Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of Natural Vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India.

Q15.  Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of Natural Vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India. (15 marks)- Geography

भारत में प्राकृतिक वनस्पति की विविधता के लिए उत्तरदायी कारकों को पहचानिए और उनकी विवेचना कीजिए। भारत के वर्षा वन क्षेत्रों में वन्यजीव अभयारण्यों के महत्व का आकलन कीजिए।

Introduction

1. You can start with India being a part of two biogeographic realms contributing to diversity in natural vegetation. Substantiate with data – In terms of floral diversity, India ranks 10th in the world and 4th in Asia.

Body

Factors Responsible for Diversity of Natural Vegetation in India

1. 1. Climate (Temperature and Precipitation): For example, Rainforests (Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests) in Western Ghats, Temperate Forests in Himalayas (Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand), Tropical Thorn Forests (Xerophytic vegetation) in Thar Desert.

• Soil: For example, cacti and thorny bushes  in sandy soil and mangroves in deltaic, marshy soils. 

• Altitude/Topography: For example, Tropical deciduous forests of sal and teak and at lower elevations and temperate or montane forests of chir, pine, deodar in Himalayas. 

• Photoperiod (Sunlight):With a longer duration of sunlight in summers, the Southern Himalayas is covered with thick vegetation than the Northern slopes.

1. Alien and Invasive Species: Lantana Camara, Parthenium etc. introduced during British colonisation

Significance of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rainforest Regions of India

• Water conservation: e.g. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala (construction of man-made reservoirs)

• Wildlife Conservation: e.g. Conservation Lion Tailed macaque in Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, conservation of chinkaras Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

1. Soil Conservation: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra (soil conservation by construction of check dams).
2. Carbon Sequestration: Forest conservation efforts aiding to higher carbon capture. 
3. Research and Scientific Understanding: e.g. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station in Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka -research station dedicated to studying rainforest ecology
4. Ecotourism and Economic Benefits: e.g. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.
5. Conservation of Bio-Cultural Diversity: e.g. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (van bhojan to celebrate the spirit of the forest; reviving local biodiversity based cultural activities and festivals)

Conclusion

1. Conclude with stating how India’s natural vegetation is a complex interplay of climatic and topographical factors. State that wildlife sanctuaries in India’s vulnerable rainforests help in conserving biodiversity, preserving cultural traditions, and mitigating climate change. 

Check out the UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2023 Analysis with detailed expatiation of the topics of Mains GS Paper 1 By the Study IQ Experts

Sharing is caring!