Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Class 9 ||Geography|| Chapter 5 Notes

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Class 9 ||Geography|| Chapter 5 NCERT Notes

1. What is Natural Vegetation?

  • Natural Vegetation means the plant cover that grows naturally without human interference.
  • It depends mainly on climate (temperature, rainfall), soil, and relief (landforms).

2. Types of Vegetation in India

India is home to a wide variety of vegetation due to its diverse climate and geography. The major types of natural vegetation in India are:

a) Tropical Evergreen Forests

  • Location: Found in areas with heavy rainfall, such as the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts of Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Features:
    • Trees are evergreen (don’t shed their leaves together).
    • Forests are dense with a variety of trees, climbers, and shrubs.
    • Trees grow tall (up to 60 meters).
    • Important trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood.
    • These forests also have rich wildlife including elephants, monkeys, and snakes.

b) Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests)

  • Location: Found in areas with moderate rainfall like central India, northern India, and the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • Features:
    • Trees shed their leaves for about 6-8 weeks during dry summer to conserve water.
    • These forests are less dense than evergreen forests.
    • Divided into moist and dry deciduous forests.
    • Moist Deciduous Forests (found in areas with more rainfall): Teak, Sal, Shisham.
    • Dry Deciduous Forests (found in areas with less rainfall): Peepal, Neem.
    • Animals found: Tigers, Lions, Elephants, and Deer.

c) Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs

  • Location: Found in areas with very little rainfall (less than 70 cm), like Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Features:
    • Vegetation is thorny and sparse.
    • Plants are adapted to dry conditions, with long roots and small leaves to reduce water loss.
    • Common plants: Cactus, Acacia, Babul, and Palm.
    • Animals: Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Foxes, and Wild Asses.

d) Montane Forests (Mountain Forests)

  • Location: Found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions.
  • Features:
    • As we go higher in the mountains, the type of vegetation changes due to decreasing temperature.
    • At lower altitudes: Tropical forests (e.g., Chestnut, Oak).
    • At higher altitudes: Coniferous forests (e.g., Pine, Deodar, Fir).
    • Animals: Snow Leopards, Himalayan Tahr, and Sheep.

e) Mangrove Forests

  • Location: Found in coastal areas, especially in the Sundarbans (West Bengal) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Features:
    • These forests grow in salty water.
    • The trees have roots that come out of the water to breathe (pneumatophores).
    • The Sundari tree is the most common in these forests.
    • Animals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, and many types of Fish and Birds.

3. Importance of Forests

  • Forests are important for many reasons:
    1. Ecological Balance: Forests provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, maintaining the air quality.
    2. Climate Regulation: Forests influence the climate and rainfall patterns.
    3. Economic Resources: Forests provide wood, medicines, fruits, and other products.
    4. Wildlife Habitat: Forests are home to many species of animals, birds, and insects.

4. Wildlife in India

India is rich in wildlife, and different regions of the country have various species of animals.

  • Elephants are found in the forests of Kerala, Karnataka, and Assam.
  • Tigers are found in the Sundarbans and the forests of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Lions are found in the Gir forest of Gujarat.
  • Leopards, Bears, and Rhinoceros are also found in different parts of India.

a) Birds:

  • India is home to a wide variety of birds, such as Peacocks, Parrots, Cranes, and Ducks.

b) Marine Life:

  • Coastal areas have rich marine life with species like Turtles, Dolphins, and Crocodiles.

c) Endangered Species:

  • Many species of animals and plants are endangered due to deforestation, habitat loss, and poaching.
  • India has several wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves to protect these endangered species. Example: Kaziranga National Park (for Rhinos), Jim Corbett National Park (for Tigers).

5. Conservation of Forests and Wildlife

India is facing many problems like deforestation, overgrazing, and wildlife hunting. To tackle these problems:

  • The government has taken steps like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the creation of biosphere reserves.
  • People also need to contribute by planting trees and protecting animals.

6. Biosphere Reserves

  • Biosphere Reserves are protected areas where wildlife and natural vegetation are preserved.
  • India has several biosphere reserves like Nanda Devi, Sundarbans, and Nilgiri.

Summary:

  • India has various types of natural vegetation due to its diverse climate and geography.
  • Vegetation includes evergreen forests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, and mangroves.
  • Forests provide ecological balance, resources, and habitats for wildlife.
  • India has a rich variety of wildlife, including endangered species that need protection.
  • Conservation efforts like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and laws are in place to protect natural resources.