Tag: social studies

Himalayan region,

The elephants are the most majestic animals among the mammals. They are found in the hot wet forests of Assam. They prefer forested hilly areas, providing plenty of food and water for them throughout the year.  One-horned rhinoceroses live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal. 

Migratory Birds Some birds migrate to our country in the winter season every year such as Pelican, Siberian Crane, Stork, Flamingo, Pintail Duck, Curlew. Siberian Cranes migrate from Siberia; they arrive in December and stay till early march.

Every year we observe wildlife week in the first week of October, to create awareness about protecting Nature.

• Manas is the bio-reserve of India that is not included in the world network of bioreserve.
  
• Dihang-dibang: It is located in Arunachal Pradesh. Rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, etc. can be spotted here.
  
• Gulf of Mannar: It lies between the south-eastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast Region. 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the gulf as are sharks, dugongs, and dolphins. It is rich in marine wealth.
  
• Nanda Devi: It is located in Himalayan ranges. It has variety of flora. It mainly homes a large variety of flora.
  

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India had only five designated national parks. Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.  The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected there with or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders). Up to April 2010 there have been 16 convictions under this act relating to the death of tigers.