Wildlife

Table of contents

1. What is wildlife

2. What is wildlife conservation

3. How is wildlife endangered in India

4. Major dangers to wildlife

5. Top endangered animals in India

6. Wildlife conservation initiatives by the government of India

7. Wildlife conservation initiatives by NGOs

8. Major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks

9. Major conservation projects

10. Biosphere reserves

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What is wildlife?

‘Wildlife’ is a term that refers to animals that are not normally domesticated. In modern
times, it has come to include all organisms, flora, fauna, that grow or live in a region without
being introduced by humans. Wildlife is essential as it aids in balancing the environment and
providing stability to various natural processes of nature. It can be found in all ecosystems,
desert, rainforests, plains, and other areas.

The importance of wildlife lies in its ecological, economic, scientific, cultural, and agricultural
significance.

It maintains the ecological balance of nature by the regulation of population of different

species, food-chains or passage of food and energy through series of populations comprising
producers, consumers, and micro-organisms. In addition to this, it maintains the natural
cycles or circulation of inorganic nutrients between biotic and abiotic environments.

Furthermore, Wildlife serves as a gene bank for breeding improved varieties in agriculture,
fishery, and animal-husbandry. wild organisms promote the creation of new species of plants
and animals, including those of hybrid varieties.

Additionally, Wildlife has a great scientific importance, it is immensely significant for

research purposes and studies of anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary aspects.

Moreover, wildlife aids in the prevention of soil erosion. Soil erosion is prevented by plant
cover, mixing of waste by movement of wild animals, and conversion to humus by micro-
organisms.
It provides useful substances and wild animal products such as ivory, leather, silk, honey,
timber, firewood, paper, resins, essential oils, spices etc. Furthermore, it provides some basic
requirements of our daily lives including medicines, food, and the clothes we wear.

Finally, wildlife also helps in the control of pollution and maintenance of climate.

What is wildlife conservation?

The practice of protecting wild plant and animal species and their habitats is known as
wildlife conservation. It encompasses all efforts dedicated to preserving wildlife from
extinction. It involves both protection and scientific management of wild species and their
environment. Some species have become extinct due to natural causes, however, the
greatest danger to wildlife is a resultant of the harmful activities of man. Wildlife
conservation is directed towards preserving nature so that future generations may enjoy it
as well. Furthermore, it recognizes the importance of the flora and fauna present in our
ecosystems. Several nations have government agencies and NGOs dedicated to the
implementation of policies designed to protect wildlife.

The negative effects of human activity on wildlife has made wildlife conservation a very
necessary practice. It has become essential to take actions to protect wildlife from extinction.

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By doing so, we do not only ensure their survival, but also the diversity of the ecosystem. As
a result, it will improve the ecological health of the earth.

How is wildlife endangered in India?

India is a bio-diverse country, with close to 6.5% of the world’s known wildlife species.
Approximately 7.6% of the world mammals and 12.6% of the world’s birds are found in India.
Recently, India has seen an increase in wildlife crime due to the greater global demand for
wildlife and its products.

In India, wildlife crime is a prevalent issue. It especially affects rural communities because it
impacts food security and causes destruction of ecosystems. An example of this is cross-
border smuggling of live animals and plants, which may cause the increased spread of animal
or plant transmitted diseases. Additionally, poaching of tigers and rhinos, and the sale of star
tortoises are a three major contributors to the rise of wildlife crime in India.

Tigers are an endangered species. They are poached for their skin and bones to be used for
commercial use. Several Asian medicines use parts of the tiger as an ingredient, and jewelry
is also made using their claws.

In addition to tigers, rhinoceros are significantly affected by wildlife crime. Hundreds of

rhinos are being killed illegally because of the widespread demand for their horn. The
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the wildlife trade monitoring
network TRAFFIC report that sophisticated poachers even use veterinary drugs, poison,
cross bows, and other high caliber weapons to hunt rhinoceros.

Years of successful conservation efforts have allowed the great one-horned rhino to slowly
recover, however, other species including the java and Sumatran rhinos still remain at great
risk of extinction.

Smaller species such as the star tortoise are also endangered due to wildlife crime. They are
illegally traded in huge numbers, and can cost as much as even $500. The reason for their
popularity is that they are believed to bring prosperity, and are kept as pets. Other marine
species are also illegally harvested for trade. These include mollusks, seahorses, sea
cucumbers, and coral.

Major Dangers to Wildlife

Over time, the number of natural wildlife areas is slowly diminishing due to harmful human
activities. Furthermore, the little remaining habitat has been degraded, to the point that it
hardly resembles the wild areas that existed in the past. Destruction, fragmentation and
degradation of habitat causes habitat loss which is the primary threat to the survival of
wildlife in India.
The other reasons posing danger to wildlife are as follows:

a) Climate change:

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 Drought, rainfall, and flooding cause dangerous changes to the landscape, adding
stress to wildlife species and their habitat. Every year, many animals die due to abrupt
climate changes. Therefore, climate change is quickly becoming one of the largest
threats to the wildlife of India.

b) Unregulated hunting and poaching:

One major threat to the existence of wildlife is unregulated hunting and poaching.
Poaching is the illegal hunting and killing of animals for sale. It is the biggest threat
to wildlife after habitat destruction. In addition to the sale of body parts for various
uses, the animals themselves are sold to be kept as ‘exotic pets’.

c) Pollution of the environment:

Pollutants that are released into the environment have a harmful effect on wildlife
because they are ingested by various animals. Likewise, the wide use of toxic
chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers make the environment toxic to certain plants and
animals.

d) Over exploitation of wildlife resources:

Wildlife products such as food, clothing, pets, medicines etc. are in great demand
globally. However, this demand has caused increased hunting and poaching of
animals which becomes a great threat to their survival.

e) Population:
The increasing population of human beings is a major threat to wildlife because it in
turn causes all of the aforementioned threats. An increased number of people leads
to increased consumption of food, water and fuel and therefore an increased amount
of waste generated. Additionally, more population would require more wildlife
resources, which contributes to the over exploitation of such. The less is the
population, less is the disturbance to wildlife.

Top endangered animals of India

An endangered species is any species that is in danger of extinction through all or a

significant portion of its range. Shockingly, in India all animals are rated as critically
endangered, endangered or vulnerable. The following is a list of the top endangered species
in India:

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Bengal Tigers
The Bengal tiger is mainly found in India but, it is found in smaller numbers in Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar as well. Its population is a little over 2,500 left in the wild
Their numbers stabilized the the 1970s due to Indian Tiger reserves, however, recently there
has been a greater demand for wildlife products in Asia, causing the amount of poaching to
increase which, in turn, puts this species at risk once again. One threat to their survival is
habitat-destruction due to climate change. Their main habitat is the Sundarbans which is
being harmfully affected by sea level rise. Therefore, it is vital to engage in wildlife
conservational activities in order to prevent this species from going extinct.

Ganges river dolphin

The Ganges river dolphin was once found in river systems and deltas across North-India
however now, they are extinct from there. They are still found in certain freshwater areas.
The entire health of a river ecosystem can be reliably indicated by this species. Therefore, it
was declared national aquatic animal of 2009 by the government of India. The main threat
to it’s existence is habitat degradation caused due to pollution. The increasing pollution
levels of freshwater areas can cause the death of these dolphins and their prey. Additionally,
it can cause habitat-destruction which will result in the same.

Gharial
The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile which is native to the Indian sub-continent. It is
listed as critically endangered due to a drastic decline in its population due to the killing
and collecting of their eggs. The most prominent of the multiple threats they face, are
habitat destruction and death caused by turtle poaching and illegal fishing. These are
carried out by organized armed groups, therefore it is difficult to enforce protective
measures.

Great Indian Bustard

The Great Indian Bustard is listed as critically endangered, because it’s population is
strikingly low. Its population fell from 44 to 13 in just one year. The most prevalent
threat to this species is hunting. This is accompanied by poaching in areas that are
not protected. Other threats include collision with electric wires, free-ranging dogs in
villages and being hit by moving vehicles. Furthermore, agricultural expansion
infrastructural development, and industrialization has caused widespread habitat-loss
and alteration.

Indian rhinoceros
The Indian rhinoceros was hunted for sport and as an agricultural pest in the late 20 th
century, which caused their numbers to plummet below 200. However, conservational
efforts throughout India and Nepal have allowed the numbers to rise till over 3,500.
However, they still face threats such as poaching and lack of food. The main threat to
their survival is poaching for their horns, which are sold for a high price in Southeast
Asian countries. Additionally, the growth of weeds and exotic plants in their habitat has
made it difficult for them to find food, which drives them out of protected areas and
make them easily accessible to poachers.

Indian Antelope
The Indian antelope, or blackbuck is an endangered found only in the open grasslands
and dry scrub areas of India and Nepal. During the 20th century their population

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declined due to excessive poaching, hunting, and habitat degradation due to
deforestation. At present, the main threat they face is poaching for their skin.
Furthermore, their predators include the wolf, jungle cat, hyena, pythons, jackal, feral
dogs and wild pigs.

Indian Wild Ass

The Indian wild ass is currently ranked as near threatened. Although the global
population is nearly 4,800 present in and outside of sanctuaries and appears stable,
the rapid infrastructure development and growth of population of humans in their
habitats could lead to the re-emergence of old threats. The threats they face are
increased competition with livestock for water and pasture, and high poaching levels.

Indian Wild Dog

The Indian Wild Dog, or Dhole has a population of less than 2,500. It was once found
across Asia, but due to threats it now has a severely restricted range. The main threats
to the species are depletion of prey base, persecution, ongoing habitat-loss and even
possibly the transfer of diseases for domestic and feral dogs. It’s declining population
trend is expected to continue, which make sit essential to engage in conservational
activities in order to stabilize their population levels.

Nilgiri Langur
The Nilgiri Langur is a primate indigenous to the Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats.
Their population is estimated to be between 5,000 and 15,000 however the number of
mature individuals is less than 10,000. The key threats to their survival are poaching
and habitat loss. They are poached for their blood, organs and pelts used to make
Asian medicines, Additionally, their skins are used to make drum heads. Habitat
destruction due to developmental projects is also severely affecting their population.
Lastly, they are also captured and sold as pets.

Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr is a species of mountain goat native to the Western Ghats. Now, it’s
range has spread to Tamilnadu and Kerala. The main threats this species face are
poaching, disease transmission, habitat destruction and competition for food from
cattle and goats. At present, their population is estimated to be around 2000. Although
it is an endangered species, there have been vigorous conservational efforts which
have led to the increase of their numbers.

Red Panda
The red panda has a population of less than 10,000 and is classified as endangered
because their numbers are decreasing. One major threat they face is being caught in
traps meant for other animals, including wild pigs and deer. Furthermore, they are
poached to obtain their distinctive red pelts to sell in places such as China, Myanmar,
and Bhutan. Additionally, they face the threat of habitat- destruction due to
deforestation.

Lion-Tailed Macaque
The primary threat faced by the lion-tailed macaque is habitat destruction. This is
caused by deforestation due to logging. Logging also causes the fruit they eat to be
found in scarce quantities. Their natural habitat is being torn down to be used for

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farmland. Additionally, this species is hunted to be used as pets or for food. Currently,
their population is 3000-3,500.

Sangai
The Sangai were believed to be almost extinct by 1950. However, later in 1953 six of
them were spotted. This sparked conservational efforts from Manipur, which managed
to get the species’ population up to 204. The artificial reservoirs cause habitat loss due
to flooding and inundation of the phumdi islands, which is their primary threat. Pollution
and stopping of nutrient supply is causing the water quality of the reservoir to degrade.
Furthermore, the invasion of Paragrass and other non-native plants is a threat. They
also face the threat of poaching, diseases from the livestock, and inbreeding
depression.

Indian Pangolin
Although the exact population of the Indian Pangolin is not known, their numbers are
though to be declining. The major threat they face is poaching for consumption. They
are used as a source of protein, for their meat and scales, and for medicinal purposes.
Furthermore, it is believed that their scales are illegally traded internationally.

Wild Water Buffalo

The wild water buffalo is considered an endangered species because it’s population
is below 4000, with less than 2,500 mature individuals. Its population has decreased
by almost half over the past two decades. Hybridization is a threat that is severely
affected their survival. For example, inbreeding between the wild and domestic water
buffalo is posing a risk. They used to be found all throughout Europe and southern
Asia, however dry climate has restricted its range to the Indian subcontinent. Habitat
destruction due to, parasites and climate change, the appearance of native species,
and human infrastructures and agriculture are contributing to this species’ decline.
Agricultural practices, intensive cultivation of fields, illegal animal trade, and
domestication of animals are also threats they face

Wildlife conservation initiatives by the Government of India

Many national parks and protected areas have been established in order to overcome
the harmful effects of human encroachment. The first was established in 1935.
Furthermore, to protect tigers and other wildlife of India the Wildlife Protection act and
Project Tiger were established in 1972. Additionally, the only habitat for Asiatic lions
in India is Gir National Park. The endangered on-horned rhinoceros has a national
park in Assam, The Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, for it’s protection. There is also the
Dachigam National park in Jammu and Kashmir for the protection of the Hangul.

To encourage eco-tourism, promote wildlife awareness among the people and

preserve our national heritage various natural projects including Project Tiger, Jungle
Lodges, and Nature camps have been started by the Indian government.

The other initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to conserve wildlife are
as follows:

 Tourist development on elephant migration routes all throughout the Kabbini

river has been banned by the government of Karnataka.

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  The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 helps reduce habitat-destruction caused
by deforestation.
 A ban was imposed on the commercial trading of Asian elephants and the
export of ivory as a result of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES) in 1976.
 The forest department has significantly changed its planning policy, which has
ceased the alteration of first-growth forests into eucalyptus plantations. It has
also changed the priority from commercially-centered forests to conservation-
centered forest management.
 The Wild Elephant Protection act of 1879 gives elephants absolute protection
in Uttar Pradesh.
 The authorities are also putting their efforts to instigate Rajaji National Park,
Motichur and Chilla reserves.
 The capturing of elephants has been suspended.
 A new conservation area was also established which was named as Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve covering 5,520 km2. This area protects elephants ranging
from North of Palghat Gap in Karnataka, Tamilnadu, and Kerala.

Wildlife Conservation Initiatives by NGOs:

In addition to government initiatives, there are also various NGOs working on wildlife
conservation, such as:
 Rhino Foundation for Nature (Assam).
 TRAFFIC India fights wildlife trafficking in India.
 Wildlife Trust of India.
 Wildlife First works for the conservation of wilslife in Karnataka.
 Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
 Greenpeace.
 Nature's Beckon (Assam).
 Wildlife Society of Orissa (Orissa).
 The Friends of the Doon (Uttaranchal)·
 Rhino Foundation for Nature (Assam).
 Bali Nature and Wild Life Conservation Society (West Bengal).
 Friends of Forests (Maharashtra).
 North Eastern Society for Preservation of Nature and Wildlife (West Bengal).
 Rhino Foundation for Nature (Assam).
 Nature Conservation Society Amravati (Maharashtra).

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Major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks

 The Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sibasaa, Assam. It has an area of 430
kms. It is concerned with the conservation of Rhinoceros, elephants, wild buffalo,
sloth bear, leopard, bison, tiger, sambhar, pelican stork and eagle.
 The Manas Wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve is located in Kamrup, Assam. It has an
area of 540 kms. It is concerned with the conservation of tiger, panther, bear, wild
dog, rhinoceros, gaur, and golden angur.
 The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. IT has an area
of 65 kms. IT is concerned with the conservation of rhinoceros, gaur, elephant, tiger,
leopard, deer, birds and adrepriles.
 The Kolameru bird sanctuary is located in tadepallegudum, Andhra Pradesh. It serves
as a breeding place for pelican and other visiting marine birds.
 Chilika Lake is located in Chilika, Orissa. It has an area of 100 kms. It is concerned with
the conservation of waterfowl, duck, cranes, ospreys, golden plover, sandpiper,
stone, curlews, flamingoes etc.
 Vedant Hangal Bird Sanctuary is located in Madras, Tamilnadu. IT has an area of 0.3
kms. It is concerned with the conservation of flamingoes, pelican, black buck, chitals,
and wild boars.
 Point Calimer Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. It has an area of
0.3 kms. It serves for the conservation of panther, tiger, sambhar, and chitals.
 The Mundanthurai Sanctuary is located in Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. It has an area of 520
kms. It is concerned with the conservation of elephants, gaurs, sambhar, leopards,
Nilgiri langur, grey hornbill, and egret.
 The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is located in periyar, kerala. It has an area of 777 kms.

Major Conservation Projects

Project Elephant

Project Elephant, a centrally sponsored scheme, was launched in February 1992 to

provide financial and technical support to major elephant bearing states in India for
protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors. The Project, involving 25 Elephant
Reserves across the country, is being implemented in 13 States and Union Territories
in India, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and
West Bengal.

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The main activities of this project are:

 Ecologically restoring the existing natural habitats and migratory routes of

elephants
 Developing of scientific methods for conservation of elephant habitats and
viable population of Wild Asiatic elephants in India and ensuring their
continuance through planned management.
 Promoting measures for mitigating man-elephant conflict in crucial habitats and
as far as possible negating the undue pressures of human and domestic stock
activities in crucial elephant habitats
 Ensuring strictest adherence to "No poaching" acts formulated for Wild
elephants and minimizing cases of unnatural deaths of elephants due to human
or other interference.
 Research on Elephant management related issues.
 Conducting Public education and awareness programs.
 Providing for veterinary care of the wild elephants.
 Undertaking Eco-development as a major step to fortify their efforts at wildlife
conservation.

Project Tiger

Project Tiger was formed in 1972 and launched on the 1st April 1973 at Corbett
National Park. Project Tiger has successfully emerged as one of the champion
endeavors of Tiger conservation as formulated by a special task force set up under
Wildlife Conservation Act to address the problem of dwindling Tiger population in the
country.

Thus following steps were taken:

 Thus, a national ban was imposed on Tiger Hunting in 1970
 The Wildlife Protection Act came into force in 1972
 Project Tiger was launched in 1973 and various tiger reserves were created in
the country based on a 'core-buffer' strategy.
The management strategy of each Tiger Reserve functioned in accordance to certain
core principles mentioned below:
 All forms of human exploitation and biotic disturbance to be eliminated from the
core zone and any activities carried out in the buffer zone should not impeach
the wildlife habitat.
 Any habitat management carried out should be subject to redressing the
damage caused by human interference in order to restore the ecosystem to its
original state.
 Changes in flora and fauna are to be documented for research purpose.

In the initial phase of Project Tiger only 9 Tiger Reserves were established in different
States during the period of 1973-74 by the joint effort of Central and State
Governments, at present the number has grown to 28 reserves in 2006 with a total
Tiger population of over 1000 tigers from a mere 268 in 9 reserves in 1972.

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Biosphere reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to
reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally
recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of
the states where they are located. There are 18 biosphere reserves in India which protect
larger areas of natural habitat than national parks, and they often include more than one
national park.

the biosphere reserves in India are:

 Nilgiri Biosphere reserve; Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka

 Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve; Tamil Nadu
 Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve; West Bengal
 Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve; Uttarakhand
 Nokrek Biosphere Reserve; Meghalaya
 Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve; Madhya Pradesh
 Simlipal Biosphere Reserve; Odisha
 Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve; Great Nicobar
 Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve; Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
 Agathyamalai Biosphere Reserve; Kerala, and Tamil Nadu

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