Page 1 - CN

SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BHUBANESWAR.

Class VIII: SOCIAL STUDIES – GEOGRAPHY

CHAPTER - 2- LAND, SOIL, WATER, NATURAL VEGETATION AND
WILDLIFE RESOURCES

(VIRTUAL CLASSES)

NOTES FOR CHAPTER-2- Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

SUBTOPIC- Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife:

 Forests are our wealth and provide a natural habitat for many species of animals.
 Change in climate and human activities lead to the loss of forest cover which affects the plants
and animals of that area.
 The major factors that impact forest cover are: -
A] Deforestation B] Soil erosion C] Forest fires D] Landslides

 Several species of animals have become extinct or endangered due to the loss of their natural
habitat and indiscriminate killing.
 Poaching-refers to the killing of animals for collecting and trading their hides, skins, nails,
teeth, horns and/or feathers
o Animals like the tiger, lion, elephant, deer, black buck, crocodile, rhinoceros, snow
leopard, ostrich and peacock are the most vulnerable to poaching.
 The best way to conserve the different species of plants and animals is by:-
o educating people about their importance in our ecosystem
o having a good communication network and efficient patrolling in forests to monitor the
occurrence of forest fires
o creating and developing
 National parks - a natural area protected against human development and
pollution having the aim of protecting and conserving specific ecosystems for the
present and future generations.
 Biosphere reserves - protected areas created to maintain a balance relationship
between conservation and development of flora and fauna.
 Wildlife sanctuaries
o Conserving natural habitats like lakes, wetlands and creeks to protect the natural
resources and ecosystems in those areas
o Organising and encouraging awareness programs like social forestry and
Vanmahotsava at the regional as well as community level

NOTE: - At the international level, CITES - “Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna” - has been set up to make sure that wildlife and plant
species do not become endangered or extinct because of their trade.

SUBTOPIC-ACTIVITY-FOREST FIRE:

What is forest fire?
Its a wildfire, also known as a forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, brush fire, or bushfire (as
known in Australasia), is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, It can also consume
houses or agricultural resources if not taken seriously.