2. • Land and forests are the foundation of
sustainable development. Forests cover
30% of the Earth’s surface and in addition
to providing food security and shelter, are
key to combating climate change,
protecting biodiversity, and are home to
the indigenous population.
3. • Chhattisgarh has 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries gifted with their unparalleled natural
beauty and diverse and rich flora and fauna. Chhattisgarh located in central India is among the states
which has the maximum land under forest area, encompassing an area of nearly 1,35,133 Sq. km.
44% of the total area of Chhattisgarh comes under forests, which contributes to the 12% of the of
India's total forests. The state has immense possibility for wildlife and eco-tourism because of its rich
bio-diversity. Chhattisgarh is blessed with some of the most endangered and rare wildlife species are
found here. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers Chhattisgarh is a perfect destination.
4. • SITANADI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
• Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh, India. Sitanadi Wildlife
Sanctuary is a famous tourist attraction which is frequented by wildlife enthusiasts throughout the
year. The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1974 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This
sanctuary sprawls over an area of 556 km2 and has an altitude ranging between 327 and 736 m
above the sea level. It is named after Sitanadi River which originates from this sanctuary and joins
Mahanadi River near Deokhut. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its lush green flora and rich
and unique and diverse fauna and has great potential to emerge as one of the finest wildlife
destinations in central India.
5. • The Indian leopard has strong legs and a long well-formed tail, broad
muzzle, short ears and small, yellowish grey eyes, light grey ocular bulbs.
Its coat is spotted and rosetted on a pale yellow to yellowish-brown or
golden background, except for the melanistic forms; the spots fade toward
the white underbelly and the insides and lower parts of the legs. The
leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into
the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep
them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from
trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until
they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk
antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When
human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and,
occasionally, people. Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at
home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.
6. Female leopards can give birth at any time of
the year. They usually have two grayish cubs
with barely visible spots. The mother hides her
cubs and moves them from one safe location
to the next until they are old enough to begin
playing and learning to hunt. Cubs live with
their mothers for about two years—otherwise,
leopards are solitary animals.
Most leopards are light colored with distinctive
dark spots that are called rosettes, because
they resemble the shape of a rose. Black
leopards, which appear to be almost solid in
color because their spots are hard to
distinguish, are commonly called black
panthers.
7. Ideas to preserve the biodiversity of India
• Use natural and biodegradable products
like natural fibre from coconut,
biodegradable leaf plates and coir beds.
• Use sustainable alternatives to wood. Use
bamboo-based products.
• Don’t buy products made of skins of
endangered animals (shoes, belts, purse,
handbags, shawls etc.)
• Respect and obey rules and regulations
about environment, biodiversity, and
wildlife.
• Plant a tree on every birthday and water it
for at least five years.
• Increase your awareness about wildlife
laws and learn ways to conserve wildlife.
• Prepare educational material to highlight
various local plant species for the region, or
specific areas, to be used as a catalyst for
awareness raising and behavioural change.
