Why do we need to conserve our forests and wildlife?

(a) We need to conserve our forests and wildlife due to the following reasons:
(l) Forests and wildlife preserve the ecological diversity and our life support systems – water, air and soil.
(ii) It preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. For example, fisheries are heavily dependent on the maintenance of acquatic biodiversity.
(iii) Forests play a major role in enhancing the quality of environment. They modify local climate, control soil erosion and regulate stream flow.
(iv) They support a variety of industries, provide livelihood for many communities.
(v) They offer panoramic or scenic view for recreation.
(b) The central government had started several projects for protecting specific animals which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the one horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag and others. Some animals such as Indian elephant, black buck have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India.
However the conservation projects have changed:
(l) These projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components.
(ii) There is now a more intensive search for different conservation measures.
(iii) Even insects are finding place in conservation planning. In the notification under
Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species.
(iv) In 1991 for the first time plants were also added in the list, starting with six species.