Geography Project
Chapter:Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
This chapter focuses on the diverse natural
vegetation and wildlife found in India. It explains the
types, distribution, and significance of forests,
grasslands, and animal species.
. Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation refers to plant
life that grows naturally without
human interference. It is
influenced by climate, soil, and
relief.
. Types of Vegetation in India:
1.Tropical Evergreen Forests:Tropical
Evergreen Forests are dense, lush green forests
found in regions with high temperature and heavy
rainfall (more than 200 cm per year). These
forests remain green throughout the year because
trees do not shed their leaves all at once.
Location in India:
● Found in the Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Northeastern states
(Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh,
etc.)
Characteristics:
● Trees grow tall (up to 60 meters) with dense foliage.
● Sunlight barely reaches the forest floor due to thick
canopy cover.
● Warm and humid climate throughout the year.
Flora (Plant Life):
● Important trees: Rosewood, Mahagonny
2.Tropical Deciduous Forests
Tropical Deciduous Forests, also known as Monsoon
Forests, are the most widespread forests in India. They
are found in regions with moderate rainfall (100–200
cm per year) and experience distinct dry and wet
seasons. These trees shed their leaves in dry seasons to
conserve water.
Location in India:
● Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and
parts of the Western Ghats.
Characteristics:
● Trees shed leaves during the dry season (usually in
summer).
● Forests are less dense compared to tropical
evergreen forests.
● Open canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest
floor.
Types of Tropical Deciduous Forests:
1.Moist Deciduous Forests (Rainfall: 100–200 cm)
○ Found in northeastern states, along the
foothills of the Himalayas, and coastal plains.
○ Trees: Teak, Sal, Sandalwood, Rosewood,
Mahua.
2.Dry Deciduous Forests (Rainfall: 100–70 cm)
○ Found in central and western India.
○ Trees: Teak, Babool, Neem, Peepal, Palash.
Wildlife (Fauna):
● Mammals: Tigers, lions, elephants, deer, leopards.
● Birds: Peacocks, parrots, vultures.
● Reptiles: Snakes, lizards.
Significance and Conservation:
● These forests provide valuable timber for
commercial use.
● Large areas have been cleared for agriculture and
settlements, leading to deforestation.
● Conservation efforts include national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, and afforestation programs.
● Tropical deciduous forests play a crucial role in
maintaining biodiversity and supporting local
livelihoods.
3.Thorn Forests and Scrubs
Thorn forests and scrubs are found in hot and dry
regions with low rainfall (less than 70 cm per year).
These forests consist of scattered trees, thorny bushes,
and shrubs that are adapted to survive in arid and
semi-arid climates.
Location in India:
● Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of
Deccan Plateau.
Characteristics:
● Trees and plants have long roots to reach
groundwater.
● Leaves are small, thick, and thorny to reduce water
loss.
● Vegetation is scattered with open areas of dry, sandy
soil.
Flora (Plant Life):
● Important plants: Acacia (Babool), Cactus, Date
Palm, Khejri, Euphorbia, Ber.
Fauna (Animal Life):
● Mammals: Camels, blackbucks, Indian wild ass,
wolves, foxes.
● Birds: Vultures, eagles, pigeons, and bulbuls.
● Reptiles: Snakes, lizards.
Adaptations:
● Trees have deep roots and thick bark to store water.
● Some plants have spines instead of leaves to prevent
water loss.
Significance and Conservation:
● These forests help in preventing desertification.
● Due to overgrazing and deforestation, these regions
face soil erosion.
● Conservation efforts include afforestation, desert
greening projects, and wildlife protection programs.
Thorn forests and scrubs are important for maintaining
the ecological balance in dry and semi-arid regions of
India.
4.Montane Forests
Montane forests are found in mountainous regions
where the climate varies with altitude. These forests
have distinct vegetation zones depending on
temperature, altitude, and rainfall.
Location in India:
● Found in the Himalayas, Nilgiri Hills, Western
Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats.
Characteristics:
● Vegetation changes with altitude:
○ Lower slopes: Dense forests with broadleaf
trees.
○ Higher altitudes: Coniferous trees dominate.
○ Above 3,600 meters: Alpine meadows and
grasslands.
● Cool climate with moderate to heavy rainfall.
Flora (Plant Life):
1.Lower Altitude (1,000–2,000m): Oak,
Chestnut, Rhododendron.
2.Mid Altitude (2,000–3,000m): Pine, Deodar,
Spruce, Fir (Coniferous trees).
3.Higher Altitude (Above 3,600m): Alpine Grasslands,
Dwarf Shrubs, Mosses, Lichens.
Fauna (Animal Life):
●Mammals: Snow leopards, brown bears, red
pandas, Kashmir stag (hangul).
● Birds: Monal (Himalayan state bird), pheasants,
snowcock.
● Other species: Yaks, wild goats, Tibetan antelope.
Significance and Conservation:
● These forests help in water retention and prevent
soil erosion.
● Deforestation and climate change threaten these
ecosystems.
● Conservation efforts include wildlife sanctuaries,
national parks, and afforestation programs.
Montane forests play a crucial role in maintaining
biodiversity, water cycles, and climate balance in India's
mountainous regions.
5.Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests are a unique type of vegetation found
in coastal areas and river deltas, where land and sea
meet. These forests thrive in saline (salty) water, muddy
soil, and tidal conditions. The trees have stilt-like roots
(breathing roots or pneumatophores) that help them
survive in waterlogged conditions.
Location in India:
● Found in coastal regions and river deltas, especially
in:
○ Sundarbans (West Bengal) – Largest mangrove
forest in India.
○ Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
deltas.
○ Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Characteristics:
● Trees have aerial roots (pneumatophores) that help
in respiration.
● Highly salt-tolerant vegetation (halophytes).
● Grow in marshy and swampy areas influenced by
tides.
Flora (Plant Life):
● Important trees: Sundari (dominant tree in
Sundarbans), Palm, Keora, Coconut, and Agar.
Fauna (Animal Life):
●Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger (Sundarbans),
otters, fishing cats.
● Reptiles: Saltwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes.
● Birds: Flamingos, kingfishers, herons, and egrets.
● Aquatic Life: Various species of fish and crabs.
Significance and Conservation:
●Prevent coastal erosion and act as natural barriers
against cyclones and tsunamis.
● Provide habitat for diverse wildlife and support
fishing communities.
● Threats: Deforestation, pollution, climate
change, and urbanization.
● Conservation Efforts: Protected areas like
Sundarbans National Park, afforestation
programs, and coastal protection policies.
Mangrove forests are crucial for coastal ecosystem
stability, biodiversity conservation, and climate
protection.
Wildlife
India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the
world, home to a vast variety of wildlife, including
mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic species. However,
due to deforestation, poaching, pollution, and habitat
destruction, many species are endangered and need
conservation efforts.
Diversity of Wildlife in India:
1.Mammals – Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian
elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, snow
leopard.
2.Birds – Peacock (national bird of India), hornbill,
kingfisher, vulture, parrot.
3.Reptiles – Cobra, Indian python, crocodile, turtles,
monitor lizard.
4.Amphibians – Frogs, toads, salamanders.
5.Aquatic Life – Dolphins, freshwater fish, saltwater
fish, and coral reefs.
Threats to Wildlife:
●Deforestation – Clearing of forests for agriculture
and urbanization.
●Poaching and Hunting – Illegal killing of animals for
fur, skin, horns, and medicinal purposes.
● Pollution – Water and air pollution affecting aquatic
and terrestrial animals.
● Climate Change – Rising temperatures affecting
habitats.
Conservation Efforts in India:
●Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Provides legal
protection for endangered species.
● Project Tiger (1973) – Aims to protect the Bengal
tiger.
● Project Elephant (1992) – Focuses on elephant
conservation.
● National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries – Protected
areas such as Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga
National Park, and Gir National Park.
● Biosphere Reserves – Areas for conserving
biodiversity (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve,
Sunderbans).
Importance of Wildlife Conservation:
● Maintains ecological balance and food chains.
● Supports biodiversity and genetic diversity.
● Provides economic and cultural benefits through
tourism and traditional knowledge.
● Protecting wildlife is crucial for maintaining a
healthy and balanced ecosystem in India.
