Detailed Summary of Wildlife
India is recognized as one of the world’s twelve mega biodiversity countries, exhibiting rich flora with around 47,000 plant species, which amounts to the tenth position worldwide and the fourth in Asia in terms of plant variety. Approximately 90,000 species of animals, which include 2,000 species of birds and 2,546 species of fish, contribute to India's extraordinary biodiversity. The section outlines various types of vegetation found across the country, such as:
- Tropical Evergreen Forests - Typically found in high rainfall areas, these forests are characterized by tall trees and a luxuriant variety of flora and fauna.
- Tropical Deciduous Forests - These forests shed their leaves seasonally and are further categorized into moist and dry types based on rainfall.
- Thorn Forests and Scrubs - Present in arid regions, these are composed of hardy, drought-resistant plants.
- Montane Forests - Found in mountainous terrains, where climate conditions vary with altitude.
- Mangrove Forests - Located in tidal zones, these forests host unique plants adapted to salty conditions.
The section also highlights key animals associated with each type of vegetation and emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation, noting the existence of endangered species. The discussion extends to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and various conservation projects initiated by the government, such as Project Tiger and Project Rhino, in efforts to protect India’s rich biodiversity.