Class 8, Science, Chapter-5, Lecture-2, Wildlife Conservation (Notes)
Conservation of Wildlife:
Various steps taken for protecting flora and fauna and their habitats to preserver biodiversity, to prevent extinction of species and to maintain ecological balance in nature are collectively termed as Conservation of Wildlife.
FLORA:
The plants that grow naturally in a particular area are called FLORA of that area.
FAUNA:
The animals which live naturally in a particular area are called FAUNA of that area.
SPECIES:
A group of organisms having common characteristics which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring is termed as a species.
ENDEMIC SPECIES:
A group of organisms found exclusively in a region having common characteristics which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring is termed as an endemic species of the region.
Objectives of Conservation of Wildlife:
- Preserving BIODIVERSITY
- Prevention of endangered species from EXTINCTION
- Maintaining ECOLOGICAL balance
Three Types of Protected Areas:
- Biosphere reserves
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- National Parks
BIOSPHERE RESERVE:
Large areas of protected land for conservation of wildlife, natural resources and traditional life of the tribals living in the area is termed as Biosphere Reserve.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES:
A protected area where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat is termed as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
NATIONAL PARK:
A protected area with some scenic beauty for human recreation where animals can use natural habitat and resources freely is termed as a National Park.
EXTINCT SPECIES:
A species of plant or animal which no longer exists on earth is termed as an extinct species.
ENDANGERED SPECIES:
The species of plants or animals whose numbers are reducing to a level that they might face extinction are termed as endangered species.
Differences Between:
Biosphere Reserve | Wildlife Sanctuary |
1. Occupies a larger area | 1. Occupies comparatively smaller area |
2. Conserves biodiversity and allows economic development through use of forest resources | 2. Only Conserves wildlife. |
3. Tribals are an integral part | 3. Tribals are not included |
4. Cultivation of land and building of houses is allowed in the outermost zone. | 4. Human activities are not allowed. |
Differences Between:
Zoo | Wildlife Sanctuary |
1. Animals live in artificial settings | 1. Animals live in their natural habitat |
2. Contains animals from different habitats | 2. Contains local wild animals |
3. Open to general public | 3. Not open to general public |
4. Comfort of animals is compromised | 4. Animas live comfortably in their natural habitat. |
Differences Between:
National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
1. Have scenic beauty | 1. May not have scenic beauty |
2. Protects wildlife as well as historical objects | 2. Protects only wildlife |
3. Public recreation is allowed | 3. Public recreation is not allowed |
4. Allows easy access to visitors | 5. Access is restricted to Scientists and Forest dept. |