What is wildlife? Wildlife includes all undomesticated animals, birds, reptiles, and insects living naturally in forests, grasslands, wetlands, and other natural habitats.
Why is wildlife important? Wildlife maintains ecological balance, supports food chains, pollinates plants, disperses seeds, and is essential for biodiversity, medicine, and tourism.
What are the main causes of wildlife depletion? Habitat loss, poaching, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation are major threats to India’s wildlife.
What is poaching? Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals for trade in skins, bones, and body parts. It severely threatens endangered species like tigers and rhinos.
What is habitat destruction? It refers to deforestation and urbanization that destroy natural habitats, forcing animals into smaller spaces and causing extinction or conflict with humans.
What is an endangered species? A species facing a very high risk of extinction in the near future due to declining population or habitat. Example: Bengal Tiger.
What are vulnerable species? Species that are likely to become endangered unless threats are addressed. Example: Asiatic Lion.
What are critically endangered species? Species that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Example: Great Indian Bustard, Himalayan Quail.
How many biodiversity hotspots are in India? India has four: Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands). These areas are rich in endemic species.
What is Project Tiger? Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to protect tigers and their habitats. It helped revive tiger populations in many Indian reserves.
What is Project Elephant? Initiated in 1992, it aims to conserve elephants, their habitat, and reduce human-elephant conflict through tracking and corridor protection.
What is a wildlife sanctuary? A protected area for animals where some human activity is allowed under regulation. Example: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
What is a national park? An area protected for conserving flora, fauna, and landscapes. No human activity is permitted. Example: Jim Corbett National Park.
What is a biosphere reserve? Large areas preserving genetic diversity with core, buffer, and transition zones. Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
What are migratory birds? Birds that travel thousands of kilometers seasonally for breeding or feeding. Example: Siberian cranes migrate to Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
What are endemic species? Species found only in a specific geographic area. Example: Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats.
What is CITES? Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species regulates global trade in wild animals and plants to ensure their survival.
What is the Red Data Book? Published by the IUCN, it lists endangered and threatened species and their conservation status worldwide.
What is the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972? An Indian law that provides legal protection to wild animals and plants. It prohibits hunting and regulates protected areas.
What are the categories under Wildlife Protection Act? There are six schedules that categorize animals and plants based on protection level, with Schedule I and II offering the highest protection.
What is human-wildlife conflict? Encounters where wild animals damage crops or harm humans, often caused by habitat loss. Example: elephants damaging farms in Assam.
What are wildlife corridors? Natural or man-made routes that connect habitats, allowing animals to migrate safely. Essential for genetic diversity and survival.
How do zoos help in wildlife conservation? Zoos conserve endangered species through breeding programs, raise awareness, and support scientific research.
What is eco-sensitive zone? A buffer area around protected regions to limit industrial activity and promote sustainable development without harming biodiversity.
What are conservation reserves? Areas adjacent to national parks or sanctuaries where local communities help in wildlife protection. Example: areas in Rajasthan and Karnataka.
What are community reserves? Protected areas managed by local communities. They are legally recognized and help conserve local species and ecosystems.
What is in-situ conservation? Protecting species within their natural habitat, like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
What is ex-situ conservation? Conserving species outside their natural habitat through zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seed banks.
What role do local people play in conservation? Tribal and local communities protect forests, prevent poaching, and participate in eco-tourism and afforestation, often under schemes like Joint Forest Management.
Why is wildlife conservation necessary? To preserve ecological balance, prevent species extinction, sustain ecosystems, and secure natural heritage for future generations.
