Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals-Class 8

1. What is deforestation?

Clearing of forests for other uses.(Dusre kaamon ke liye jungle saaf karna).

2. Give one natural cause of deforestation.

Forest fire or severe drought.(Jungle ki aag ya bhayanak sukha).

3. Name one consequence of deforestation.

Global warming, soil erosion, floods, droughts, loss of biodiversity. (Choose one).(Global warming, mitti ka katav, baadh, sukha, jaiv vividhata ka nuksan).

4. What is desertification?

Conversion of fertile land into desert.(Upjau zameen ka registan mein badalna).

5. Name one type of protected area for wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, or Biosphere Reserve.

6. What does ‘Flora’ refer to?

Plants of a particular area.(Kisi khaas jagah ke paudhe).

7. What does ‘Fauna’ refer to?

Animals of a particular area.(Kisi khaas jagah ke janwar).

8. What are endemic species?

Species found exclusively in a specific area.(Prajatiyan jo sirf ek khaas jagah par hi milti hain).

9. Name one endemic species of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Sal, Wild Mango, Bison, or Indian Giant Squirrel.

10. What is a Wildlife Sanctuary primarily meant for?

Protection of wild animals and their habitats.(Vany janwaron aur unke gharon ki suraksha).

11. What is poaching?

Illegal killing or capturing of animals.(Janwaron ka avaidh shikar ya pakadna).

12. What does the Red Data Book contain?

A record of endangered species.(Sankatgrast prajatiyon ka record).

13. What is migration?

Seasonal movement of animals over long distances.(Janwaron ka mausami roop se lambi doori tak jana).

14. How many trees are needed to make one tonne of paper?

About 17 full grown trees.

15. What is reforestation?

Restocking forests by planting new trees.(Naye ped lagakar jungle ko fir se basana).

1. List any four causes of deforestation.

• Land for cultivation (Kheti ke liye zameen).
• Building houses/factories (Ghar/Factory banana).
• Wood for furniture/fuel (Lakdi ka istemal).
• Natural causes like forest fires/droughts (Prakritik karan jaise aag/sukha).

2. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

• Trees release large amounts of water vapour into the atmosphere through transpiration. (Ped transpiration se bahut saara water vapour hawa mein chhodte hain).
• This water vapour helps in the formation of clouds ☁️.
• Fewer trees mean less transpiration and less water vapour in the air. (Kam ped matlab kam transpiration aur kam water vapour).
• This disrupts the water cycle and can lead to reduced rainfall 🌧️⬇️ over time.

3. How does deforestation cause soil erosion?

• Tree roots bind the soil particles together firmly. (Ped ki jadein mitti ke kanon ko mazbooti se baandhti hain).
• When trees are cut, the top layer of soil becomes loose. (Ped katne par, upar ki mitti dheeli ho jaati hai).
• This loose topsoil is easily carried away by wind 🌬️ and flowing water 💧.
• This removal of the top fertile soil layer is called soil erosion.

4. Differentiate between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a Biosphere Reserve.

• Sanctuary: Focuses primarily on protecting wild animals 🐅 and their habitat. Limited human activity might be allowed.
(Mukhya focus janwaron ki suraksha par. Seemit manav gatividhi ho sakti hai).
• Biosphere Reserve 🌍: Larger area conserving overall biodiversity (plants 🌱, animals, microbes) AND traditional life of local tribals. May include sanctuaries/parks within it.
(Bada kshetra jo poori jaiv vividhata aur sthaniya adivasiyon ke jeevan ka sanrakshan karta hai. Ismein sanctuary/park shamil ho sakte hain).

5. What do you understand by the terms Flora, Fauna, and Endemic Species?

• Flora 🌸: Plants found in a particular area.(Ek khaas jagah ke paudhe).
• Fauna 🐒: Animals found in a particular area.(Ek khaas jagah ke janwar).
• Endemic Species 📍: Plant/Animal species found ONLY in a specific geographical area.(Paudhe/Janwar ki prajati jo sirf ek hi khaas jagah par milti hai). Ex: Sal is endemic to Pachmarhi BR.

6. What is the Red Data Book? Why is it important?

• It’s a source book keeping an international record of all endangered species (plants and animals). (Yeh sankatgrast prajatiyon ka antarrashtriya record rakhne wali kitab hai).
• Maintained by IUCN.
• Importance: Helps track species at risk of extinction 💀, creates awareness, guides conservation efforts. (Vilupt hone ke khatre wali prajatiyon ko track karta hai, jaagrukta badhata hai, sanrakshan prayaso ko disha deta hai).

7. What could be the reasons for migration of birds?

• To escape harsh, unfavorable climatic conditions (like extreme cold winter ❄️).(Kathor mausam (jaise sakht sardi) se bachne ke liye).
• In search of food which might become scarce in their original habitat during certain seasons.(Bhojan ki talash mein jo unke mool niwas sthan par kuch mausamo mein kam ho sakta hai).
• For breeding purposes (finding suitable nesting grounds).(Prajanan ke liye (uchit ghonsle banane ki jagah dhoondhna)).
• Following seasonal cycles.

8. Why should paper be saved? List ways to save paper.

• Why save?: Making paper requires cutting many trees 🌳 (~17 trees/tonne), uses energy & water, uses chemicals causing pollution. Saving paper saves trees, energy, water, and reduces pollution. (Kyun bachayein?: Kagaz banane ke liye ped katne padte hain, energy/paani lagta hai, chemical se pollution hota hai. Kagaz bachane se ped, energy, paani bachta hai aur pollution kam hota hai).
• Ways to save: Use both sides of paper, reuse envelopes, use slate/digital methods for rough work, recycle used paper ♻️. (Bachane ke tareeke: Kagaz ke dono taraf istemal karein, lifafe dobara use karein, rough kaam ke liye slate/digital tareeke use karein, istemal kiya hua kagaz recycle karein).

9. What is reforestation? How can it happen?

• Reforestation is restocking destroyed forests by planting new trees. 🌳⬆️ (Naye ped lagakar nasht hue jungle ko fir se basana).
• It’s the opposite of deforestation.
• Methods:
  • Planting saplings (preferably native species). (Paudhe lagana (usi prajati ke jo wahan the)).
  • Natural reforestation if area is left undisturbed. (Agar jagah ko chheda na jaye toh prakritik roop se bhi ho sakta hai).
• Aims to restore forest cover and ecological balance.

10. Differentiate between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park.

• Wildlife Sanctuary: Focus = Animal 🐅 protection & habitat. Limited human activities MAY be allowed. Goal is safe haven for animals.
(Focus = Janwaron ki suraksha aur ghar. Seemit manav gatividhi ho sakti hai).
• National Park 🏞️: Protects entire ecosystem (flora, fauna, landscape, history). Human activities generally NOT allowed. Strict habitat reservation.
(Pura ecosystem bachata hai. Manav gatividhiyan aamtaur par mana hain. Habitat sakhti se aarakshit).

1. What is deforestation? Explain its major causes and consequences in detail.

Deforestation: Large scale clearing of forests for other land uses.

Major Causes (Mukhya Karan):

• Land for Cultivation: For growing food for increasing population.
• Land for Housing & Industries: Urbanization needs land.
• Wood for Furniture/Fuel: Timber & firewood demand.
• Natural Causes: Forest fires, droughts.

Major Consequences (Mukhya Parinaam):

• Global Warming 🌡️⬆️: Reduced CO₂ absorption, increases temperature.
• Lowered Ground Water 💧⬇️: Less water seepage into ground.
• Soil Erosion & Fertility Loss: Roots don’t bind soil, fertile topsoil washes/blows away.
• Desertification 🏜️: Fertile land turns into desert.
• Reduced Rainfall & Droughts 🌧️⬇️: Disrupted water cycle.
• Loss of Biodiversity 🐅💀: Habitat destruction leads to extinction risk.

2. Describe Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries as protected areas for conservation.

Protected areas conserve biodiversity:

• Wildlife Sanctuaries 🏞️: Focus on protecting animals 🐅 from disturbance/poaching. Habitat is protected. Limited human activities (grazing, firewood collection by locals) *might* be permitted if they don’t harm wildlife. Ex: Bori Sanctuary.
• National Parks 🏞️🦁: Strict reserves protecting the *entire ecosystem* – flora, fauna, landscape, historical sites within. Human activities like forestry, grazing, cultivation are usually prohibited. Ex: Satpura National Park.
• Biosphere Reserves 🌍: Very large areas aiming for comprehensive conservation of biodiversity AND the traditional lifestyle of tribal inhabitants 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. Often include multiple National Parks and/or Sanctuaries. Promote sustainable development. Ex: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

3. What are endemic species? Why are they more vulnerable to extinction? Give examples.

Endemic Species 📍: Plant or animal species found exclusively (only) in a particular geographic area (like a specific island, mountain range, or country) and nowhere else naturally.

Why Vulnerable? (Khatre Mein Kyun?)

• Limited Habitat: Their entire population exists only in one specific area.
• Habitat Destruction: If their specific habitat is destroyed (by deforestation, pollution, climate change), they have nowhere else to go.
• Introduction of Exotic Species: New, non-native species introduced into their habitat can outcompete them for resources or introduce diseases they have no resistance to.
• Specific Needs: They might have very specific food or environmental needs found only in their area.

This restricted range makes them highly vulnerable to becoming endangered or extinct.

4. Explain the importance of conserving forests and wildlife.

Conserving forests and wildlife is crucial for ecological balance and human well-being:

• Biodiversity Maintenance: Forests house vast biodiversity. Conservation protects numerous plant 🌱, animal 🐅, and microbe 🦠 species from extinction.
• Ecological Balance: Forests regulate climate, maintain water cycle 💧🔄, prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility. Wildlife plays roles in pollination, seed dispersal, food chains. (Paristhitik santulan banaye rakhte hain).
• Natural Resources: Provide timber 🪵, fuel, medicinal plants 🌿💊, rubber, gums, resins, etc.
• Clean Air & Water: Forests purify air by absorbing CO₂ and releasing O₂ 🌬️💚. They help maintain water quality.
• Economic Benefits: Support industries like tourism, timber, paper, pharmaceuticals. Provide livelihood to many communities. 💰
• Climate Regulation: Help moderate local and global climate, act as carbon sinks (absorb CO₂).
• Aesthetic & Cultural Value: Provide natural beauty, recreation, and hold cultural/spiritual significance for many communities. 🧘

Losing forests and wildlife leads to imbalance, resource depletion, and harms human survival.

5. What is migration? Why do birds migrate? Give an example.

Migration: The seasonal, long-distance movement of animals (esp. birds 🐦) from one region to another and back.

Why Birds Migrate? (Pakshi Pravasan Kyun Karte Hain?)

• Escape Harsh Climate: To move away from extreme cold winters ❄️ or hot summers ☀️ where survival becomes difficult.
• Food Availability: To move to areas where food sources are abundant during specific seasons, as food might become scarce in their breeding grounds.
• Breeding Grounds: To reach specific locations that are suitable for laying eggs 🥚 and raising young ones, often areas with more food and fewer predators during breeding season.

6. Why is recycling of paper suggested? How does it help in conservation?

Recycling paper is strongly suggested for environmental conservation.

Reasons to Recycle Paper ♻️📄:

• Saves Trees 🌳: Paper is made from wood pulp (trees). Recycling reduces the need to cut down forests (~17 trees for 1 tonne paper). This directly helps conserve forests and biodiversity. (Ped bachata hai).
• Saves Water 💧: Papermaking process requires large amounts of water. Recycling uses significantly less water. (Paani bachata hai).
• Saves Energy 💡: Making paper from recycled pulp requires less energy than making it from virgin wood pulp. (Urja bachata hai).
• Reduces Pollution: Reduces water and air pollution associated with papermaking chemicals and waste disposal (less landfill waste). (Pradushan kam karta hai).
• Reduces Chemical Use: Less bleaching and chemical treatment is often needed for recycled paper.

By saving, reusing, and recycling paper, we contribute significantly to conserving our forest resources and protecting the environment.

7. What are the impacts of soil erosion and desertification caused by deforestation?

Deforestation leads to severe land degradation through soil erosion and desertification.

Impacts of Soil Erosion:

• Loss of Fertile Topsoil: The most fertile layer containing humus and nutrients is washed/blown away. (Sabse upjau parat (humus/poshak tatva wali) beh/udh jaati hai).
• Reduced Agricultural Productivity: Crops grow poorly on eroded soil, leading to lower yields. (Eroded mitti par fasal kam hoti hai).
• Water Pollution: Eroded soil particles enter rivers/lakes, making water muddy (sedimentation), harming aquatic life. (Kati hui mitti nadi/jheel mein jakar paani ganda karti hai).
• Increased Flooding Risk: Soil’s capacity to absorb water decreases, increasing surface runoff and flood risk. 🌊 (Mitti ki paani sokhne ki kshamta kam hoti hai, baadh ka khatra badhta hai).

Impacts of Desertification 🏜️:

• Loss of Productive Land: Fertile land permanently converts into arid, desert-like land. (Upjau zameen hamesha ke liye registan jaisi banjar ho jaati hai).
• Reduced Biodiversity: Fewer plants and animals can survive in desert conditions.
• Climate Change Impacts: Deserts can affect local and regional climate patterns.
• Hardship for People: Affects agriculture, water availability, and livelihood of people dependent on that land.

8. What steps are taken by the government to conserve forests and wildlife?

Governments take various steps, including:

• Establishing Protected Areas: Creating Wildlife Sanctuaries 🏞️, National Parks 🦁, and Biosphere Reserves 🌍 to protect habitats and species. Rules restrict/prohibit harmful human activities in these areas.
(Sanrakshit kshetra (Sanctuary, National Park, Biosphere Reserve) banana jahan haanikarak manav gatividhiyan rok di jaati hain).
• Laws and Regulations: Enacting laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Forest (Conservation) Act to prohibit poaching 🚫🔫, regulate tree felling, and manage forest resources. Strict punishments are enforced for violations.
(Kanoon banana jaise Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act jo shikar, ped katne ko rokte hain. Ullanghan par sakht saza).
• Special Conservation Projects: Launching targeted projects for endangered species like Project Tiger 🐅, Project Elephant 🐘 etc. to protect specific animals and their habitats.
(Sankatgrast prajatiyon ke liye khaas project jaise Project Tiger, Project Elephant).
• Promoting Reforestation & Afforestation: Running plantation drives and encouraging tree planting to restore forest cover. 🌳⬆️ (Vanropan ko badhava dena).
• Awareness Programs: Conducting campaigns (like Van Mahotsav) to educate public about the importance of conservation. (Sanrakshan ke mahatva ke baare mein janta ko jaagruk karna).
• Community Involvement: Involving local communities and tribal groups in conservation efforts.

9. Differentiate between Endangered Species and Endemic Species.

Endangered Species 😟💀:

• Species facing a very high risk of extinction (disappearing completely) in the wild in the near future. (Ve prajatiyan jin par nikat bhavishya mein jungle mein vilupt hone ka bahut adhik khatra hai).
• Their population has reduced drastically or their habitat is severely threatened.
• Found in the Red Data Book 📕.
• They might be found in different parts of the world but are globally at risk.
• Example: Tiger, Snow Leopard.

Endemic Species 📍:

• Species found naturally and exclusively in a particular, limited geographical area (like an island, state, or mountain range). (Ve prajatiyan jo prakritik roop se kewal ek vishisht, seemit bhaugolik kshetra mein hi payi jaati hain).
• They are NOT found anywhere else in the world naturally.
• Endemic species CAN ALSO BE endangered if their specific habitat is threatened, but not all endemic species are endangered.
• Example: Sal tree in Pachmarhi BR, Kangaroo in Australia, Lemur in Madagascar.

10. Project Tiger was launched to protect tigers. Find out if there are other such projects for protecting animals. List them.

Yes, besides **Project Tiger** 🐅 (launched 1973), the Government of India has launched several other projects to protect specific endangered species:

• Project Elephant 🐘: Launched in 1992 to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors, and address human-elephant conflict. (Haathiyon, unke niwas sthanon aur corridor ki raksha ke liye).
• Crocodile Conservation Project 🐊: Started in 1975 to protect the three endangered crocodilian species (saltwater crocodile, gharial, mugger). (Magarmachh ki prajatiyon ki raksha ke liye).
• Project Snow Leopard 🐆❄️: Launched in 2009 for conservation of the snow leopard and its high-altitude Himalayan habitat. (Him tendue aur uske Himalaya ke niwas sthan ke sanrakshan ke liye).
• Project Dolphin 🐬: Launched more recently to conserve both riverine and oceanic dolphins, especially the Ganges River Dolphin (India’s National Aquatic Animal). (Nadi aur samudra ki dolphins, khaas kar Ganges River Dolphin, ke sanrakshan ke liye).
• Sea Turtle Project: Aims to conserve olive ridley turtles and other endangered marine turtles and their nesting sites. (Samudri kachhuon aur unke ghonsle banane ki jagahon ke sanrakshan ke liye).
• Project Vulture: Aimed at conserving endangered vulture populations, crucial for the ecosystem. (Sankatgrast giddhon ki abadi ke sanrakshan ke liye).

These projects focus on habitat protection, reducing threats, breeding programs, and community involvement.