Why should forests and wildlife be conserved? Explain the methods of conservation.

1. 1 · Introduce. Forests and wildlife keep nature in balance and give us many resources.
2. 2 · Importance of forests.
   • Oxygen and rainfall
   • Prevent soil erosion and floods
   • Wood, medicines, honey
   • Habitat for wildlife
3. 3 · Causes of deforestation. Farming, mining, roads, dams, firewood, timber and fires.
4. 4 · Conserving forests.
   • Afforestation and reforestation
   • Social forestry and agroforestry
   • Laws and fire control
   • People's movements such as Chipko
5. 5 · Conserving wildlife.
   • In-situ: national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves
   • Ex-situ: zoos, seed banks
   • Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Project Tiger 1973
6. 6 · Link to daily life. Vedanthangal villagers protect nesting birds, and Mudumalai protects tigers and elephants.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Saving forests and wildlife protects our own future.

Scoring tip: Give at least one Tamil Nadu example of a protected area.