What is Wildlife?Wildlife means all the flora and fauna, which are not domesticated by humans. It includes animals, plants and microorganisms. Wildlife can be found in allecosystems. Deserts, forests, rain forests, plains, grasslands, and other areas including the most developedurban sites, all have distinct forms of wildlife.

Wildlife in India

India is a home to rich and diverse wildlife because of her wide range of climate, soil, weather and other such factors. TheWildlife in Indiais a mix of species of different types of organisms. It is home to tigers ,lions, leopards, pythons ,wolves ,foxes , bears, crocodiles ,rhinoceroses, camels ,wild dogs , monkeys,snakes,antelopespecies, deerspecies, varieties ofbisonand not to mention the mightyAsian elephant. The region's rich and diverse wildlife is preserved in 89 national parks, 18 Bio reserves and over 442 wildlife sanctuaries across the country. India has some of the most bio diverse regions of the world.

Wildlife ConservationWildlife conservationis the practice of protectingendangered plant and animal speciesand theirhabitats. Among the goals of wildlife conservation are to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and to recognize the importance ofwildlifeandwildernesslands to humans. Many nations havegovernment agenciesdedicated to wildlife conservation, which help to implement policies designed to protect wildlife. Numerous independentnon-profit organizationsalso promote various wildlife conservation causes. Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly important practice due to the negative effects ofhuman activityonwildlife.

Importance of Wildlife ConservationDue to the growing impact of deforestation, continuous efforts are being made by some anxious animal lovers to protect the endangered species as well as those that are on the verge of extinction. Wildlife is important for four main reasons: Beauty:By their unique way of existence, wild creatures exaggerate the natural beauty of the earth. Economic value:The financial value of wild species is important to the economies of several nations, as it provides many valuable substances like wood and other plant products, fibres, meat and other foods, and skins and furs. Scientific value:By studying wildlife, scientists have gained valuable knowledge about various life processes and discovered important medical products Survival value:Wildlife helps in maintaining the balanced living systems of earth, which consequently ensures survival of life.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts in IndiaIndia acts as a habitat for a number of endangered wildlife animals like Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant etc. And with time many animals like Northern Sumatran Rhinoceros have got extinct. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is implemented throughout India except J&K for wild life conservation and protection of endangered species. J&K has its own Wildlife Protection Act. The Government of India has adopted the National Wildlife Action Plan in 1983 for wildlife conservation. Many sanctuaries and National parks have been established for the protection of dwindling wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuaries are places where the killing and capturing of any animal is prohibited except under order of the authorities concerned.National parks are set up for preserving flora, fauna, landscapes and historic objects of an area.

Some well known wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks are: Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) [Indian Rhinocerous] Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)[Indian Elephant] Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) [Gaur]

Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)[Tiger] Gir Forest National Park (Gujarat)[Asiatic Lion] Hazaribagh National Park (Bihar)[Wild Boar]

Indian Rhinocerous Indian Elephant Gaur Wild Boar Asiatic Lion TigerWildlife Conservation Programmes and Projects

To promote wildlife awareness among the people, the Indian government has started various natural projects and programs such as Project Tiger, Nature Camps and Jungle Lodges. These projects not only help to preserve our natural heritage, but encourage eco-tourism as well.Project TigerProject Tiger was formed in 1972 and launched on the 1st April 1973 at Corbett National Park. Till date, the project has been the most successful one in preserving the tiger population at Tiger Reserves in Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Pench, Ranthambhore, Kanha, Bandipur, Panna, Dudhwa, Sunderbans, Manas and Sariska. All these reserves act as Conservation Centers for tigers in India.

Project ElephantProject Elephant, a centrally sponsored scheme, was launched in February 1992 to provide financial and technical support to major elephant bearing states in India for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors. The Asian elephant, which has shared a special bond with men since time immemorial, is now facing an uncertain future. Hence "Project Elephant" has been formulated in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to protect the elephants in India. It covers in principles the entire elephant population of the country.However, eleven elephant reserves have been identified us priority areas for special attention and financial assistance under this project. At present, India holds the largest number of Asian elephants with 20,000 to 24,000 in wild and nearly 3,000 in captivity.

NGOsThe geographical diversity in India is the corollary to the biodiversity that makes it home to a huge variety of plants, land and marine animals. While the giant Himalayas in the northern part support coniferous vegetation, the eastern states experience a moist tropical climate. On the other hand large parts of western India experience hot desert climate. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, the Indian sub-continent is home to a large variety of marine life as well.History of killing and poaching of wildlife in India is as long and as varied as its biodiversity. The predominance of princely states, an overdose of invasions and colonialism and a lack of general awareness have stripped India of much of her wealth in every sense. Much of the wealth that India was naturally endowed with has disappeared. Below is a list of the endangered species - whose existence at stake now.In case you are wondering, let me tell you, this is just the tip of the iceberg. However, it is never too late when the security of our foundation on earth comes under the scythe. A number of NGOs have come forward to put an end to the gory business of poaching and wildlife trafficking in India. With the help of their seminars and symposia they have been successful to a large extent in drawing the administration's attention towards this problem. Legal activism on their part has led to certain worthwhile legislation in this regard. The ban on ivory and snakeskin trade and the listing of the whale shark in the WPA schedule are some of the legal initiatives taken by the state.Some of the NGOs that have played an active role in the conservation and preservation of wildlife in India are: TRAFFIC India fights wildlife trafficking in India Wildlife Trust of India have been very vocal about the Red Jungle fowl and Golden Haired Langur Wildlife First works for the conservation of wildlife in Karnataka Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) collaborate with state governments to monitor illegal wildlife trade

AchievementsA number of international and government organizations as well as NGOs are successful in creating awarness amongst people of the country. People are getting aware about the danger on the wild creatures and are taking measures to prevent their extinction.Activities like hunting of animal have been strictly banned and selling of animal fur and teeth aslo have restrictions.Indian government has launcher two projects- PROJECT TIGER & PROJECT ELEPHANT which were a big success in preserving the Bengal Tiger and Indian Elephant.

ConclusionWildlife is one of the most gracious gifts of nature to this land, which is as rich in its variety and colours as its number.Wildlife Management is an ancient phenomenon. Vedas contain hymns in praise of animals. Sanatana Dharma has linked some animals with the specific God or Goddess as the best way of conservation of wildlife.A common man must take a small part in the programmes and projects launched by various organizations if possible. Wild creatures are also a creation of nature like humans and their conservation is our duty. These projects cannot be successful without mass support. So, we all must unite together in the conservation of wildlife.

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_conservation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_India http://www.indianholiday.com/wildlife-india/wildlife-conservation-in-india.html http://www.preservearticles.com/201107308732/wildlife-conservation-in-india.html http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011320660/complete-information-on-conservation-of-wildlife-in-india.html