Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Conservation of Plants and Animals from Class 8 Science.
We saw in Class Seven that Paheli and Boojho had visited the forest along with Professor Ahmad and Tibu. They were eager to share their experiences with their classmates. Other children in the class were also eager to share their experiences as some of them had visited Bharatpur Sanctuary. Some others had heard about Kaziranga National Park, Lockchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Tiger Reserve. You might wonder, what is the purpose of making national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves? Let us explore this chapter to find out.
[CHECKPOINT]
First, let us understand deforestation and its causes. A great variety of plants and animals exist on earth. They are essential for the well-being and survival of mankind. Today, a major threat to survival of these organisms is deforestation. We know that deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. Trees in the forest are cut for procuring land for cultivation, building houses and factories, making furniture, or using wood as fuel. Some natural causes of deforestation are forest fires and severe droughts. For Activity Five point One, add more causes of deforestation to your list and classify them into natural and man-made. Think about it and write them down in your notebook.
[CHECKPOINT]
Next, let us look at the consequences of deforestation. Paheli and Boojho recalled these consequences. They remembered that deforestation increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth. It increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Ground water level also gets lowered. They know that deforestation disturbs the balance in nature. They were told by Professor Ahmad that if cutting of trees continues, rainfall and the fertility of the soil will decrease. Moreover, there will be increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and droughts. Recall that plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Fewer trees would mean that less carbon dioxide will be used up resulting in its increased amount in the atmosphere.
[CHECKPOINT]
This will lead to global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by the earth. The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall. This could cause droughts. Deforestation is a major cause which leads to the change in soil properties. Physical properties of the soil get affected by plantation and vegetation. Fewer trees result in more soil erosion. Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is called desertification. Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground, which is the infiltration rate, is reduced. So, there are floods.
[CHECKPOINT]
The other properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture, and others, also change because of deforestation. We have studied in Class Seven that we get many products from forests. List these products. Will we face shortage of these products if we continue cutting trees? For Activity Five point Two, consider how animal life is also affected by deforestation. List the points and discuss them in your class. Having become aware of the effects of deforestation, Paheli and Boojho are worried. They go to Professor Ahmad and ask him how forests and wildlife can be saved. Let us learn about the conservation of forest and wildlife. Biosphere is that part of the earth in which living organisms exist or which supports life. Biological diversity or biodiversity, refers to the variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment.
[CHECKPOINT]
Professor Ahmad organises a visit to a biosphere reserve for Paheli, Boojho and their classmates. He selects a place named Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. He knows that the plants and animals found here are similar to those of the upper Himalayan peaks and to those belonging to the lower western ghats. Professor Ahmad believes that the biodiversity found here is unique. He requests Madhavji, a forest employee, to guide the children inside the biosphere reserve. He explains that preserving areas of such biological importance make them a part of our national heritage. Madhavji explains to the children that apart from our personal efforts and efforts of the society, government agencies also take care of the forests and animals. The government lays down rules, methods and policies to protect and conserve them. Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, and others, are protected areas for conservation of plants and animals present in that area.
[CHECKPOINT]
Let me give you the exact definitions. To protect our flora and fauna and their habitats, protected areas called wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves have been earmarked. Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting and poaching are prohibited there. Wildlife Sanctuary is defined as areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat. National Park is defined as areas reserved for wild life where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources. Biosphere Reserve is defined as large areas of protected land for conservation of wild life, plant and animal resources and traditional life of the tribals living in the area. For Activity Five point Three, find out the number of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves in your district, state and country. Record it in a table and show these areas in an outline map of your state and India.
[CHECKPOINT]
Now, let us move to section five point four on Biosphere Reserve. Children along with Professor Ahmad and Madhavji enter the biosphere reserve area. Madhavji explains that biosphere reserves are the areas meant for conservation of biodiversity. As you are aware that biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms generally found in an area. The biosphere reserves help to maintain the biodiversity and culture of that area. A biosphere reserve may also contain other protected areas in it. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named Bori and Pachmarhi. Let me describe Figure Five point One for you. It shows a map of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. You can see the Tawa Reservoir at the top. Below it are the Neemghan and Satpura National Park areas. To the left is the Churna Dhain region. The Bori Sanctuary is marked in the middle, and the Pachmarhi Sanctuary is to the right. The map also shows locations like Bori, Pachmarhi, Panarpani Gate, and a route to Pipariya.
[CHECKPOINT]
For Activity Five point Four, list the factors disturbing the biodiversity of your area. Some of these factors and human activities may disturb the biodiversity unknowingly. List these human activities. How can these be checked? Discuss in your class and write a brief report in your notebook. Next, we will learn about Flora and Fauna. As the children walk around the biosphere reserve they appreciate the green wealth of the forest. They are very happy to see tall teak trees and animals inside the forest. Suddenly, Paheli finds a rabbit and wants to catch it. She starts running after it. Professor Ahmad stops her. He explains that animals are comfortable and happy in their own habitat. We should not disturb them. Madhavji explains that some animals and plants typically belong to a particular area. The plants and animals found in a particular area are termed flora and fauna respectively of that area.
[CHECKPOINT]
Sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver ferns, arjun, are the flora and chinkara, blue-bull, barking deer, cheetal, leopard, wild dog, wolf, are examples of the fauna of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Let me describe Figure Five point Two. It shows six images. Image a is a wild dog. Image b is a cheetal. Image c is a wolf. Image d is a leopard. Image e is a fern. Image f is a jamun tree. For Activity Five point Five, try to identify the flora and fauna of your area and list them. Now, let us discuss Endemic Species. Soon the group quietly enters the deep forest. Children are surprised to see a very big squirrel. This squirrel has a big fluffy tail. They are very curious to know about it. Madhavji tells them that this is known as the giant squirrel and is endemic to this area.
[CHECKPOINT]
Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area. They are not naturally found anywhere else. A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state or a country. Madhavji shows sal and wild mango as two examples of the endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel are endemic fauna of this area. Let me describe Figure Five point Three. Figure Five point Three a shows a wild mango tree with its fruits. Figure Five point Three b shows a giant squirrel with a large, fluffy tail. Professor Ahmad explains that the destruction of their habitat, increasing population and introduction of new species may affect the natural habitat of endemic species and endanger their existence. Species is a group of population which are capable of interbreeding. This means that the members of a species can reproduce fertile offspring only with the members of their own species and not with members of other species. Members of a species have common characteristics.
[CHECKPOINT]
For Activity Five point Six, find out the endemic plants and animals of the region where you live. Moving on to Wildlife Sanctuary. Soon Paheli sees a board with Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary written on it. Professor Ahmad explains that killing or capturing animals in general is strictly prohibited and punishable by law in all such places. Wildlife Sanctuaries like reserve forests provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. He also tells them that people living in wildlife sanctuaries are allowed to do certain activities such as grazing by their livestock, collecting medicinal plants, firewood, and so on. Some of the threatened wild animals like black buck, white eyed buck, elephant, golden cat, pink headed duck, gharial, marsh crocodile, python, rhinoceros, are protected and preserved in our wild life sanctuaries. Indian sanctuaries have unique landscapes, broad level forests, mountain forests and bush lands in deltas of big rivers.
[CHECKPOINT]
It is a pity that even protected forests are not safe because people living in the neighbourhood encroach upon them and destroy them. Children are reminded of their visit to the zoo. They recall that zoos are also places where animals receive protection. What is the difference between a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary? For Activity Five point Seven, visit a nearby zoo. Observe the conditions provided to the animals. Were they suitable for the animals? Can animals live in artificial setting instead of their natural habitat? In your opinion, will the animals be comfortable in a zoo or in their natural habitat? Now, let us learn about National Parks. On the roadside there was another board on which was written Satpura National Park. Children are now eager to go there. Madhavji tells them that these reserves are large and diverse enough to protect whole sets of ecosystems. They preserve flora, fauna, landscape and historic objects of an area.
[CHECKPOINT]
Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India. The finest Indian teak is found in this forest. There are more than one hundred National Parks in India. Rock shelters are also found inside the Satpura National Park. These are evidences of prehistoric human life in these jungles. These give us an idea of the life of primitive people. Rock paintings are found in these shelters. A total of fifty five rock shelters have been identified in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Figures of animals and men fighting, hunting, dancing and playing musical instruments are depicted in these paintings. Many tribals still live in the area. As children move ahead, they see a board with Satpura Tiger Reserve written on it. Madhavji explains that Project Tiger was launched by the government to protect the tigers in the country. The objective of this project was to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in the country.
[CHECKPOINT]
Tiger is one of the many species which are slowly disappearing from our forests. But, the Satpura Tiger Reserve is unique in the sense that a significant increase in the population of tigers has been seen here. Let me describe Figure Five point Four. It shows a majestic tiger walking through the forest. Once upon a time, animals like lions, elephants, wild buffaloes and barasingha were also found in the Satpura National Park. Let me describe Figure Five point Five. It shows a wild buffalo with large curved horns. Let me describe Figure Five point Six. It shows a barasingha, also known as the swamp deer, with large branching antlers. Animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction are known as the endangered animals. Boojho is reminded of the dinosaurs which became extinct a long time ago. Survival of some animals has become difficult because of disturbances in their natural habitat.
[CHECKPOINT]
Professor Ahmad tells them that in order to protect plants and animals strict rules are imposed in all National Parks. Human activities such as grazing, poaching, hunting, capturing of animals or collection of firewood, medicinal plants, are not allowed. Madhavji tells Paheli that small animals are much more in danger of becoming extinct than the bigger animals. At times, we kill snakes, frogs, lizards, bats and owls ruthlessly without realising their importance in the ecosystem. By killing them we are harming ourselves. They might be small in size but their role in the ecosystem cannot be ignored. They form part of food chains and food webs. An ecosystem is made of all the plants, animals and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components such as climate, soil, river deltas and so on. Next, we will learn about the Red Data Book.
[CHECKPOINT]
Professor Ahmad explains about Red Data Book to the children. He tells them that Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants. Red Data Book is maintained internationally by an organisation. India also maintains Red Data Book for plants and animals found in India. Now, let us discuss Migration. The excursion party then enters deeper into the forest under the guidance of Madhavji. They sit near the Tawa Reservoir to relax for some time. Paheli observes some of the birds near the river. Madhavji tells the children that these are migratory birds. These birds have flown here from other parts of the world. Migratory birds fly to far away areas every year during a particular time because of climatic changes. They fly for laying eggs as the weather in their natural habitat becomes very cold and inhospitable. Birds who cover long distances to reach another land are known as migratory birds.
[CHECKPOINT]
Moving on to Recycling of Paper. Professor Ahmad draws attention of the children to another cause of deforestation. He tells them that it takes seventeen full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Therefore, we should save paper. Professor Ahmad also tells that paper can be recycled five to seven times for use. If each student saves at least one sheet of paper in a day, we can save many trees in a year. We should save, reuse used paper and recycle it. By this we not only save trees but also save energy and water needed for manufacturing paper. Moreover, the amount of harmful chemicals used in paper making will also be reduced. Finally, we come to Reforestation. Professor Ahmad suggests that the answer to deforestation is reforestation. Reforestation is restocking of the destroyed forests by planting new trees. The planted trees should generally be of the same species which were found in that forest.
[CHECKPOINT]
We should plant at least as many trees as we cut. Reforestation can take place naturally also. If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it re-establishes itself. In natural reforestation there is no role of human beings. We have already caused tremendous damage to our forests. If we have to retain our green wealth for future generations, plantation of more trees is the only option. Professor Ahmad told them that in India we have the Forest Conservation Act. This act is aimed at preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests. After some rest Madhavji asks the children to start heading back because it is not advisable to stay in the jungle after sunset. On getting back, Professor Ahmad and the children thank Madhavji for guiding them through this exciting experience. Let us quickly review the key terms.
[CHECKPOINT]
The keywords are Biodiversity, Biosphere Reserve, Deforestation, Ecosystem, Endangered Species, Endemic Species, Extinct, Fauna, Migratory Birds, National Park, Red Data Book, Reforestation, and Sanctuary. What you have learnt includes that wildlife sanctuary, national park and biosphere reserve are names given to the areas meant for conservation and preservation of forest and wild animals. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a specific area. Plants and animals of a particular area are known as the flora and fauna of that area. Endemic species are found only in a particular area. Endangered species are those which are facing the danger of extinction. Red Data Book contains a record of endangered species. Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year for a specific purpose like breeding. We should save, reuse and recycle paper to save trees, energy and water. Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees.
[CHECKPOINT]
Now, let us move to the exercises. I will answer each question completely. Exercise One, fill in the blanks. Part a, a place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a wildlife sanctuary. Part b, species found only in a particular area is known as endemic species. Part c, migratory birds fly to far away places because of climatic changes. Exercise Two, differentiate between the following. Part a, wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve. A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat, while a biosphere reserve is a large area of protected land for conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources and traditional life of the tribals living in the area. Part b, zoo and wildlife sanctuary. In a zoo, animals are kept in artificial enclosures for public viewing and protection, whereas in a wildlife sanctuary, animals live freely in their natural habitat without human interference.
[CHECKPOINT]
Part c, endangered and extinct species. Endangered species are those whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction, while extinct species are those that have completely vanished from the earth and no longer exist. Part d, flora and fauna. Flora refers to the plants found in a particular area, whereas fauna refers to the animals found in that same area. Exercise Three, discuss the effects of deforestation on the following. Part a, wild animals. Deforestation destroys their natural habitat, forcing them to migrate or face starvation and extinction. Part b, environment. It increases temperature and pollution, raises carbon dioxide levels, lowers groundwater, disturbs ecological balance, and leads to soil erosion and desertification. Part c, villages or rural areas. It reduces rainfall, decreases soil fertility, causes floods and droughts, and leads to a shortage of forest products like firewood and medicinal plants. Part d, cities or urban areas. It increases air pollution, raises temperatures, disrupts water supply, and increases the frequency of natural calamities like floods.
[CHECKPOINT]
Part e, earth. It disturbs the global water cycle, accelerates global warming, reduces biodiversity, and converts fertile land into deserts. Part f, the next generation. They will face severe environmental degradation, scarcity of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change. Exercise Four, what will happen if. Part a, we go on cutting trees. We will face global warming, reduced rainfall, soil erosion, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and increased natural calamities. Part b, the habitat of an animal is disturbed. The animal will struggle to find food and shelter, may be forced to migrate, face increased predation, and could eventually become endangered or extinct. Part c, the top layer of soil is exposed. It will lead to severe soil erosion, loss of fertile humus, exposure of hard rocky layers, decreased water holding capacity, and eventual desertification.
[CHECKPOINT]
Exercise Five, answer in brief. Part a, why should we conserve biodiversity? We should conserve biodiversity because it maintains ecological balance, provides essential resources like food, medicine, and oxygen, supports ecosystem stability, and ensures survival for future generations. Part b, protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why? Because people living in the neighbourhood often encroach upon them, illegally cut trees, hunt animals, and disrupt their natural habitat despite legal protections. Part c, some tribals depend on the jungle. How? They depend on the jungle for food, shelter, firewood, medicinal plants, and traditional livelihoods, and their cultural practices are deeply connected to the forest. Part d, what are the causes and consequences of deforestation? Causes include clearing land for cultivation, building houses and factories, making furniture, using wood as fuel, forest fires, and severe droughts.
[CHECKPOINT]
Consequences include increased temperature and pollution, higher carbon dioxide levels, lowered groundwater, disturbed ecological balance, reduced rainfall and soil fertility, increased floods and droughts, soil erosion, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. Part e, what is Red Data Book? Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants, maintained internationally and also by India for its native species. Part f, what do you understand by the term migration? Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year for a specific purpose like breeding or escaping harsh weather. Exercise Six, in order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter, trees are being continually cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such projects? Discuss and prepare a brief report. It is not justified to cut trees indiscriminately for factories and shelter. While development is necessary, it must be sustainable.
[CHECKPOINT]
Cutting trees leads to deforestation, which causes global warming, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Instead, we should use alternative materials, practice urban planning that preserves green cover, enforce strict environmental regulations, and promote reforestation. Sustainable development balances human needs with ecological preservation. Exercise Seven, how can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you. You can contribute by planting trees in your neighbourhood, avoiding wastage of paper, recycling used paper, participating in tree plantation drives, educating others about conservation, preventing illegal tree cutting, using public transport to reduce pollution, and conserving water to maintain local groundwater levels. Exercise Eight, explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide and release water vapour through transpiration. Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is used up, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. This traps heat, causing global warming. The increased temperature disturbs the water cycle, reducing the formation of clouds and ultimately leading to reduced rainfall.
[CHECKPOINT]
Exercise Nine, find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India. Since this varies by state, students should research their specific state. For example, in Karnataka, notable national parks include Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, and Bannerghatta National Park. You should locate these on an outline map of India by marking their approximate positions in the southern region. Exercise Ten, why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper. Paper should be saved because it takes seventeen full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Saving paper conserves trees, saves energy and water used in manufacturing, and reduces harmful chemical pollution. Ways to save paper include using both sides of a sheet, recycling used paper, avoiding unnecessary printing, using digital documents instead of paper, reusing old notebooks, and collecting waste paper for recycling.
[CHECKPOINT]
Exercise Eleven, complete the word puzzle. Down one, species on the verge of extinction. Answer: Endangered. Down two, a book carrying information about endangered species. Answer: Red Data Book. Down five, consequence of deforestation. Answer: Desertification. Across one, species which have vanished. Answer: Extinct. Across three, species found only in a particular habitat. Answer: Endemic. Across four, variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area. Answer: Biodiversity. Now, let us cover the extended learning activities and projects. Activity one, plant at least five different plants in your locality during this academic year and ensure their maintenance till they grow. Activity two, promise yourself that this year you will gift at least five plants to your friends and relatives on their achievements, or on occasions like birthdays. Ask your friends to take proper care of these plants and encourage them to gift plants to their friends on such occasions.
[CHECKPOINT]
At the end of the year count the plants that have been gifted through this chain. Activity three, is it justified to prevent tribals from staying in the core area of the forest? Discuss the matter in your class and note down the points for and against the motion in your notebook. Points for include protecting core biodiversity from human disturbance and preventing illegal hunting. Points against include respecting tribal rights, acknowledging their sustainable traditional practices, and ensuring their livelihoods are not destroyed. Activity four, study the biodiversity of a park nearby. Prepare a detailed report with photographs and sketches of the flora and fauna. Activity five, make a list of the new information you have gathered from this chapter. Which information did you find the most interesting and why? Activity six, make a list of various uses of papers. Observe currency notes carefully. Do you find any difference between a currency paper and paper of your notebook? Find out where currency paper is made.
[CHECKPOINT]
Currency paper is made from cotton and linen fibres, making it more durable and water-resistant than regular wood pulp paper. It is manufactured at specialized security printing presses like the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India. Activity seven, Karnataka Government had launched Project Elephant to save Asian elephants in the state. Find out about this and other such campaigns launched to protect threatened species. Project Elephant focuses on habitat protection, corridor management, and human-elephant conflict mitigation. Other campaigns include Project Tiger, Project Snow Leopard, and the Save the Vulture initiative. Finally, let us review the Did You Know section. India has more than half of the world’s wild tigers, sixty five percent of the Asian elephants, eighty five percent of the great one-horned rhinoceros and one hundred percent of the Asian lions. India is sixth on a list of twelve mega-biodiversity countries in the world.
[CHECKPOINT]
It contains two of the thirty four biodiversity hotspots of the world, the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. These areas are very rich in biodiversity. One of the most important factors that threatens wildlife today is habitat destruction due to encroachment. India contains one hundred seventy two species of animals considered globally threatened or two point nine percent of the world’s total number of threatened species. The Eastern Himalayas hotspot has merely one hundred sixty three globally threatened species including several animal and plant species. India contains globally important population of some of Asia’s rarest animals such as the Bengal fox, Marbled cat, Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, Asiatic wild ass, Indian rhinoceros, gaur, Wild asiatic water buffalo, and others. For knowing more, you may contact the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, located at Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi, pin code one one zero zero zero three. Their website is http colon slash slash envfor dot nic dot in.
[CHECKPOINT]
We have now covered every concept, activity, and exercise in this chapter. Remember to revise the definitions, understand the consequences of deforestation, and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Practice the exercises regularly and stay curious about the natural world around you. Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]