India has a high level of biodiversity with over 47,000 plant species and 81,000 animal species, however many are now threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. Nearly 1500 plant species and 79 mammal, 44 bird, and 15 reptile species are threatened while the Asiatic cheetah and pink headed duck have gone extinct. Deforestation from development, mining, grazing, and pollution has reduced India's forest cover to only 19.39% of land despite a normal requirement of 33%. The government has established acts and conservation projects like Project Tiger to protect critical wildlife habitats and endangered species, while some local communities have also initiated their own conservation efforts.

1. India-Flora and Fauna
 The vegetation and wild life of a country aare
called flora and fauna respectively.
 In India there are about 47,000 plant species
and 81,000 animal species.

2. Some facts to Know
 Among the larger animals in India, 79
species of mammals, 44 of birds, 15 of
reptiles and 3 of amphibians are threatened.
 Nearly 1500 plant species are considered
endagered.
 The forest cover of India is estimated at
637,293 sq.kms or 19.39% which is far below
the normal requirement of 33%.

3. Some Facts About Species in India
 Endangered Species:-These are in danger
of extinction such as-
 Black Buck-
 Crocodile-
 Ind.Rhino
 Lion-

4. Vulnerable Species
 Blue Sheep
 Asiatic Elephant
 Gangetic Dolphin

5. Rare Species
 Bear
 Wild Asiatic Buffalo
 Desert Fox
 Hornbill

6. Extinct Species
 Asiatic Cheetah
 Pink Head Duck

7. Causes of Depletion of Forests
 Large scale development projects.
 Mining
 Grazing and fuelwood collection.
 Habitat destruction, huntomg ,poaching,over –
exploitation,environmental pollution and forest fires
have led to decline of India’s biodiversity.

8. Some Facts
 Half of India’s Natural forests are gone.
 One-third of its wetlands drained out.
 7o% of its surface waterbodies are polluted.
 40% of its mangrooves wiped out.

9. Conservation of Forests and
WildLife in India.
 Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support
systems-water,air soil.
 It also preserves genetic diversity of plant and animals.
Measures:- 1.The Indian wildlife (protection) Act 1972.
2. Hunting and poaching banned.
3.Establishment of National parks and .WL sanctuaries.
4. Several projects for specific animals like-Project Tiger,Project
Rhino,kashmir stag, crocodiles, asiatic lion..

10. Community and Conservation
 In Sariskha Tiger reserve(RAJ) villagers have
fought against mining by citing wildlife
protection act.
 The inhabitants of 5 villages in Alwar district
of Rajasthan have declared 1200 hectares of
forest as Bhairodev Dakar son churi declared
their own set of rules and regulations.
 Famous movements likeChipko movement ,
Beej bachao Andolan(Tehri) and Navadanya
are some examples.