.
22. Mudumalai Sanctuary is famous for [SSC 2011]
Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is famous for elephants.
23. Which one of the following is the first National Park established in India? [UPPSC 2017]
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is the first National Park in India.
24. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was founded in [UPPSC 2017]
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was founded in 1997.
25. Which one of the following is located in Chhattisgarh? [UPRO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
Indravati National Park is located in Chhattisgarh.
26. Which one of the following is located in the Bastar region? [UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2015, IAS (Pre) 2007]
Indravati National Park is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
27. Kaziranga National Park is famous for [SSC 2008]
Kaziranga National Park is famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros.
28. Where is Vansda National Park located? [WBCS 2019]
Vansda National Park is located in Gujarat.
29. Which one among the following has the maximum number of National Parks? [IAS (Pre) 2008]
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the maximum number of National Parks among the options.
30. Great Himalayan National Park, which has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, is located in [UKPSC (Pre) 2012]
The Great Himalayan National Park is located in Himachal Pradesh.
31. The UNESCO declared which one of the following National Parks of India as a World Heritage Site in July 2016? [UP RO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
Kanchenjunga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2016.
32. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports rich biodiversity? [IAS (Pre) 2015]
Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating National Park in the world.
33. Which of the following is a Marine National Park? [UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
The Gulf of Mannar is a Marine National Park located in Tamil Nadu.
34. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to sub-tropical, temperate, and arctic? [IAS (Pre) 2015]
Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim features a diverse range of climates.
35. The Rajiv Gandhi National Park is located in [UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2002, UPPSC (Pre) 2002]
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, also known as Nagarhole National Park, is located in Karnataka.
36. Where is the home of the Asiatic Lion? [MPPSC (Pre) 1998]
Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat is the only home of the Asiatic Lion.
37. Which of the following is the oldest National Park in India? [CGPSC 2020]
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is the oldest National Park in India.
38. The ‘Cloud Goats’ of the Nilgiri are found in [UPPSC (Mains) 2005]
The Nilgiri Tahr, also called the ‘Cloud Goat,’ is found in Eravikulam National Park in Kerala.
39. Kanha National Park belongs to which one among the following biogeographical areas in the world? [CDS 2011]
Kanha National Park is classified under Tropical Sub-humid Forests.
40. At which place India’s first Butterfly Park has been established? [CGPSC (Pre) 2008]
India’s first Butterfly Park was established in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore.
41. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? [IAS (Pre) 2017]
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve acts as an essential ecological link between the Eastern and Western Ghats.
42. Which one of the following has a protected mangrove region? [UPPSC (Mains) 2016]
Goa has a protected mangrove region to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance.
43. To maintain ecological balance, the area under forest should be [UPPSC (Pre) 2014]
The area under forests should ideally be 33% of the total geographical area to maintain ecological balance.
44. National Mission for Green India has been initiated in the following states by Governments of India with the aim to improve the density of existing forests. [JPSC (Pre) 2016]
The National Mission for Green India was initiated in both Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh to enhance forest density.
45. Social forestry is [SSC 2011]
Social forestry involves growing and managing useful plants on government-owned land to benefit communities.
46. The Government of India enacted the Forest Conservation Act in the year [UPPSC (Pre) 2017]
The Forest Conservation Act was enacted in 1980 to safeguard forests.
47. The National Forest Policy aims at maintaining how much of the total geographical area under forests? [UPPSC (Pre) 2002]
The National Forest Policy aims to maintain one-third of the total geographical area under forests.
48. Which of the following has not been categorised as forest under the National Forest Policy (1953)? [UPRO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
National Parks are not categorised as forests under the National Forest Policy of 1953.
49. Which one of the following Forest Acts divided forests of India into reserved, protected, and village forests? [Astt. Comm. 2019]
The Forest Act of 1878 classified forests into reserved, protected, and village forests.
50. Nagaland mountains are becoming increasingly barren mountains mainly due to [MPPSC (Pre) 2010]
Shifting cultivation has led to barren mountains in Nagaland.
51. Which of the following is not the impact of deforestation in India? [MPPSC (Pre) 2013, UK PSC (Pre) 2006]
Urbanisation is not a direct impact of deforestation.
52. Which among the following States has launched ‘Apna Van Apna Dhan’ scheme? [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]
The ‘Apna Van Apna Dhan’ scheme was launched by Uttar Pradesh.
53. Chipko Movement was basically against [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]
The Chipko Movement protested against deforestation to conserve trees.
54. Which of the following countries has passed a resolution to maintain forest on 70% land of its geographical area? [UPPSC (Mains) 2016]
Bhutan passed a resolution to maintain 70% forest cover.
55. According to data obtained from satellite survey, what percentage of India’s area is covered with forest?
The correct answer is 22% based on satellite survey data.
56. According to the Indian State of Forest Report, 2019 released by the Ministry of Environment, what is the percentage of the total geographical area of India under forest and tree cover? [UPRO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
The correct answer is 24.48% as per the Indian State of Forest Report, 2019.
57. Which of the following State of India has the largest percentage or geographical area under forest as per the report of the Forest Survey of India? [UP RO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
Mizoram has the largest percentage of geographical area under forest.
58. The group of states which have forest coverage of more than 75% of the total geographical area is
The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh with forest coverage above 75%.
59. Which Indian State has the largest forest cover area? [SSC CGL 2020]
Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover area in India.
60. In India, the state with the largest area under very dense forests is
Arunachal Pradesh has the largest area under very dense forests in India.
61. Which state has more than 80% of its area covered by forest?
Arunachal Pradesh has more than 80% of its area covered by forest.
62. Among the following which statement is not correct?
The correct answer is “Nagaland is the most forest-covered state of India” as this statement is incorrect.
63. The greatest diversity of plants and animals is characteristic of [UPPSC (Mains) 2013]
Tropical Moist Forests are known for their rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
64. Spruce and cedar are tree varieties of [NDA 2016]
Spruce and cedar are typically found in Temperate Forests.
65. Mangrove (Tidal Forests) vegetation in India is mostly found in [CGPSC (Pre) 2011]
Mangroves are most prevalent in the Sundarbans in India.
66. Which of the following state’s forests are classified as ‘Sub-tropical’ forests?
Madhya Pradesh has forests classified as ‘Sub-tropical’ forests.
67. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of Mangrove Forest, Evergreen Forest, and Deciduous Forest?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands exhibit this unique combination of forest types.
68. When a person traverses from Mangalore (West) to Chennai (East), which one of the following sequences from (West to East) of forest type does he observe?
The correct sequence of forest types from Mangalore to Chennai is Tropical Evergreen to Tropical Dry.
69. Which one of the following eco-regions of India is not correctly matched?
Eastern Deccan Plateau is not predominantly covered by moist forests, making the match incorrect.
70. Which one of the following is also known as ‘Top Slip’?
‘Top Slip’ is the nickname for Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
71. ‘Gomarda’ Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in [CGPSC 2020]
‘Gomarda’ Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Raigarh district.
72. In which district of Karnataka is the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary located? [SSC CGL 2019]
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kodagu district.
73. The State of India with maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries is [BPSC 2020]
There is no single state with the absolute maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries; it depends on classifications.
74. The National Chambal Sanctuary does not fall in which of the following states? [UPPSC 2020]
The National Chambal Sanctuary spans Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, but not Haryana.
75. Which of the following is not correctly matched? [JKPSC (Pre) 2003]
Udhwa Bird Sanctuary is not located in Kodarma; it is in Sahibganj, Jharkhand.
76. Which one of the following is not correctly matched? [MPPSC 2020]
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is not located in Chhattisgarh; it is in Kerala.
77. Wildlife Protection Act was passed in the year? [UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 to safeguard wildlife in India.
78. Which of the following Acts provides for protection to wild animals in India? [UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides comprehensive protection for wild animals.
79. To protect the Indian Tigers, ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in the year?
‘Project Tiger’ was launched in 1973 to conserve the tiger population in India.
80. Which one among the following is the largest tiger reserve of India in terms of area of the core/critical tiger habitat? [NDA 2018]
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam is the largest tiger reserve in India in terms of area.
81. The pugmark technique is used [UPPSC (Mains) 2008]
The pugmark technique is used to estimate the population of wild animals by analyzing their footprints.
82. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
The best place to see gharials in their natural habitat is the Chambal River, which is famous for its conservation efforts for this species.
83. Which of the following National Parks has started to use a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle for wildlife management?
Periyar Tiger Reserve was one of the first to adopt drone technology for wildlife management, helping monitor wildlife and their habitats more effectively.
84. Maintenance of genetic diversity in National Parks is done by?
In-situ conservation is the process of maintaining genetic diversity in natural habitats and is used in national parks to protect native species in their natural environment.
85. Biosphere reserves are areas to preserve?
Biosphere reserves are designated areas to preserve biodiversity, including the genetic diversity of various species, in their natural habitats.
86. Which one of the following is the largest UNESCO approved biosphere reserve of India in terms of area?
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the largest UNESCO approved biosphere reserve in India in terms of area.
87. The 16th Biosphere Reserve of India, the Cold Desert, lies in which state?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is located in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India.
88. Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
The Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, and Simlipal biosphere reserves are part of India’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
89. Which of the following are in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve?
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries along with the Kalakad Mundanthural Tiger Reserve.
90. Which among the following is one of the largest wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl in India?
Chilika Lake in Odisha is one of the largest wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl in India.
91. Which one among the following is the correct order of tiger reserves situated from North to South in India?
The correct order of tiger reserves from North to South in India is Corbett, Simlipal, Sariska, and Periyar.
92. Which of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?
Dachigam is known for the conservation of the Hangul (Kashmir stag), not Asiatic lions.
93. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Lavalong Sanctuary is located in Latehar, not Chatra.
94. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala, not Chhattisgarh.
