Forests and Wildlife Questions in English

(C) In the year $1731$,the King of Jodhpur ordered his soldiers to cut down Khejri trees in the village of Khejarli,Rajasthan. Amrita Devi Bishnoi,along with $363$ other people,sacrificed their lives to protect these trees by hugging them. This event is a historic example of environmental conservation and the Bishnoi community's dedication to nature.

(A) The 'Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award' is instituted by the Government of India for individuals or communities from rural areas that have shown extraordinary courage and dedication in protecting wildlife.
This award is in memory of Amrita Devi Bishnoi,who sacrificed her life along with $363$ other people for the protection of Khejri trees in Khejarli village,Rajasthan.
Therefore,the award is specifically dedicated to the conservation of wildlife.

(A) The incident of sacrifice by Amrita Devi Bishnoi and $363$ other individuals occurred in $1731$ in Khejarli village near Jodhpur,Rajasthan. They sacrificed their lives to protect the Khejri trees from being cut down by the King's men. This event is a historic example of community participation in forest conservation.

(D) Wildlife refers to all non-domesticated plants,animals,and other organisms.
$A$,$B$,and $C$ represent components of wildlife as they exist in their natural habitats without human intervention.
$D$ refers to animals living in human settlements,which are typically domesticated or synanthropic species,and therefore do not fall under the strict definition of wildlife.

(A) Wildlife serves as a vast reservoir of genetic diversity,which is essential for the survival and evolution of species.
It acts as a 'Gene bank' because it contains the wild relatives of cultivated crops and domesticated animals,which possess valuable traits like disease resistance,drought tolerance,and high productivity.
These genetic resources are crucial for crop improvement and breeding programs,making 'Gene bank' the most significant importance of wildlife in the context of long-term biological sustainability.

(A) The $Great \ Indian \ Bustard$ $(Ardeotis \ nigriceps)$ is classified as a critically endangered species by the $IUCN$.
It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs,giving it an ostrich-like appearance.
Due to habitat loss,hunting,and human disturbance,its population has declined significantly,making it one of the most endangered bird species in India.
Other options like pigeons,parrots,and bats are not currently classified as critically endangered in the same context.

(C) The $Monitor$ $Lizard$ (genus $Varanus$) is considered an endangered species in many regions due to habitat loss and illegal poaching for its skin and meat. While lizards,snakes,and salamanders exist in various species,the $Monitor$ $Lizard$ is specifically categorized under conservation concern in many wildlife protection acts. Note: Salamanders are amphibians,not reptiles.

(B) The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in the year $1972$. This act provides for the protection of wild animals,birds,and plants,and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto,with a view to ensuring the environmental and ecological security of the country.

(B) As of the latest data from the National Wildlife Database,there are over $560$ wildlife sanctuaries in India. Among the given options,$441$ was a commonly cited figure in older textbooks. Therefore,based on the provided options,$441$ is the most appropriate choice.

(D) India has a vast network of protected areas to conserve biodiversity. According to the data provided in the $NCERT$ textbook for Class $10$ (Chapter: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources),Gujarat accounts for approximately $14\%$ of the total wildlife sanctuaries in India. Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(B) The resources of government-owned forests are managed and controlled by the $Forest \text{ Department}$. This department is responsible for the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of forest resources, including timber, wildlife, and ecosystem services.

(D) The correct answer is $D$.
Cutting branches of trees for firewood is a sustainable practice if done in a controlled manner,as it allows the tree to continue growing.
Building roads $(A)$ and dams $(B)$ leads to habitat fragmentation and deforestation.
Planting monoculture crops like Eucalyptus $(C)$ reduces biodiversity and harms the local ecosystem.

(C) The leaves of the $Tendu$ plant ($Diospyros$ $melanoxylon$) are widely used in the manufacturing of $Bidis$ in India. These leaves are preferred because they are durable,flexible,and can be easily rolled.

(D) The '$Chipko$ Movement' (also known as the '$Chipko$ Andolan') was a non-violent,social,and ecological movement by rural villagers,particularly women,in India.
It began in the early $1970$s in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
The primary objective of this movement was to protect trees and forests from being cut down by commercial logging contractors.
Participants would literally hug the trees to prevent them from being felled,hence the name '$Chipko$' (meaning 'to hug' or 'to stick').
Therefore,it is a classic example of conservation efforts for forests.

(A) The '$Chipko$ Movement' was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers,particularly women,in India to protect trees and forests from deforestation.
It originated in the early $1970$s in the Garhwal Himalayas region of Uttarakhand,India.
The movement gained significant momentum in $1973$ in the village of Reni,where women hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors.

(B) Timber refers to wood that is prepared for use in building and carpentry. $Tectona$ $grandis$ (Teak) and $Eucalyptus$ are widely recognized and commercially used as primary sources of high-quality timber for construction and furniture making. Therefore,option $B$ is the correct answer.

(A) The correct matches are as follows:
$1$. Python is an endangered reptile $(d)$.
$2$. Hangul (Kashmir Stag) is an endangered mammal $(c)$.
$3$. Monal is an endangered bird $(e)$.
$4$. Dharoi Dam is located on the Sabarmati River $(b)$.
Therefore, the correct sequence is $1-d, 2-c, 3-e, 4-b$.