FLORA I FAUNA
The protection of flora and fauna is not new to the Indians. From time immemorial nature occupied a special place in their lives, as religion and beliefs dictated to treat it with special reverence and respect. In early Indian literature, which include, among others. Hindu epics, Buddhist Jataka and the scriptures of Jainism and panca-tantra, the use of violence and cruelty is forbidden, even against the lowest forms of life. It was also believed, that some animals are incarnate of gods: the deer personified Brahma, lion or cobra – Vishnu, much – Gray, and Ganesha, symbol of everlasting wisdom, he was depicted as half a man, half elephant. The oldest environmental protection regulations date back to the 3rd century. p.n.e., when Emperor Asoka issued his Fifth Edict, in which he forbade hunting certain animals and burning down forests.
Unfortunately, in later times, this tradition was forgotten. Favorite by the British and Indian hunting rajahs, clearing forest areas, widely cultivated poaching and the use of chemicals with impunity – all this contributed to the devastation of the natural environment in India. Just 10% the total area of the country is covered with forests, of which only 4% is located in national parks and nature reserves. Fortunately, in the last dozen or so years, the Indian government has taken decisive steps to protect the environment, establishing in the country over 350 parks and nature reserves.
The diverse landscape and terrain are reflected in the diversity of the Indian flora and fauna. In this country, apart from the famous Indian tigers, elephants and rhinoceros, lives over 500 species of mammals. Most of them are under strict protection today, Unfortunately, for some, help came too late. It was not possible to save, among others. Indian cheetah, who was last seen in this country in 1948 r.
There are many deer and antelope species in India, mostly in nature reserves, because only there are they completely safe. You can meet beautiful Indian gazelles here, belly, four-horned dwarf antelope, huge nilgau, rare mud deer, powerful sambars, mottled readers, Munjacks making their characteristic noises, similar to barking, and small channels.
Animal lovers will also see wild buffaloes, great Indian gauras, sloths, hyenas, wild pigs, jackals, Indian foxes, wolves and wild dogs, called cyjon-mi, which resemble foxes and live, and they hunt in herds, most often in forest areas. Mongooses stand out from the smaller mammals, feeding mainly on snakes, and palm squirrels. Among the mammals belonging to the cat family, there are various species of leopards in India, also called panthers. And among the monkeys inhabiting India, macaques are particularly noteworthy: black and eastern, monkey czubaty, occurring only in the south, and common langurs here.
The country is inhabited by over 2000 species of birds. You can meet rhinoceros in forests, eagles, Owls, and also peacocks, which have become a symbol of India. Waterfowl, like herons, ibis, storks, cranes and pelicans live not only in national parks, but also special reserves, a refuge for breeding flocks and for migratory birds, who visit India every year.
Describing the rich Indian fauna, it is impossible to ignore reptiles and amphibians, represented by over 500 species. Among them are the majestic royal cobras, python, crocodiles, huge water turtles and fire lizards. Huge colorful butterflies are representatives of a number of more than 3000 species of the insect family, that inhabit India.
Botanists singled out as many as 15 000 species of flora, from dwarf desert scrubs to magnificent alpine vegetation.
Many nature reserves and some national parks are located in the areas today, former hunting grounds of the wealthy English and Indian aristocracy. Very often, only one of the species under strict protection lives in a given park, for example the Asiatic Lion, who found refuge in a reserve in Gir, rhinoceros, living in the park in Kaziranga, elephants from Perijar (Periyar) and tigers, which the Kanha and Corbett reserves are famous for. The others were set up, to preserve unique environments, such as tropical or mangrove forests, that protects the Sunderbans reserve.
India is divided into three climatic zones, each of which covers several distinct lands. They are marked on the map below, listing the most important national parks and nature reserves, located in their area.