CBSE Class 10 · Forest and Wildlife Resources

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India Class 10 Notes

Updated 14 October 2026 · Fact-checked

Conservation preserves ecological diversity, our life support systems of water, air and soil, and the genetic diversity of plants and animals. India passed the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972, banning hunting, protecting habitats and restricting wildlife trade. Project Tiger began in 1973, when tigers had fallen to 1,827, and conservation now covers whole biodiversity.

Understand Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Why conserve forests and wildlife? Wildlife populations and forests have declined rapidly, so conservation has become essential. It does three things:
1. It preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems: water, air and soil.
2. It preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth and breeding of species.
3. It protects the base of key activities: agriculture still depends on traditional crop varieties, and fisheries depend on maintaining aquatic biodiversity.
Remember the chapter's opening idea: humans are only one part of a complex ecological web. Plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air, water and soil we need, and forests are the primary producers on which all other living beings depend. Biodiversity is rich in wild and cultivated species, diverse in form and function, but bound together by many interdependencies.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In the 1960s and 1970s conservationists demanded a national wildlife protection programme. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972, with provisions for protecting habitats, and an all-India list of protected species was published. Its thrust was to protect the remaining populations of endangered species by:

banning hunting,
giving legal protection to their habitats, and
restricting trade in wildlife.

After this, central and state governments set up national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The central government also announced projects for gravely threatened animals: the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag (hangul), three crocodiles (freshwater crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the gharial), the Asiatic lion and others. More recently the Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), great Indian bustard (godawan) and snow leopard have received full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade across India.

Project Tiger, 1973. The tiger is a key species in the faunal web. In 1973, authorities found the tiger population had shrunk to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century.

Threats: poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey species, growing human population. Trade in tiger skins and the use of tiger bones in traditional medicines, especially in Asian countries, pushed tigers to the verge of extinction.
India and Nepal hold about two-thirds of the world's surviving tigers, so they became prime targets for poaching and illegal trade.
Project Tiger, launched in 1973, is one of the world's best-known wildlife campaigns. It was seen not only as saving an endangered species but, equally, as a way of preserving biotypes of sizeable magnitude (large ecosystems).
Tiger reserves named in NCERT: Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal), Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan), Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam) and Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala).

From species to biodiversity. Conservation projects now focus on biodiversity rather than a few of its parts, and search for many different measures. Even insects are included: notifications under the Wildlife Act in 1980 and 1986 added several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles and one dragonfly to the protected list. In 1991, plants were added for the first time, starting with six species.

Exam scope note. This chapter has no map items in the 2026-27 list. Community-led conservation (Sariska villagers, Chipko, JFM, sacred groves) is on the Community and Conservation page.

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India: key facts

Why conserve: Ecological diversity
Life support (water, air, soil)
Genetic diversity for growth and breeding
Agriculture depends on it (traditional varieties)
Fisheries depend on it (aquatic biodiversity); Three-point answer.
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Ban hunting + legal protection of habitats + restrict wildlife trade; all-India list of protected species; Followed by national parks and sanctuaries.
Project Tiger 1973: Tigers: about 55,000 (turn of the century) -> 1,827 (1973); Threats: poaching, habitat loss, prey depletion, human population.
Tiger reserves: Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sunderbans (WB), Bandhavgarh (MP), Sariska (Rajasthan), Manas (Assam), Periyar (Kerala); Match-the-following material.
Specially protected animals: Tiger
one-horned rhino
hangul
three crocodiles (freshwater, saltwater, gharial)
Asiatic lion
later: Indian elephant, black buck, great Indian bustard, snow leopard
Widening the list: 1980 and 1986: hundreds of butterflies, moths, beetles, one dragonfly; 1991: first plants, six species; Shows the shift to biodiversity.

How to answer Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India questions

Questions here ask why conservation is needed, what the 1972 Act did, why Project Tiger was launched, or match tiger reserves with states. Geography uses MCQs, 2-mark, 5-mark and 4-mark case items.

1For 'why conserve', give ecological diversity, life support systems and genetic diversity, with agriculture or fisheries as an example.
2For the 1972 Act, give the three thrusts: ban on hunting, habitat protection, trade restriction.
3For Project Tiger, give the numbers (55,000 to 1,827), the threats, and why India and Nepal were targets.
4Show that tiger conservation also protects whole ecosystems ('biotypes of sizeable magnitude').
5For recent trends, mention the shift to biodiversity, with insects (1980, 1986) and plants (1991).

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Protecting a key species protects a whole ecosystem

Imagine a district decides to protect the few tigers left in its forest. To do this, it must stop poaching, protect the deer the tigers hunt, and save the grasslands and water holes the deer need.

Explain why protecting one species in this imagined case ends up protecting the whole forest, as Project Tiger intended.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Identify the tiger as a key species in the faunal web.
List what it depends on: prey base and habitat.
Protecting these protects plants, water and other animals too.
Link to NCERT: Project Tiger is also a means of preserving biotypes of sizeable magnitude.

Answer: A tiger survives only if its prey and their habitat survive. To protect tigers, the district must protect deer, grasslands, water holes and the forest itself, so many other species benefit. That is why NCERT says tiger conservation is not only about one endangered species but also about preserving large ecosystems.

Memory hook: Save the tiger, save the forest it stands on.

Tricks to remember Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

72 then 73
The Act came in 1972; Project Tiger followed in 1973.
Use it when: Date MCQs.
H-H-T for the Act
Hunting banned, Habitats protected, Trade restricted.
Use it when: 2-mark answers on the 1972 Act.
55,000 to 1,827
Tigers fell to about 1 in 30 of their old number by 1973.
Use it when: Project Tiger evidence.
C-S-B-S-M-P reserves
Corbett, Sunderbans, Bandhavgarh, Sariska, Manas, Periyar: 'Cats Sleep By Shady Mango Plants'.
Use it when: Matching reserves with states.

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Year of the Act · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

In which year was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented?
(a) 1952
(b) 1972
(c) 1980
(d) 1991

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

The Act was implemented in 1972; 1980 and 1986 added insects, and 1991 added plants (1 mark).

Answer: (b) 1972

Example 2: Why conserve (2 marks) · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

Why do we need to conserve our forests and wildlife? Give two reasons. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems: water, air and soil (1 mark).
It preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth and breeding; agriculture still depends on traditional crop varieties and fisheries on aquatic biodiversity (1 mark).

Answer: It preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems of water, air and soil. It also preserves genetic diversity for better growth and breeding of species; agriculture depends on traditional crop varieties and fisheries on aquatic biodiversity.

Example 3: Assertion-reason: India and Nepal · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level

Assertion (A): India and Nepal became prime targets for tiger poaching and illegal trade.
Reason (R): These two countries provide habitat to about two-thirds of the world's surviving tiger population.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Because most surviving tigers lived there, poachers targeted these two countries; R explains A (1 mark).

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Example 4: Project Tiger (5 marks) · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Examine the reasons for launching Project Tiger and explain why it is seen as more than an effort to save a single species. (5 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

In 1973 the tiger population had fallen to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century (1 mark).
Threats: poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base species and growing human population (1 mark).
Trade in skins and use of bones in traditional medicines, especially in Asian countries; India and Nepal, with two-thirds of surviving tigers, became prime targets (1 mark).
Project Tiger, launched in 1973, is a widely publicised campaign with reserves such as Corbett, Sunderbans, Bandhavgarh, Sariska, Manas and Periyar (1 mark).
The tiger is a key species in the faunal web, so protecting it also preserves biotypes of sizeable magnitude, whole ecosystems (1 mark).

Answer: By 1973 India's tigers had fallen to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century. They faced poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, loss of prey species and growing human population. Tiger skins were traded and bones used in traditional medicines, especially in Asian countries, and India and Nepal, home to about two-thirds of surviving tigers, became prime targets. Project Tiger was launched in 1973, with reserves such as Corbett, Sunderbans, Bandhavgarh, Sariska, Manas and Periyar. It is more than saving one species: the tiger is a key species in the faunal web, so protecting it preserves large ecosystems along with it.

Example 5: Case: widening protection · 4 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Read the case and answer the questions.

Early conservation in India concentrated on a few large, threatened animals. Over time, the focus widened. Notifications in 1980 and 1986 brought several hundred butterflies, moths and beetles, and one dragonfly, under protection. In 1991 the list included plants for the first time, beginning with six species. Today conservation projects aim to protect biodiversity as a whole and look for many different measures.

(i) In which year were plants first added to the list of protected species? (1)
(ii) Name any one type of insect added to the protected list. (1)
(iii) Why is it wiser to protect biodiversity as a whole rather than only a few large animals? (2)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

(i) 1991 (1 mark).
(ii) Butterflies, moths, beetles or a dragonfly (1 mark).
(iii) Species are linked through many interdependencies; plants, animals and micro-organisms together maintain air, water and soil (1 mark).
(iii) Losing small species can break the web on which large animals and humans depend, and genetic diversity is needed for agriculture and fisheries (1 mark).

Answer: (i) 1991. (ii) Butterflies (or moths, beetles, a dragonfly). (iii) Living things form a web of interdependencies: plants, animals and micro-organisms together keep air, water and soil healthy. Losing smaller species can break this web, harming large animals and humans too. Protecting all biodiversity also keeps the genetic diversity on which agriculture and fisheries depend.

Example 6: Match the reserve (1 mark) · 1 mark · MCQHarder board level

Which one of the following pairs of tiger reserve and state is correctly matched?
(a) Manas: Kerala
(b) Periyar: Assam
(c) Bandhavgarh: Madhya Pradesh
(d) Corbett: West Bengal

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Manas is in Assam, Periyar in Kerala, Corbett in Uttarakhand; Bandhavgarh is in Madhya Pradesh (1 mark).

Answer: (c) Bandhavgarh: Madhya Pradesh

Where students lose marks in Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Mixing up 1972 and 1973
Two consecutive years.
Wrong working
Project Tiger was launched in 1972 under the Wildlife Act.
Right working
The Act came in 1972; Project Tiger in 1973.
Do this: Act first, Tiger next.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Wrong state for a tiger reserve
Six names to learn.
Wrong working
Periyar Tiger Reserve is in Assam.
Right working
Periyar: Kerala; Manas: Assam.
Do this: Use the mnemonic and state list.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Only 'save the tiger' in Project Tiger answers
The ecosystem aim is missed.
Wrong working
Project Tiger aimed only to increase the number of tigers.
Right working
It also aimed to preserve biotypes of sizeable magnitude.
Do this: Add the ecosystem point.
Usually costs: 1 mark in 5-mark answers.
Mistake: Vague 'conservation is good for nature'
No NCERT reason given.
Wrong working
We should conserve forests because they are beautiful.
Right working
Ecological diversity, life support systems, genetic diversity.
Do this: Use the three NCERT reasons.
Usually costs: 1-2 marks.

Exam tips

Learn the six tiger reserves with states; matching questions are quick marks.
For Project Tiger, numbers (55,000 to 1,827) plus two threats make a strong opening.
Show the trend in conservation: from a few big animals to whole biodiversity, insects and plants.
No map items are set from this chapter in 2026-27.

Practice questions on Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
In 1973, the tiger population in India had dwindled to about:
(a) 55,000
(b) 18,270
(c) 1,827
(d) 827
Hint
Four digits.
Answer
(c) 1,827
Q2 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level
State two main provisions of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (2 marks)
Hint
Hunting, habitat, trade.
Answer
It banned hunting of endangered species and gave legal protection to their habitats. It also restricted trade in wildlife, and an all-India list of protected species was published.
Q3 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder board level
Name any four animals for which the central government announced special protection projects. (2 marks)
Hint
Tiger, rhino, hangul, crocodiles, lion.
Answer
Any four: the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag (hangul), the freshwater crocodile, the saltwater crocodile, the gharial, the Asiatic lion.
Q4 · 2 marks · Very short answerHOTS / competency
Suppose a fishing community notices that its catch is falling as the river's plants and small creatures disappear. Using the NCERT reasons for conservation, explain the link. (2 marks)
Hint
Fisheries depend on what?
Answer
Fisheries depend heavily on maintaining aquatic biodiversity. When plants and small creatures that form the food web disappear, fish lose food and habitat, so the catch falls; conservation protects this base.
Q5 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
'Conservation has become essential in the background of rapid decline in wildlife and forests.' Explain why conservation is needed and describe the steps taken by the government after 1972. (5 marks)
Hint
Reasons, the Act, parks and sanctuaries, species projects, wider lists.
Answer
Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems of water, air and soil, and the genetic diversity needed for better growth and breeding; agriculture relies on traditional crop varieties and fisheries on aquatic biodiversity. In 1972 the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act banned hunting, protected habitats and restricted trade, and published a list of protected species. Central and state governments then set up national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Special projects protected the tiger, one-horned rhino, hangul, three crocodiles and the Asiatic lion; Project Tiger began in 1973. Later the elephant, black buck, great Indian bustard and snow leopard got protection, and insects (1980, 1986) and plants (1991) were added.
Q6 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHOTS / competency
Assertion (A): Several hundred insects and, from 1991, some plants have been added to India's list of protected species.
Reason (R): Conservation projects now focus on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Hint
Why would small creatures and plants now be protected?
Answer
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Because conservation now aims at biodiversity as a whole, insects (1980, 1986) and plants (1991) were brought under protection.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.What did the 1972 Act publish?Show answer
An all-India list of protected species.
2.When was Project Tiger launched?Show answer
1973.
3.Where is Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary?Show answer
Rajasthan.
4.What is the hangul?Show answer
The Kashmir stag.
5.What is the local name of the great Indian bustard?Show answer
Godawan.
6.How many plant species were first added to the protected list in 1991?Show answer
Six.

Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India: frequently asked questions

Why is conservation of forest and wildlife necessary?

It preserves ecological diversity, life support systems (water, air and soil) and genetic diversity, on which agriculture and fisheries depend.

What is the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?

An Act that banned hunting of endangered species, protected their habitats, restricted wildlife trade and published an all-India list of protected species.

Why was Project Tiger started?

Because tigers had fallen to 1,827 by 1973 from about 55,000 at the turn of the century, due to poaching, habitat loss, prey depletion and growing human population.

Name some tiger reserves in India.

Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Sariska (Rajasthan), Manas (Assam) and Periyar (Kerala).