Vegetation/wildlife ( Important for APSC)

Vegetation/wildlife ( Important for APSC) -India, located in South Asia, stands as a country of immense geographical and cultural diversity. Spanning an expansive 3.25 million square kilometers, it ranks as the seventh-largest nation globally. Within its borders, India boasts a wide range of natural landscapes that captivate the senses. To the north, towering mountain ranges grace the horizon, while in the south, vibrant spice plantations and biodiverse-rich tropical jungles enthrall visitors.

However, India’s allure extends beyond its stunning landscapes. It is a sanctuary for a multitude of endangered species, with the Asian elephant, tiger, and leopard among its most iconic inhabitants. The national animal, the majestic tiger, roams its varied terrains, and to protect these magnificent creatures, India has established a network of national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. The government has launched ambitious initiatives such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant, dedicated to the conservation of these magnificent animals.

Throughout India’s diverse regions, you can encounter unique wildlife. The Gir forest in Gujarat is home to a significant population of Asiatic lions, while the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand shelters India’s tigers. In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, Indian rhinoceroses thrive, and the states of Assam, Kerala, and Karnataka are known for their sizable elephant populations.

India’s varied terrain also includes the stark landscapes of the Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, and the ephemeral salt marsh known as the Rann of Kachchh. These arid regions are the habitat of camels and wild asses, adding to India’s unique wildlife diversity.

Venturing into the Himalayan region, one encounters a different set of inhabitants, including wild goats, snow leopards, bears, and other high-altitude species. Beyond these charismatic megafauna, India hosts a plethora of other animals, from the playful monkeys and cunning wolves to the elusive jackals, graceful nilgai, and swift cheetahs.

India’s avian diversity is equally impressive, with the peacock holding the esteemed title of the national bird. Parrots, pigeons, mynahs, geese, bulbul, and ducks are among the common bird species that grace India’s skies.

Moreover, India’s reptilian world is a realm of its own, with hundreds of snake species, including the iconic cobras and kraits, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity. In sum, India’s natural wealth is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse ecosystems and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its unique heritage for generations to come.

Natural Vegetation

Natural vegetation, also known as “virgin vegetation,” refers to plant communities that have developed without human intervention and have remained undisturbed by human activities over an extended period. According to paleo-botanists, the Himalayan and peninsular regions predominantly feature indigenous or endemic flora, while the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Thar Desert house plant species that originated outside of India, categorized as exotic.

India showcases a remarkable diversity in its natural vegetation, ranking tenth globally and fourth in Asia in terms of plant diversity. This diversity is a result of variations in climate and soil across different regions of the country. For example, the Himalayan regions exhibit temperate vegetation, the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands host tropical rainforests, while deltaic regions are characterized by tropical forests and mangroves. Arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan are known for their cacti, thorny vegetation, and a variety of bushes.

Peninsular India boasts the largest forested area, accounting for 57% of the total forest cover. The Himalayan region follows as the second-largest, encompassing approximately 12.5% of the country’s forested area. The Eastern and Western Ghats each contribute about 10%, while the Gangetic plains make up only 5% of India’s total forested area. As of 2021, India’s overall forest cover represents 21.71% of the total geographical area of the country.

Indian forests can be classified into several groups based on common features such as predominant vegetation types and climatic regions, including:

1. Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests

3. Tropical Thorn Forests

4. Montane Forests

5. Littoral and Swamp Forests

Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests

These lush forests primarily thrive on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, as well as on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the hills of northeastern India. They are typically situated in warm and humid regions characterized by an annual rainfall exceeding 200 cm and a mean annual temperature above 22℃.

These forests exhibit a dense and vibrant ecosystem, characterized by towering trees, some reaching heights of 60 meters or more. Due to the region’s consistent warmth and ample moisture, these forests maintain luxuriant vegetation of various types, including trees, shrubs, and creepers, creating a multi-layered structure. Notably, the trees in these forests retain their leaves throughout the year, making them evergreen.

Among the commercially valuable trees in these forests are ebony, mahogany, rubber, and rosewood, contributing to their economic significance. 

Semi-evergreen forests, on the other hand, are found in areas with lower rainfall within these regions. These forests feature a blend of evergreen and moist deciduous trees, with prominent species including Kail, hollock, and white cedar.

These forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lemurs, monkeys, and deer. One-horned rhinoceroses inhabit the forests of Assam and West Bengal. Additionally, a rich variety of bird species, along with sloths, bats, scorpions, and snails, can be found thriving in these vibrant ecosystems.

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Typical monsoon forests in India are characterized by the dominance of teak (Tectona grandis) and sal (Shorea robusta). These forests are spread across the country, particularly in regions where the average annual rainfall falls within the range of 70 to 200 cm. Based on water availability, these forests are further categorized as moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.

Moist Deciduous Forests

These forests thrive in areas with annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 cm. They are notably found in the northeastern states along the Himalayan foothills, the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, and Odisha. Key tree species in these forests include teak, sal, shisham, amal, Semul, kusum, mahua, and sandalwood.

Dry Deciduous Forests

These forests are prevalent in regions with annual rainfall ranging from 70 to 100 cm. They are typically located in the rainier areas of the Peninsula, as well as in the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. During the dry season, these forests undergo leaf shedding, presenting a landscape resembling vast grasslands with bare trees. Prominent tree species in dry deciduous forests encompass palas, amaltas, bel, khair, tendu, and axlewood. In the western and southern parts of Rajasthan, limited vegetation cover is observed due to insufficient rainfall and overgrazing.

Tropical Thorn Forests

These arid forests thrive in regions with an average annual rainfall of less than 50 cm. They are predominantly located in semi-arid areas spanning across south-west Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these forests, the majority of plants remain leafless for a significant portion of the year.

Key tree species within these arid forests include babool, ber, neem, khejri, and wild date palm. As undergrowth, tussocky grass grows, reaching heights of up to 2 meters, adding to the unique character of these dry ecosystems.

Montane Forests

Mountain forests exhibit distinct changes in vegetation as altitude increases, resulting in two main types: 

• the northern mountain forests 
• and the southern mountain forests.

Northern Mountain Forests:

In the Himalayan ranges, the vegetation transitions with altitude, ranging from tropical to tundra climates. At the foothills of the Himalayas, deciduous forests dominate the landscape. These give way to wet temperate forests at elevations between 1000 to 2000 meters. In the higher hilly areas of northeastern India, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand, evergreen broadleaf trees like oak and chestnut prevail. Between altitudes of 1500 to 1750 meters, pine forests, with Chir Pine being a valuable commercial tree, are well-established. In the western Himalayan ranges, deodar, a highly valued endemic species, thrives and is extensively used in construction due to its durable wood. Chinar and walnut trees are also present in this zone, while spruce and blue pine forests flourish at elevations ranging from 2225 to 3048 meters. This zone also features temperate grasslands. At higher altitudes, above 3600 meters, temperate forests and grasslands yield to Alpine vegetation. Common trees in these forests include silver fir, junipers, rhododendrons, birches, and pine. At even higher altitudes, mosses and lichens are part of the tundra vegetation. Wildlife in these northern mountain forests includes the Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, Tibetan antelope, red panda, squirrels, snow leopards, bears, and sheep and goats with thick hair.

Southern Mountain Forests:

The southern mountain forests encompass three distinct regions in Peninsular India: the Western Ghats, the Vindhyas, and the Nilgiris. Vegetation in these forests varies from temperate in higher elevations to subtropical in lower areas, particularly in the Western Ghats regions of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The temperate forests in these regions are known as “Sholas” in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills. Economically valuable trees in these southern mountain forests include cinchona, laurel, magnolia, and wattle.

Littoral and Swamp Forests

India boasts a diverse array of wetland habitats, with approximately 70% of these areas dedicated to paddy cultivation.

 The country’s wetlands can be classified into eight distinct groups:

Reservoirs of the Deccan Plateau and Southern West Coast

This group includes the reservoirs scattered across the Deccan Plateau in the south and the lagoons and other wetlands along the southwestern coast.

Saline Expanses of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Gulf of Kachchh

 These vast saline expanses are found in regions encompassing Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Gulf of Kachchh.

Freshwater Lakes and Reservoirs

Stretching from Gujarat eastwards through Rajasthan (including Keoladeo National Park) and Madhya Pradesh, this group encompasses a range of freshwater lakes and reservoirs.

Delta Wetlands and Lagoons of India’s East Coast

 Prominent among these is Chilika Lake, representing the delta wetlands and lagoons along India’s eastern coastline.

Freshwater Marshes of the Gangetic Plains

 This category includes the freshwater marshes located in the Gangetic Plains.

Floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Marshes, and Swamps in Northeast India and the Himalayan Foothills

It covers the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, marshes, and swamps situated in the northeastern hills and the foothills of the Himalayas.

Lakes and Rivers of the Montane Region

This group pertains to the lakes and rivers in the mountainous regions of Kashmir and Ladakh.

Mangrove Forests and Wetlands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 This group comprises the mangrove tidal forests found in coastal areas influenced by tides. These areas are characterized by salt-tolerant plant species and are notably developed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sunderbans of West Bengal. These mangrove ecosystems are inhabited by diverse wildlife, including the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, turtles, crocodiles, gharials, and various snake species. Additionally, the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri rivers are covered by such mangrove vegetation, further contributing to India’s rich wetland biodiversity.

The different types of natural vegetation

There are various types of natural vegetation, often classified based on the dominant plant life in specific areas. Here are some common types:

Forests

These are characterized by a high density of trees forming a canopy covering most of the ground. Forests can be further categorized as tropical, temperate, or boreal, depending on the prevailing tree species.

Grasslands

Grasslands are dominated by grasses as the primary plant life. They include savannas in tropical regions, steppes in dry, cold areas with short grasses and shrubs, and prairies in temperate regions with tall grasses and wildflowers.

Deserts

Deserts are arid regions with minimal rainfall and sparse vegetation. Plant life in deserts is adapted to extreme conditions, with examples like cacti and mesquite trees.

Tundra

Tundra regions, not found in India, are cold, treeless areas located in the Arctic and high mountain slopes. They feature hardy vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs, with permanently frozen soil.

Wetlands

Wetlands are characterized by water-logged soil and encompass diverse environments like marshes, swamps, and bogs. They support a wide range of plant life, including grasses, reeds, and sedges, and are vital habitats for various animals, playing roles in water filtration and flood control.

Each of these types of natural vegetation contributes to the unique ecosystems and biodiversity found across the globe.

Types of grassland natural vegetation in India

In India, grasslands represent a significant component of the natural vegetation. Various types of grasslands can be identified, each with its unique characteristics:

Savannas

Savannas are prevalent in tropical regions and feature a blend of grasses and scattered trees. These regions are known for their distinct climate patterns, with extended dry seasons and shorter, wetter periods. Grasses in savannas are adapted to endure the dry seasons by going dormant.

Steppes

Steppes are primarily located in dry, cold regions and are characterized by short grasses along with scattered shrubs. These regions can be found in parts of Asia, Europe, and South America.

Prairies

Prairies are commonly found in temperate regions and are distinguished by tall grasses interspersed with a variety of wildflowers. They are prevalent in regions of North America, South America, and Asia.

Pampas

Pampas are specific to South America and are typified by tall grasses and sporadic shrubs. These grasslands can be found in areas of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Velds

 Velds are characteristic of southern Africa and are characterized by grasses alongside scattered trees. They are further categorized into different types based on the specific grass and tree species predominant in the area.

Grasslands serve as crucial habitats for diverse animal species and support various human activities, including agriculture and ranching. Additionally, they contribute to the ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, underscoring their importance in maintaining environmental harmony.

Types of wetlands natural vegetation in India

India boasts a diverse array of wetlands, each with its unique characteristics and plant life. Here are some of the different types of wetlands found in India:

Marshes

 Marshes are typically located in areas with shallow water and soft, waterlogged soil. They are often found along the banks of lakes, streams, and rivers. Marshes support a variety of plant life, including grasses, reeds, and cattails.

Swamps

 Swamps are situated in regions with deep water and dense vegetation. These low-lying areas feature trees such as cypress and gum among their dominant plant species.

Bogs

 Bogs are typically located in cool, northern regions and are characterized by deep, waterlogged soil rich in peat. Their soil is spongy and acidic, and they are home to unique plants like sphagnum moss, cranberries, and sundews.

Fens

Fens are found in areas with alkaline soil and are characterized by plants such as sedges, rushes, and wildflowers. They are often situated in cooler climates and are sustained by groundwater.

Wet Meadows

Wet meadows thrive in areas with wet soil and feature a combination of grasses and wildflowers. These temperate regions are often used for hay production.

India also hosts other types of wetlands, including mangrove forests, tidal flats, and estuaries. Wetlands are vital habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals and play essential roles in water filtration and flood control. Unfortunately, many wetlands face threats from human activities like development and pollution, leading to legal protection measures for several wetland areas.

Wildlife of India

India boasts rich biodiversity, encompassing approximately 90,000 animal species and around 2,000 bird species, constituting a significant 13% of the world’s total. The country is also home to 2,546 fish species, nearly 12% of the global fish diversity.

Majestic Wildlife

•  Elephants thrive in the hot, wet forests of Kerala, Karnataka, and Assam.
• One-horned rhinoceroses inhabit the swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal.
• The Thar desert is known for camels, while the Rann of Kachchh hosts wild asses.
•  India is home to Nilgai (blue bull), Indian bison, chousingha (four-horned antelope), gazelles, various deer species, and monkeys.
• The Gir forest in Gujarat is the natural habitat of the Indian lion, making India unique in having both lions and tigers.

Himalayan Treasures

•  In Ladakh, you can find shaggy horned wild oxen, yaks, bharal (blue sheep), and Tibetan wild asses (kiang).
• The Himalayan region also shelters ibex, bears, snow leopards, and the rare red panda.

Aquatic Life

• India’s rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are home to turtles, gharials, and crocodiles.

Avian Diversity

India provides a habitat for colorful birds such as peacocks, ducks, parakeets, cranes, and pigeons.

Conservation Efforts

• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 serves as a legal framework for wildlife conservation and protection in India.
• The country boasts 103 national parks and 535 wildlife sanctuaries.
• Collaborating with UNESCO’s “Man and Biosphere Programme,” the Government of India has initiated special measures for the conservation of flora and fauna.
•  Project Tiger, launched in 1973, aims to safeguard India’s tiger population from poaching and other threats. It initially covered 9 tiger reserves and later expanded to include 44 reserves across 17 states.
•  Project Elephant, launched in 1992, focuses on the long-term survival of elephant populations by safeguarding their habitats and migration corridors in 17 states.
• Other government projects include Project Hangul, the Crocodile Breeding Project, and the conservation of the Himalayan Musk deer.

Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserves are regions comprising terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that hold international recognition under UNESCO’s “Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.” These reserves must meet specific criteria and adhere to essential conditions to be admitted into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves sanctioned by UNESCO. These areas are renowned for their abundant biological and cultural diversity.

 Biosphere Reserves are dedicated to achieving the following objectives:

Conservation of Biodiversity

Preserving the biological and cultural diversity and the integrity of ecosystems, encompassing plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and micro-organisms.

Ecological Research Promotion

 Encouraging research related to ecological conservation and various environmental aspects.

Facilitating Education and Awareness

 Establishing facilities for educational purposes, research initiatives, awareness campaigns, and training programs.

The Biosphere Reserves Programme commenced in India in 1986. As of now, India boasts 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in different regions of the country. Among these, 10 have earned a place in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, showcasing India’s commitment to conserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Biosphere Reserve	Year	Location
Nilgiri	1986	Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Nanda Devi	1988	Uttarakhand.
Nokrek	1988	Meghalaya.
Manas	1989	Assam.
Sundarban	1989	West Bengal.
Gulf of Mannar	1989	Tamil Nadu coast.
Great Nicobar	1989	Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Simlipal	1994	Odisha.
Dibru – Saikhowa	1997	Arunachal Pradesh.
Dihang-Dibang	1998	Arunachal Pradesh.
Pachmarhi	1999	Madhya Pradesh.
Khangchendzonga	2000	Sikkim (Kanchenjunga).
Agasthyamalai	2001	Kerala.
Achanakmar Amarkantak	2005	Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh.
Kutch	2008	Gujarat.
Cold Desert	2009	Himachal Pradesh.
Seshachalam	2010	Andhra Pradesh.
Panna	2011	Madhya Pradesh.

Ramsar Convention

The international treaty concerning wetlands is known as the “Ramsar Convention.” This name is derived from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed on February 2, 1971. To commemorate this significant event, World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd.

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that signifies the commitment of its member nations to preserve the ecological character of their internationally significant wetlands and to develop sustainable strategies for their use.

In collaboration with six other organizations referred to as Internal Organisation Partners (IOPs), the Ramsar Convention operates effectively. These organizations include the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Wetlands International, WWF International, Birdlife International, and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).

Currently, the Ramsar Convention has 171 Contracting Parties worldwide, encompassing 2,414 designated wetland sites. The very first Ramsar site globally was designated as the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia back in 1974.

India joined the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982, and presently boasts 49 sites that hold the status of wetlands of international importance.

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