environment and colonial rule , vegetation and wildlife in india

how important is environment for us

1. By - Mohammad Amil 9B
ENVIRONMENT AND
COLONIAL RULE
How important is the environment for
human life?

2. VEGETATION IN
INDIA
Natural vegetation refers to a
plant community that has
grown naturally without human
aid and has been left
undisturbed by humans for a
long time. It is also called virgin
vegetation.

3. The natural vegetation of India can be
classified into six major types, namely,
tropical evergreen forests, tropical
deciduous forests, tropical thorn forests
and scrubs, montane forests, mangrove
forests, and desert vegetation
India has a rich and diverse natural vegetation due to its varied climate,
relief, and soil. India is one of the 12 mega bio-diversity countries of the
world, with about 47,000 plant species and 90,000 animal species.
Tropical Rainforests:
• Found in the Western Ghats, parts of
Northeast India, and the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
• Rich biodiversity with dense,
evergreen forests and a variety of
flora and fauna.

4. Tropical Deciduous Forests:
• Predominantly located in central India, parts of the Eastern Ghats, and the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
• Characterized by trees that shed their leaves in the dry season and regrow them during the monsoon.
Thorn Forests and Scrubs:
• Typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of
Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of the Deccan Plateau.
• Comprised of drought-resistant trees and shrubs
with thorny leaves to conserve water.
Mangrove Forests:
• Present along the coastal areas, especially in the
Sundarbans in West Bengal and parts of Gujarat.
• Specialized vegetation adapted to saline
conditions, providing a crucial habitat for various
species.

5. Tidal or Deltaic Vegetation:
• Found in the deltas of major rivers like
the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Godavari.
• Consists of swampy vegetation adapted
to frequent flooding.
MOUNTAIN VEGETATION:
• HIGHER ALTITUDE REGIONS LIKE THE
HIMALAYAS HAVE DISTINCT VEGETATION
ZONES SUCH AS ALPINE FORESTS, TEMPERATE
FORESTS, AND ALPINE PASTURES.
• VARIES FROM DENSE CONIFEROUS FORESTS
TO ALPINE GRASSLANDS BASED ON ALTITUDE.

6. IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE
ON VEGETATION AND FOREST
1. Expansion of Agricultural Land:
• Colonial powers aimed to expand agricultural
land for cash crop cultivation, such as tea,
coffee, cotton, and indigo. This led to extensive
clearing of forests to make way for plantations.
2. Commercial Exploitation:
• Forests were commercially exploited for
timber, especially for shipbuilding, railway
sleepers, and other construction purposes. The
demand for wood by the colonial powers
resulted in widespread logging.
3. Infrastructure Development:
• The construction of railways, roads, and other
infrastructure required vast amounts of timber,
further contributing to deforestation. food
Why Deforestation?

7. 4. REVENUE GENERATION:
• FOREST RESOURCES WERE CONSIDERED A SOURCE OF
REVENUE FOR THE COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION. THE IMPOSITION
OF TAXES AND FEES ON TIMBER AND FOREST PRODUCTS LED TO
OVEREXPLOITATION AND DEGRADATION OF FORESTS.
5. MINING AND INDUSTRIALIZATION:
• THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MINES AND INDUSTRIES
NECESSITATED THE CLEARING OF FORESTS FOR RAW MATERIALS
LIKE IRON ORE AND COAL, LEADING TO DEFORESTATION IN
MINING REGIONS.
6. COLONIAL POLICIES AND LAND USE CHANGES:
• POLICIES LIKE THE ‘WASTELAND RULES’ AND ‘FOREST ACTS’
ENFORCED BY THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT DISREGARDED
TRADITIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF LOCAL
COMMUNITIES. THIS OFTEN RESULTED IN OVEREXPLOITATION
AND DEGRADATION OF FORESTS.
7. INDIFFERENCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES:
• THE COLONIAL POWERS SHOWED LITTLE CONCERN FOR THE
LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DEFORESTATION.
SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC GAINS TOOK PRECEDENCE OVER
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT.

8. 1. Bengal Tiger: India is home to the Royal
Bengal Tiger, a significant and iconic species
known for its strength and beauty. Tigers are
found in various national parks and reserves
across the country.
2. Indian Elephant: The Indian Elephant,
revered for its cultural significance, roams in
select habitats in India. It’s an integral part
of Indian wildlife and traditionally associated
with religious and cultural practices.
3. Indian Rhinoceros: Found primarily in the
northeastern region of India, particularly in
Kaziranga National Park, the Indian
Rhinoceros is one of the largest species of
rhinoceros.
4. Asiatic Lion: The Asiatic Lion, once
widespread in the Indian subcontinent, is now
mainly found in the Gir Forest National Park
in Gujarat.
5. Indian Peafowl: Known for its vibrant and
colorful plumage, the Indian Peafowl, or
peacock, is the national bird of India and is
found throughout the country.
Wildlife found in India

9. IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON INDIAN WILDLIFE:
1. Habitat Destruction: Colonial rule led to significant deforestation and habitat
destruction due to various policies like the establishment of plantations,
infrastructure development, and extensive logging. This affected the natural
habitats of various wildlife species.
2. Hunting and Poaching: During the colonial period, hunting for sport and trophy
collection was prevalent among the British elite. This led to a severe decline in
wildlife populations, especially tigers, lions, and rhinoceroses.
3. Loss of Biodiversity: The unrestricted hunting and destruction of habitats caused
a significant reduction in the biodiversity of Indian wildlife. Some species faced
near-extinction due to these activities.
4. Introduction of Exotic Species: Colonists introduced several exotic species into
India, disrupting the ecological balance and causing harm to native wildlife species.
5. Conservation Initiatives: Some conservation efforts were initiated by colonial
administrators, like the establishment of protected areas such as Jim Corbett
National Park. However, these measures were often limited and insufficient to
counteract the overall negative impact.

10. THANK YOU
Mohammad Amil
Priyanshu
Aishwarya
Ishee
Ishika
Varisha
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