Paheli and Boojho’s Visit:
They visited a forest with Professor Ahmad and Tibu.
They explored the forest, observed wildlife, and learned about conservation and biodiversity.
They were eager to share their experiences with classmates in Class VIII.
Classmates’ Experiences:
Some children had visited Bharatpur Sanctuary, a famous bird and wildlife reserve.
Others had heard about famous protected areas such as:
Kaziranga National Park - known for one-horned rhinoceroses.
Lockchao Wildlife Sanctuary - rich in flora and fauna.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve - protects endemic species and tribal life.
Tiger Reserves - areas specifically set up to protect tigers.
Protection of Wildlife:
These areas provide safe habitats for wild animals and plants.
Human activities like hunting, poaching, grazing, and tree cutting are strictly prohibited.
Conservation of Biodiversity:
They maintain the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms found in an area.
Protect endangered and endemic species that are not found anywhere else.
Preservation of Natural Habitats:
Animals and plants live in their natural surroundings, which helps them survive and reproduce.
Prevents the destruction of forests, rivers, wetlands, and grasslands.
Research and Education:
Scientists and students can study plants, animals, and ecosystems in their natural habitat.
Helps increase awareness among people about the importance of conservation.
Maintenance of Ecological Balance:
Protected areas support food chains and ecosystems.
Small and large animals, birds, insects, and plants play a role in keeping nature balanced.
Cultural and Traditional Significance:
Some reserves also protect the traditional lifestyle of tribal communities.
Preserve cultural heritage and historical sites like rock shelters or ancient trees.
Tourism and Recreation (Sustainable Use):
Encourage eco-tourism without disturbing wildlife
People can enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes responsibly.
Importance of forests and biodiversity:
Earth has a great variety of plants and animals, known as biodiversity.
These organisms are essential for human survival, providing food, oxygen, medicine, and raw materials.
Definition of deforestation:
Deforestation is the clearing of forests for human use.
It involves cutting down trees and converting forest land into agriculture, settlements, or industries.
Human causes of deforestation:
Land for cultivation: Forests are cleared to grow crops and feed the increasing population.
Construction of houses and factories: Trees are removed to build homes, factories, and infrastructure.
Wood for fuel and furniture: Trees are cut for making furniture, paper, and as a source of firewood.
Natural causes of deforestation:
Forest fires can destroy large areas of trees.
Severe droughts dry up vegetation and reduce tree cover.
Summary:
Both human activities and natural events contribute to deforestation.
Continuous deforestation threatens the survival of plants, animals, and humans.
Question:
Add more causes of deforestation to your list and classify them into natural and man-made causes.
Answer:
Natural Causes
1. Forest fires caused by lightning
2. Severe droughts (no rainfall for long time)
3. Insect attacks or diseases in trees
4. Storms or strong winds uprooting trees
Man-made Causes
1. Cutting trees for farming or cultivation
2. Building houses, roads, and factories
3. Using wood for furniture and paper
4. Using wood as fuel for cooking and heating
5. Mining and building dams
6. Overgrazing by cattle in forest areas
7.2 Consequences of Deforestation
Paheli and Boojho recalled the effects of deforestation:
Increase in temperature on Earth.
Rise in pollution levels, especially due to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Lowering of groundwater levels.
Disturbance in the natural balance of ecosystems.
Impact on rainfall and soil fertility:
Continuous tree cutting reduces rainfall over time.
Fertility of soil decreases due to lack of vegetation.
Increased chances of natural calamities, such as floods and droughts.
Effect on the carbon cycle and global warming:
Trees absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Fewer trees → more CO₂ in the atmosphere → traps heat → global warming.
Increased temperature disturbs the water cycle, reducing rainfall and causing droughts.
Effect on soil properties:
Trees prevent soil erosion; their removal exposes topsoil.
Top fertile layer eroded → lower layers exposed → less humus, less fertility.
Gradual conversion of fertile land into deserts → called desertification.
Decrease in water holding capacity → water cannot infiltrate → leads to floods.
Other soil properties affected: nutrient content, texture, and structure.
Impact on forest products:
Forests provide wood, fruits, medicinal plants, gum, fibers, resins, etc.
Continuous deforestation may cause shortage of these forest products in the future.
Summary:
Deforestation disturbs climate, soil, water, and biodiversity.
Leads to floods, droughts, global warming, and desertification.
Urgent action is required to protect forests for sustainability and human well-being.
After learning about the effects of deforestation, Paheli and Boojho become worried about the future of forests and wildlife.
They approach Professor Ahmad to ask how forests and wildlife can be protected.
Professor Ahmad organizes a visit to a biosphere reserve, specifically the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, to show the children how conservation works.
Importance of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve:
The plants and animals here are similar to those found in upper Himalayan peaks and the lower Western Ghats.
Biodiversity is unique, making it a valuable part of national heritage.
Guidance and Explanation by Madhavji (Forest Employee):
Preserving biologically important areas ensures they become part of our national heritage.
Apart from individual and community efforts, government agencies play a key role in protecting forests and wildlife.
The government sets rules, methods, and policies to protect these areas.
Protected Areas for Conservation:
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Areas where animals are protected from disturbance and their habitat is preserved.
National Parks: Areas reserved for wildlife where animals can freely use natural habitats and resources.
Biosphere Reserves: Large protected areas conserving wildlife, plant resources, and the traditional life of tribals living in that area.
Rules in Protected Areas:
Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting, and poaching are strictly prohibited.
Goal of Protected Areas:
To conserve flora and fauna along with their natural habitats, ensuring biodiversity is maintained for future generations.
The children, along with Professor Ahmad and Madhavji, enter the biosphere reserve area.
Madhavji explains that biosphere reserves are specially designated areas meant for the conservation of biodiversity.
Biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms found in a specific area.
Purpose of Biosphere Reserves:
To maintain the biodiversity of an area.
To preserve the culture and natural heritage of the region.
To contain and protect other protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Example: The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve in India:
National Park: Satpura National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori Sanctuary, Pachmarhi Sanctuary
Other notable areas: Tawa Reservoir, Churna, Neemghan, Dhain Bori
Key Feature: Biosphere reserves are large areas designed to include varied ecosystems, so they can protect plants, animals, landscapes, and cultural heritage all together.
Factors disturbing biodiversity:
Deforestation: Large-scale cutting of trees destroys the homes of plants and animals. It also disturbs the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air.
Pollution: Smoke from factories and vehicles, and waste thrown into rivers, harm living organisms. Polluted air and water make it difficult for animals and plants to survive.
Hunting and Poaching: Many animals are killed for their skin, horns, tusks, or meat. This reduces their numbers and can make them endangered.
Overgrazing by cattle: When too many cows and goats graze in one area, the grass and small plants get destroyed, leading to soil erosion.
Industrialization and Urbanization: Construction of cities, roads, and industries reduces forest land and increases pollution.
Climate Change: Increasing global temperatures and irregular rainfall affect the natural habitats of many species.
As the children walked through the biosphere reserve, they appreciated the green wealth of the forest, including the tall trees and various animals.
Paheli spotted a rabbit and tried to catch it, but Professor Ahmad stopped her.
He explained that animals are happiest and safest in their natural habitat.
Humans should avoid disturbing wild animals.
Madhavji explained the concept of flora and fauna:
Flora refers to the plants found in a particular area.
Fauna refers to the animals found in a particular area.
Some plants and animals are naturally found only in certain regions, meaning they are native to that area.
Example Answer (Goa):
Flora: Coconut trees, Cashew trees, Banyan trees, Mango trees, and Jackfruit trees.
Fauna: Peacocks, Deer, Monkeys, Snakes, Kingfishers, and Wild Boars.
This shows that Goa is rich in both plant and animal life due to its forests and warm climate.
Giant squirrel with fluffy tail
Wild mango tree
Flying squirrel, bison
The children entered the deep forest and saw a very large squirrel with a fluffy tail.
Madhavji explained that this squirrel is the giant squirrel, which is endemic to this area.
Definition: Endemic species are plants or animals found only in a particular area and nowhere else naturally.
Endemism can occur at different levels:
Zone-level: Found in a specific ecological zone.
State-level: Found only in a particular state.
Country-level: Found only in one country.
Examples of endemic flora in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve:
Sal trees
Wild mango
Example of endemic fauna:
Giant squirrel
Example Answer (Western Ghats/Goa region):
Endemic Plants: Wild Banana, Western Ghats Orchids, and Wild Nutmeg trees.
Endemic Animals: Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Tree Toad, and Indian Gaur (Bison).
These species are unique to the Western Ghats and should be protected from hunting and habitat loss.
A wildlife sanctuary is an area where wild animals are protected and can live freely in their natural surroundings.
In a sanctuary, hunting, poaching, or capturing animals is strictly prohibited. However, people living nearby may be allowed to gather fruits, medicinal plants, or firewood without harming wildlife.
Wildlife sanctuaries protect endangered species such as the black buck, white-eyed buck, elephant, rhinoceros, marsh crocodile, golden cat, pink-headed duck, and python.
These sanctuaries are located in different types of landscapes - forests, mountains, and river deltas.
Unfortunately, even protected areas are sometimes not completely safe, because nearby villagers or illegal hunters enter and destroy habitats. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect them.
Difference Between Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary:
Zoo Wildlife Sanctuary
Animals are kept in cages or enclosures. Animals live freely in their natural surroundings.
Space is limited and artificial. Space is large and natural.
Mainly for public display and education. Mainly for protection and conservation.
Animals depend on humans for food. Animals hunt and live naturally.
Arrival at Satpura National Park:
The children saw a board saying ‘Satpura National Park’ and were eager to explore.
Madhavji explained that national parks are large and diverse areas designed to protect entire ecosystems.
These parks preserve flora, fauna, landscapes, and historic objects of an area.
Significance of Satpura National Park:
It is the first Reserve Forest of India.
Finest Indian teak trees are found here.
Rock shelters inside the park provide evidence of prehistoric human life, giving insights into the life of primitive people.
Satpura Tiger Reserve:
Children also saw a board for ‘Satpura Tiger Reserve’.
Madhavji explained Project Tiger, launched by the government to protect tigers.
Objective: Ensure the survival and maintenance of tiger populations in India.
Tigers and Other Wildlife:
Tigers are slowly disappearing from forests, but Satpura Tiger Reserve has seen a significant increase in tiger population.
Historically, animals like lions, elephants, wild buffaloes, and barasingha were also found here.
Endangered Species:
Animals whose numbers are diminishing and may face extinction are called endangered animals.
Example: Dinosaurs, which became extinct long ago.
Habitat disturbance makes survival difficult for many species.
Small Animals and Ecosystem Importance:
Small animals like snakes, frogs, lizards, bats, and owls are often killed without realizing their ecological importance.
Despite their size, they play a crucial role in food chains and food webs.
Killing them harms ecosystem balance and indirectly affects humans.
Ecosystem Components:
An ecosystem consists of:
Biotic components: plants, animals, microorganisms.
Abiotic components: climate, soil, rivers, deltas, etc.
Professor Ahmad explained to the children that the Red Data Book is an important reference source.
Purpose:
It records all endangered species, including animals, plants, and other organisms.
Helps scientists, students, and policymakers to monitor and protect species at risk of extinction.
Different volumes:
There are separate Red Data Books for plants, animals, and other species, making it easier to access specific information.
Content included in the Red Data Book:
Species name – scientific and common name.
Habitat - where the species naturally lives.
Population status - whether it is critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable.
Threats - factors causing decline (like habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, climate change).
Protection measures - conservation efforts in place to save the species.
Importance:
Helps raise awareness about endangered species.
Guides conservation programs and policies like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves.
Additional resources:
For detailed information, students can refer to official websites such as:
www.wil.gov.in/envis/primates
(This provides updated lists and information about plants and animals under threat).
During the forest excursion, the children, guided by Madhavji, sat near the Tawa Reservoir to rest and observe nature. Paheli noticed birds flying and resting near the water and became curious about their origin. Madhavji explained that these birds were migratory birds, meaning they travel long distances seasonally.
Reason for migration:
Their natural habitats become cold, harsh, or unsuitable during certain seasons.
Food sources may become scarce in their home regions.
They move to warmer and safer areas to survive.
Purpose of migration:
To find a suitable climate for laying eggs and raising chicks.
To ensure survival of their species during extreme weather conditions.
Migratory birds may fly thousands of kilometers across countries and continents.
Madhavji encouraged students to think about forests as vital ecosystems:
Forests provide wood, paper, and other resources.
If forests were lost, both local and migratory species would face habitat loss.
He highlighted the importance of alternatives to wood and paper:
Recycling paper multiple times.
Using eco-friendly materials like bamboo or cloth-based substitutes.
Environmental lesson:
Migratory birds depend on healthy forests and water bodies.
Protecting forests ensures survival of migratory and resident species.
The students realized that forests support biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance, benefiting both humans and animals.
Professor Ahmad explained to the children that paper production is a major cause of deforestation. In fact, it takes 17 fully grown trees to make just one tonne of paper. This highlights how excessive paper use directly contributes to the loss of forests.
To reduce this problem, it is very important to save, reuse, and recycle paper. Paper can be recycled 5 to 7 times, which means the same paper can be used multiple times instead of cutting new trees for fresh paper.
He also explained that if each student saves even one sheet of paper a day, it can lead to saving hundreds of trees in a year when combined with the efforts of all students.
Recycling paper has several other benefits:
Conserves Energy: Making paper from recycled material uses much less energy than producing it from fresh trees.
Saves Water: The paper manufacturing process requires large amounts of water, so recycling reduces water consumption.
Reduces Harmful Chemicals: Less wood pulp is needed, which reduces the amount of chemicals used in paper production.
Protects Forests and Wildlife: By saving trees, we also protect the habitats of many animals and plants.
Professor Ahmad emphasized that saving paper is a small action but has a big impact on the environment. Every student can contribute by using paper responsibly, reusing it whenever possible, and recycling it.
Professor Ahmad explained that reforestation is the most effective solution to the problem of deforestation. Reforestation means restocking areas where forests have been destroyed by planting new trees. These newly planted trees should ideally be of the same species that were originally found in that forest to maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem.
It is important to plant at least as many trees as we cut. This ensures that the forest area does not shrink over time and the green cover is maintained. Reforestation can happen in two ways:
Artificial Reforestation: This involves human intervention where saplings are planted in deforested areas. Careful planning is needed to choose appropriate species, spacing, and maintenance of trees.
Natural Reforestation: If a deforested area is left undisturbed, trees may regrow naturally from seeds present in the soil. In this case, human involvement is minimal, and the forest gradually regenerates itself.
Professor Ahmad also emphasized that humans have already caused tremendous damage to forests, so planting more trees is essential to retain our green wealth for future generations. Trees not only provide oxygen, fruits, and timber, but also help maintain soil fertility, rainfall patterns, and biodiversity.
In India, the Forest (Conservation) Act has been enacted to protect and conserve natural forests, while also ensuring that the basic needs of local people who depend on forests are met.
After learning about reforestation, the children were advised by Madhavji not to stay in the jungle after sunset because it could be dangerous. On returning, Professor Ahmad and the children thanked Madhavji for guiding them through this informative and exciting experience.
Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, and Biosphere Reserve
These are protected areas created to conserve forests, plants, and wild animals.
They help preserve natural habitats and maintain ecological balance.
Biodiversity
Refers to the variety of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) in a specific area.
Higher biodiversity ensures healthy ecosystems.
Flora and Fauna
Flora = plants of a particular area.
Fauna = animals of a particular area.
Both together represent the living wealth of a region.
Endemic Species
Species that are found only in a particular area and nowhere else naturally.
Example: Indian giant squirrel in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Endangered Species
Species that are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, or other human activities.
Example: Tiger, gharial, pink-headed duck.
Red Data Book
A book or database that records all endangered species (plants and animals).
Helps in tracking species and planning conservation efforts.
Migration
The seasonal movement of species from one habitat to another for a specific purpose, like breeding or escaping harsh weather.
Example: Birds flying to warmer regions in winter.
Saving, Reusing, and Recycling Paper
Reduces deforestation, saves trees, energy, and water, and minimizes chemical usage in paper production.
Paper can be recycled 5–7 times for multiple uses.
Reforestation
The process of replanting trees in deforested areas.
Helps restore ecosystems, conserve soil, and maintain biodiversity.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a ___________.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as __________.
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of ________ changes.
Answer:
a. Wildlife Sanctuary
b. Endemic Species
c. climatic
Topic Point of Difference
Wildlife Sanctuary vs Biosphere Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary protects only animals and their habitat, while a Biosphere Reserve
is a large area protecting biodiversity, plants, animals, and tribal life.
Zoo vs Wildlife Sanctuary Zoo is a man-made enclosure where animals are kept in captivity; Wildlife Sanctuary
is a natural area where animals live freely.
Endangered Species vs Extinct Species Endangered species are at risk of extinction but still exist; Extinct species no longer
exist anywhere on Earth.
Flora vs Fauna Flora refers to plants of an area; Fauna refers to animals of an area.
Effects of deforestation on:
(a) Wild animals – Loss of habitat, decrease in population, risk of extinction.
(b) Environment – Increase in temperature, pollution, climate change, reduced rainfall.
(c) Villages (Rural areas) – Soil erosion, reduced agriculture productivity, scarcity of fuelwood.
(d) Cities (Urban areas) – Increase in air pollution, reduced green cover, urban heat.
(e) Earth – Global warming, disturbed carbon cycle, desertification.
(f) Next generation – Scarcity of forest resources, loss of biodiversity, climate instability.
4: What will happen if:
(a) We go on cutting trees – Deforestation increases, biodiversity loss, global warming.
(b) The habitat of an animal is disturbed – Animals may migrate, decline in population, possible extinction.
(c) The top layer of soil is exposed – Soil erosion, reduced fertility, desertification.
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
To maintain ecosystem balance, ensure survival of species, and preserve resources for humans and future generations.
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
Illegal poaching, hunting, and human encroachment can threaten animals even in protected areas.
(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
For food, medicine, fuelwood, shelter, and livelihood. Forests provide their basic needs.
(d) Causes and consequences of deforestation:
Causes: Cutting trees for agriculture, houses, factories, furniture, forest fires, droughts.
Consequences: Soil erosion, desertification, reduced rainfall, floods, loss of biodiversity, climate change.
(e) What is Red Data Book?
A book that records all endangered species of plants and animals, helping in conservation planning.
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?
Seasonal movement of species from one habitat to another for breeding or survival due to climatic changes.
6: 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.
While meeting the demand for factories, housing, and development may require cutting trees, it must be done responsibly. Sustainable alternatives and reforestation should compensate for the trees cut. This ensures environmental balance and conserves biodiversity.
7: How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.
Individuals can contribute by planting trees, saving and recycling paper, avoiding littering in forests, educating others about conservation, and using alternatives to wood products. These actions help preserve local greenery and support wildlife habitats.
8: Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall
Fewer trees → Less transpiration → Less water vapor → Reduced rainfall.
Disturbed water cycle → Droughts and climate imbalance.
Fewer trees reduce transpiration, which decreases moisture in the atmosphere, leading to reduced rainfall and droughts. Soil erosion and loss of fertile land also increase floods during rainfall, demonstrating how deforestation disturbs the water cycle and ecosystem balance.
9: Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India.
Goa has two important protected areas: Mollem National Park, located in central-eastern Goa in the Western Ghats, and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near Ponda Taluka in North Goa. Mollem National Park is home to tigers, elephants, and endemic plants, while Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary houses deer, peacocks, and various birds. These parks are marked on the India map along the western coast in the state of Goa.
10: Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper
Paper should be saved because it requires 17 trees to produce one tonne. Recycling and reusing paper conserves trees, water, and energy while reducing harmful chemicals used in manufacturing. Ways to save paper include reusing used sheets, recycling paper multiple times, avoiding unnecessary printing, and using digital notes.
Reuse notebooks, print double-sided, recycle used paper, avoid wastage, digital notes.
Down:
Endangered
Red Data Book
5. Disease
Across:
Extinct
3. Endemic
4. Biodiversity