What are the ecological functions of wildlife corridors in India? Explain the threats posed by mining and other linear intrusions to such corridors.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q6. What are the ecological functions of wildlife corridors in India? Explain the threats posed by mining and other linear intrusions to such corridors. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question: A coal mining project that will carve out 80.77 hectares of forest land within a crucial tiger corridor in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district has received clearance from India’s apex wildlife body. Key Demand of the question: The question requires explaining the ecological roles of wildlife corridors and then assessing how mining and linear infrastructure disrupt their function and threaten biodiversity. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly define wildlife corridors as ecological lifelines and highlight their role in ensuring species survival across fragmented habitats. Body: Ecological functions of wildlife corridors – Mention their role in genetic exchange, species movement, and ecosystem stability. Threats from mining and linear intrusions – Outline how mining, roads, and other infrastructure fragment habitats, cause behavioral disruptions, and trigger human-wildlife conflict. Conclusion: Emphasize the urgency of integrating ecological connectivity into environmental clearance regimes, with a call for legally-backed corridor protection strategies.
Why the question: A coal mining project that will carve out 80.77 hectares of forest land within a crucial tiger corridor in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district has received clearance from India’s apex wildlife body.
Key Demand of the question: The question requires explaining the ecological roles of wildlife corridors and then assessing how mining and linear infrastructure disrupt their function and threaten biodiversity.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Briefly define wildlife corridors as ecological lifelines and highlight their role in ensuring species survival across fragmented habitats.
• Ecological functions of wildlife corridors – Mention their role in genetic exchange, species movement, and ecosystem stability.
• Threats from mining and linear intrusions – Outline how mining, roads, and other infrastructure fragment habitats, cause behavioral disruptions, and trigger human-wildlife conflict.
Conclusion: Emphasize the urgency of integrating ecological connectivity into environmental clearance regimes, with a call for legally-backed corridor protection strategies.