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CONSERVATION
CHALLENGES
Commercial
exploitation of forests
Forests have always been exploited and seen
as an inexhaustible source from where all our needs could be met
endlessly. Even to this day trees have been looked at more as
a source of timber or highly valued forest products like resin,
dyes, etc. than for their role in the ecological cycle.
Timber has been logged for various purposes
since history. The concept of commercial logging of trees especially
the hard wood species gained momentum during the British rule
in India. The middle of the nineteenth century saw the advent
of railways in the country, which demanded unprecedented amounts
of timber for laying of railway sleepers. It is estimated that
nearly two thousand trees had to be cut for laying of one mile
of railway track. Railways and new mines led to clear felling
of vast stretches of forest. This human-induced change in habitat
had a devastating effect on the wildlife. Natural forests were
cut and replaced by monoculture plantations of commercially viable
tree species.
Natural forests are multi-layered with lofty
trees, epiphytes, climbers and a whole range of floral diversity.
This diversity in turn supports a variety of faunal assemblages.
Forests have a very complex web of life. Many animals are sensitive
to the changes in their habitats. Removal of old growth trees
will affect several species of birds and mammals directly or indirectly.
Birds like hornbills need lofty mature trees to nest. Removal
of matured trees from the forests affects the nesting of hornbills.
Regeneration of several species of trees is dependent on birds
which disperses seeds. Further, removal of old growth trees will
lead to blanks where exotic species invade.
All forms of logging, including clear
felling and selection felling, creates added problems like formation
of roads inside forest areas, which in turn allows increased accessibility
to carry out other prohibited activities like hunting, new settlements
inside the reserves, conversion of forests into cultivation, growth
of exotic weeds like Chromolaena, etc. The impact of logging on
wildlife habitat is highly negative.
Other challenges:
>>
Progressive loss of habitat
>> Illegal
hunting and wildlife trade
>> Removal
of dead and fallen trees
>>
Collection
of minor forest produce
>>
Livestock grazing
>>
Fire
>>
Unscientific management practices
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