Natural Vegetation And Wildlife (India Basic)

Relief

The diverse relief features of India play a crucial role in determining the distribution and types of natural vegetation and wildlife. The varied topography creates different microclimates and habitats.

Land

India's landforms are broadly categorized into:

1. Mountains: The Himalayas in the north and other mountain ranges like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Aravallis present varied altitudes, slopes, and aspects. This leads to altitudinal zonation of vegetation, from alpine meadows at high altitudes to dense forests at lower elevations.

2. Plains: The vast Indo-Gangetic plains, coastal plains, and the plains of the peninsular plateau offer different soil types and water availability, supporting grasslands, agricultural land, and riverine vegetation.

3. Plateaus: The Deccan Plateau and other peninsular plateaus have distinct characteristics, often with drier conditions in certain regions, supporting scrub forests and grasslands.

4. Deserts: The Thar Desert in the northwest is characterized by arid conditions, supporting specialized xerophytic vegetation (like cacti and thorny shrubs) and adapted wildlife.

5. Coastal Areas: The extensive coastline supports mangrove forests in deltaic regions and sandy plains with different types of vegetation.

Soil

Soil type is a fundamental factor for plant growth, and India's varied soil profiles support diverse vegetation:

1. Alluvial Soils: Found in the northern plains and coastal areas, these are fertile and support dense vegetation, including forests and agricultural crops. They are crucial for riverine ecosystems.

2. Black Soils: Predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, these soils are rich in clay and retain moisture well. They are ideal for growing cotton and support grasslands and deciduous forests.

3. Red and Yellow Soils: Found in the peninsular plateau regions, these soils are less fertile than alluvial soils and support scrub forests, grasslands, and hardy vegetation adapted to drier conditions.

4. Laterite Soils: Found in areas of high rainfall and high temperature, these soils are leached and support thick forests, adapted to humid conditions, and some grasses.

5. Mountain Soils: Found in hilly and mountainous regions, these soils vary in composition and support coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and scrub vegetation depending on altitude and climate.

6. Arid Soils: Found in desert regions, these soils are sandy and infertile, supporting only xerophytic vegetation.

Climate

Climate is the most significant factor determining the type of natural vegetation and wildlife found in any region. India's diverse climate, ranging from tropical to alpine, supports a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.

Temperature

Temperature variations across India, from the extremely cold Himalayas to the hot plains and the humid coasts, dictate the types of plants and animals that can survive.

• High Temperatures and Humidity: Support dense, evergreen forests with a rich variety of species (e.g., Tropical Evergreen Forests).
• Moderate Temperatures and Rainfall: Support deciduous forests and grasslands.
• Low Temperatures and Short Growing Seasons: Found in the mountains, supporting coniferous and alpine vegetation.
• Arid Conditions with High Temperatures: Support xerophytic vegetation (thorny bushes, cacti) and animals adapted to scarcity of water.

Photoperiod (Sunlight )

The duration of daylight (photoperiod) affects plant growth and flowering. While sunlight is abundant across much of India, variations in cloud cover and seasonal changes influence the amount of light available, impacting photosynthetic rates and the distribution of certain plant species.

Precipitation

Rainfall is perhaps the most critical climatic factor for vegetation and wildlife. The amount and duration of rainfall determine the density and type of vegetation, which in turn influences the wildlife habitats.

• Heavy Rainfall (Over 200 cm): Supports dense Tropical Evergreen Forests with a high density of plant species and diverse wildlife.
• Moderate Rainfall (100-200 cm): Supports Tropical Deciduous Forests, which shed their leaves during dry seasons, and grasslands.
• Low Rainfall (Less than 75 cm): Supports Thorn Forests and Scrubs, as well as grasslands adapted to dry conditions.
• Very Low Rainfall (Less than 25 cm): Characteristic of deserts, supporting specialized xerophytic plants and drought-resistant animals.
• Snowfall: In the Himalayas, snowfall influences the vegetation, leading to coniferous and alpine flora.

Types Of Vegetation

Based on climate and relief, India exhibits a wide variety of vegetation types:

Tropical Evergreen Forests

Rainfall: Found in areas receiving heavy rainfall (over 200 cm) with short dry seasons.

Temperature & Humidity: High temperatures and high humidity.

Location: Western slopes of the Western Ghats, northeastern parts of India (Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura), Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Characteristics:

• Tree Density: Very dense, with trees growing to great heights (over 60 meters).
• Layered Structure: Multiple layers of vegetation, including canopy, under-storey, and shrubs.
• Evergreen: Trees do not shed their leaves simultaneously, so the forest appears green throughout the year.
• Commercial Value: Valuable timber species like ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona are found here.
• Wildlife: Rich in biodiversity, supporting elephants, monkeys, deer, various species of birds, and reptiles.

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Rainfall: Found in areas receiving moderate rainfall (70-200 cm).

Characteristics:

• Leaf Shedding: Trees shed their leaves during the dry season (summer) to conserve water.
• Types:
• Moist Deciduous Forests: Found in areas with rainfall between 100-200 cm. Teak and Sal are important species. Found in the eastern parts of India, northern parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and along the foothills of the Himalayas.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: Found in areas with rainfall between 70-100 cm. Trees typically have broad leaves and shed them in summer. Important species include Tendu, Palash, Amaltas, Khair. Found in the drier parts of the peninsula, northern Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
• Commercial Value: Timber from these forests (like Sal, Teak, Shisham, Sandalwood) is highly valuable.
• Wildlife: Supports a wide range of animals, including tigers, lions, deer, elephants, and numerous bird species.

The Thorn Forests And Scrubs

Rainfall: Found in areas with low rainfall (less than 75 cm) and arid conditions.

Temperature: High temperatures.

Location: Northwestern India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana), and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Characteristics:

• Vegetation Type: Characterized by thorny bushes, grasses, and scattered trees like Babul, Kikar, and Neem.
• Adaptations: Plants have long roots to reach groundwater, thick bark to prevent water loss, and small leaves to minimize transpiration.
• Wildlife: Camels, donkeys, horses, foxes, wolves, and numerous reptiles adapted to arid conditions.

Montane Forests

Location: Found in mountainous regions, the vegetation varies with altitude.

Characteristics:

• Wet Temperate Forests (1000-2000m): Broad-leaved trees like oak, chestnut, and early flowering plants.
• Temperate Forests (1500-3000m): Coniferous trees like pine, deodar, chilgoza, fir, and spruce.
• Alpine Grasslands: Above the timberline (3000-4700m), vegetation is limited to mosses, lichens, and hardy grasses.
• Wildlife: Kashmir stag (Hangul), spotted deer, wild sheep, yak, snow leopard, and various birds.

Mangrove Forests

Location: Found along coastlines, especially in deltaic regions and estuaries of rivers, where the land is covered by tidal waters.

Examples: Sundarbans in West Bengal (named after Sundari trees), Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri deltas.

Characteristics:

• Adaptations: Trees have specialized roots (like pneumatophores or breathing roots) to survive in waterlogged, saline, and anaerobic conditions.
• Vegetation: Dense, tangled vegetation with a variety of species like Sundari, Goran, Garjan, and Keya.
• Wildlife: Rich in fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger (in Sundarbans), crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and numerous species of fish and birds.

Medicinal Plants

India has a rich heritage of medicinal plants, utilized for centuries in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. These plants possess therapeutic properties and are vital for healthcare.

Examples and their Uses:

• Neem: Known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Used for skin diseases, dental hygiene, and as a natural pesticide.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Revered for its medicinal and spiritual significance. Used to treat coughs, colds, fever, and respiratory issues.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): A rich source of Vitamin C. Used to boost immunity, improve digestion, and for hair and skin health.
• Turmeric (Haldi): Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Used for wound healing, digestion, and skin conditions.
• Ashwagandha: An adaptogen used to reduce stress, improve energy levels, and enhance cognitive function.
• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties for skin, burns, and digestive issues.
• Brahmi: Used to improve memory, concentration, and reduce anxiety.
• Giloy (Guduchi): Believed to boost immunity and fight infections.

Conservation: Many of these medicinal plants are facing threats due to habitat destruction, over-harvesting, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this valuable natural resource.

Wildlife

India is home to a rich and diverse wildlife population, thanks to its varied ecosystems and habitats. The country hosts about 7.5% of the world's species of fauna.

Diversity of Fauna:

• Mammals: India has about 7.5% of the world's mammals, including the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion (found only in Gir Forest, Gujarat), Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Snow Leopard, various species of deer, monkeys, and bears.
• Birds: Over 1,200 species of birds are found in India, making it one of the richest countries in terms of avian diversity. Common examples include peacocks, parrots, mynahs, pigeons, cranes, and ducks.
• Reptiles: India has a significant number of reptiles, including various snakes (cobras, pythons, vipers), crocodiles, alligators, and lizards.
• Amphibians, Fish, and Insects: The country also has a vast array of amphibians, freshwater and marine fish, and countless species of insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity.

Habitats: Wildlife is found in various habitats, including tropical forests, deciduous forests, mangroves, grasslands, deserts, and mountains. Each habitat supports a unique set of species adapted to its specific conditions.

Conservation Efforts: India has established numerous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to protect its rich wildlife heritage. Projects like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Rhino have been launched to conserve endangered species.

Migratory Birds

India is an important destination for migratory birds, especially during the winter season. These birds travel from colder regions of Europe and Asia to warmer parts of India seeking food and suitable breeding grounds.

Sources of Migratory Birds:

• Birds migrate from Siberia, Central Asia, China, and Europe.
• They often follow specific routes known as "flyways."

Popular Destinations in India:

• Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan): A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its large population of winter migratory birds.
• Chilika Lake (Odisha): A brackish water lagoon that attracts a significant number of migratory birds.
• Sultanpur National Park (Haryana).
• Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
• Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat).

Species: Common migratory birds include various species of ducks, geese, cranes, waders, pelicans, and flamingos.

Threats: Habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change pose threats to these migratory birds.