Conservation of Plants and Animals — Important Questions

Satpura National Park, Bori and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuaries

Step 1: A Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area that can contain other smaller protected areas within it. Step 2: The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh. Step 3: It contains one national park — Satpura National Park. Step 4: It also contains two wildlife sanctuaries — Bori and Pachmarhi. Step 5: Kaziranga and Bharatpur are sanctuaries in other states and are not part of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Endemic species

Step 1: Different terms describe the status of species based on their distribution and survival. Step 2: Endemic species are those found only in a specific geographic area — a zone, state, or country. Step 3: Endangered species are those whose numbers are falling and face the risk of extinction. Step 4: Migratory species travel from one place to another seasonally. Step 5: Extinct species have completely disappeared from earth. The giant squirrel of Pachmarhi is an example of an endemic species.

Indian Giant Squirrel and Flying Squirrel

Step 1: Endemic fauna are animals found exclusively in a specific area. Step 2: The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve has its own unique species. Step 3: The Indian Giant Squirrel (with its large fluffy tail) and the Flying Squirrel are endemic fauna of this reserve. Step 4: Bison is also endemic fauna of Pachmarhi. Step 5: Tiger, Leopard, Cheetal, and Blue-bull are fauna (found in the area) but are not exclusive to Pachmarhi — they are found in other parts of India too.

All endangered animals and plants

Step 1: As more and more species face the risk of extinction, it became important to keep track of them. Step 2: The Red Data Book is a source book that records all endangered animals and plants. Step 3: It is maintained internationally by an organization, and India maintains its own Red Data Book too. Step 4: It does NOT record all species — only those that are endangered (at risk of extinction). Step 5: Migratory birds and endemic species are not necessarily endangered, so they are not exclusively listed in the Red Data Book.