FLORA AND FAUNA IN INDIA
If you look around, you will be able to find that there are some animals and plants which are unique in your area. In fact, India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity. This is possibly twice or thrice the number yet to be discovered. You have already studied in detail the extent and variety of forest and wildlife resources in India. You may have realised the importance of these resources in our daily life. These diverse flora and fauna are so well integrated into our daily life that we take these for granted. But, lately, they are under great stress mainly due to insensitivity to our environment.
Some estimates suggest that at least 10 percent of India’s recorded wild flora and 20 percent of its mammals are on the threatened list. Many of these would now be categorised as ‘critical’, that is on the verge of extinction like the cheetah, pink-headed duck, mountain quail, forest spotted owlet, and plants like madhuca insignis (a wild variety of mahua) and hubbardia heptaneuron ,(a species of grass). . In fact, no one can say how many species may have already been lost. Today, we only talk of the larger and more visible animals and plants that have become extinct but what about smaller animals like insects and plants?
Activity:
Find out stories prevalent in your region which are about the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK
SPECIES CLASSIFICATION ON LEVEL OF SURVIVAL
Let us now understand the different categories of existing plants and animal species. Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN ), we can classify as follows -
Normal Species:
Species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival, such as cattle, sal, pine, rodents, etc.
Endangered Species:
These are species which are in danger of extinction. The survival of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to a decline in their population continue to operate. Examples of such species are blackbuck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian rhino, lion-tailed macaque, sangai (brow anter deer in Manipur), etc.
Vulnerable Species:
These are species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate. Examples of such species are blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin, etc.
Rare Species:
Species with a small population may move into the endangered or vulnerable category if the negative factors affecting them continue to operate. Examples of such species are the Himalayan brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, desert fox, and hornbill, etc.
Endemic Species:
These are species which are only found in some particular areas usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. Examples of such species are the Andaman teal, Nicobar pigeon, Andaman wild pig, mithun in Arunachal Pradesh.
Extinct Species:
These are species which are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur. A species may be extinct from a local area, region, country, continent, or the entire earth. Examples of such species are the Asiatic cheetah, pink head duck.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK