Chapter 7 – Conservation of Plants and Animals

Deforestation has gradual effects on the environment. 

• It leads to a surge in the level of air pollution in the atmosphere. The quality of air that the masses breathe deteriorates, leading to several respiratory illnesses. 
• Groundwater level diminishes as well. Due to the low level of groundwater resources, the amount of rainfall gets affected too. The decrease in rains affects the fertility and utility of the soil. The same leads to soil erosion. 
• Fewer amounts of trees on the earth equal lesser utilisation of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. It results in excessive carbon dioxide in the air. This is the primary reason for global warming because carbon dioxide retains the heat rays of the Sun reflected by the earth. The increase in temperature results in decreased rainfall for more extended periods. This eventually leads to droughts and lastly, famine. 

So, the consequences of deforestation are grave and long-standing. 

Some of the ways of conserving plants and animals are mentioned below – 

• Wildlife sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuaries are naturally simulated forest reserves that are protected for the conservation of wildlife of that particular forest. In wildlife sanctuaries, animals are provided with their natural habitat to enable them to sustain, as they would in the wild. These places are built in a manner that no human activity hinders wildlife and threatens their survival. 

In India, one can spot wildlife in their natural abode in Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka, Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh, or Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan. 

• National park

They are large reserves that conserve a whole set of ecosystems. They protect the flora and fauna, landscape, and elements of historical significance in a particular region. Some of the known national parks in India are Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, etc. 

• Red Data Book

It is a set of data that comprises all the endangered species of animals and plants. An international organisation maintains a Red Data Book to record the data of endangered animals and plants across the globe. It helps in keeping track of the endemic species of a particular region. 

Some of plants and animals that are endangered around the world are – 

• The Dhole – An Asian wild dog; it is at the top of the list, and is on the verge of extinction.
• Black Rhino
• American Bison
• Blue-Throated Macaw
• Pitcher Plant
• Jellyfish Pree  

• Recycling of paper

It takes 17 fully matured trees to produce one tonne of paper. Due to the rapid destruction of forested resources of the planet, there is a desperate need for recycling of paper and paper products. It is one of the best ways of conservation of forests. 

Apart from recycling, substitutes need to be found to produce paper. For example, the company Loving Earth has innovated its packaging to promote conservation and sustainability. They use Econic, a biodegradable film for its packaging needs. 

• Reforestation

It is the restoration of the destroyed forests by planting new ones. It takes place naturally, as well. It is the only option to retain our wealth of natural resources like forests.

The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, due to more than 17% loss in vegetation and land area in the last 50 years, has taken an urgent measure of reforestation. It is now focused on a 6-year tree planting initiative. It aims to plant around 73 million trees by 2023, making it one of the largest tree planting programs in tropical forests.   

There are biosphere reserves as well that are created with the intention of driving solutions to conserve the biodiversity of our ecosystems. 

Due to the rampant destruction of forests and wildlife, it is the need of the hour to take measures on a global scale for conservation. In the last couple of decades, the prevalence of wildfires and the extinction of exotic endemic species of animals or birds who tend to undertake migration have become widespread. 

Global Government agencies, along with the help of media and other ways of communication, have been working relentlessly to spread awareness about the urgency of the dire situation.

1. Why is the conservation of plants and animals important?

Conservation of plants and animals is essential to create a sustainable life for the present and future generations. 

2. What is the meaning of conservation of plants?

Conservation of plants means protecting all the plant species of the planet. 

3. How can we protect and conserve plants and animals?

We can conserve plants and animals by –  

• Preventing deforestation.
• Erecting stricter penalties for poaching.
• Criminalising killing of animals for commercial purposes, etc. 

4. Why do we need plant conservation?

We need plant conservation for a number of reasons including – 

• Prevention of global warming.
• Protecting the rich and wide variety of millions of species inhabiting the environment.
• Prevention of desertification. 
• It helps in purifying the air we breathe. 
• It helps in maintaining the balance in our ecosystems. 

5. What is the importance of conservation?

Conservation is critical to address in present times since the destruction of our ecosystem has become rampant, and it calls for immediate action. If ignored, the damages could be irreparable and could threaten life on this planet. 

Detailed conceptual explanations about the topic along with real-world examples can be found under the extensive video library of the MSVgo app. It helps in enlightening young minds about the grave impacts and information about deforestation and its causes.