Exam UPSC CSE Main 2023 GS Paper 1
Question - Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.
Answer
Factors responsible for the diversity of natural vegetation in India:
India has a large geographical extent that spans different climatic zones and altitudes, resulting in diverse vegetation types. For example, the Himalayan region has alpine vegetation, while the Western Ghats have tropical rainforests.
India has varied rainfall patterns, temperature, and humidity that affect the distribution and composition of vegetation. For example, the Thar Desert has xerophytic plants that can survive in arid conditions, while the Northeast region has evergreen forests that receive abundant rainfall.
India has different soil types that influence the fertility and adaptation of plants. For example, the alluvial soils of the Gangetic plains support rich agricultural vegetation, while the black soils of the Deccan Plateau are suitable for cotton cultivation.
India has a tropical latitude that exposes most of the country to high insolation and year-round higher temperatures, which favor the growth of tropical vegetation. For example, the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have tropical rainforests with a high diversity of flora and fauna.
India has biodiversity hotspots that are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism. For example, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are biodiversity hotspots that host many unique and endangered species of plants and animals.
Significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India:
Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas where wildlife and their habitats are conserved and preserved, often for research and tourism, while limited human activities are allowed.
Wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions are important for biodiversity conservation, as they protect many endemic and endangered species that are found only in these regions. For example, Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala preserves tiger populations, while Silent Valley National Park in Kerala safeguards the unique tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions also provide ecological services, such as regulating climate, controlling erosion, maintaining soil fertility, and purifying water. These services have far-reaching impacts on regional and global ecosystems. For example, rainforests are exceptional carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change.
Wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions also offer opportunities for ecotourism, education, and research. They attract visitors who can enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of these regions, while learning about their importance and challenges. They also provide a platform for scientific studies and discoveries that can enhance our knowledge and understanding of these ecosystems.