EVS Case Study Report

THE ENDANGERMENT OF FLORA AND

FAUNA
Submitted by:
Group Number: 1

1. Aadit: 240907506
2. Niranjana: 240961334
3. Prativa: 240902090
4. Anirudh: 240902122
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1)Introduction
1.1) What is flora and fauna?
1.2) Significance
1.3) Endangered species
1.4) A dive into endangerment
1.5) Poaching

2) Case studies
2.1) Case study 1:Red Sandalwood(flora)
2.2) Case study2: the Maui dolphin(Fauna)

3) Observation
3.1) What exactly do we take from the case studies?
3.2) Consequences
3.3) Silent Forest
3.4)Prevention

4)Conclusion

5) References

6) Plagiarism Report
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INTRODUCTION

Flora and fauna refer to the plants and animals of an environment. To remember them,
fauna sounds similar to fawn, indicating it refers to animals, whereas flora sounds like
flowers, indicating it refers to plants.The term flora refers to the plant life that exists in a
particular place at a particular time. This typically includes all indigenous plant life, and
the use of flora in this fashion was coined by the French-Swiss botanist and geologist
Jules Thurmann. Similarly, fauna refers to animal life that exists in a particular place at a
particular time, and the use of fauna in this fashion was codified by Swedish zoologist
Carl Linnaeus.

Together, they form the foundation of biodiversity and are crucial for the balance and
health of ecosystems. The interdependence of flora and fauna creates a delicate web of
life that sustains the Earth’s ecosystems. The survival of one often relies on the other,
making their conservation a priority for ensuring the planet’s ecological balance and
supporting human life.

Significance
Endangered Species

An endangered species is a species that is at a high risk of extinction in the near future,
whether globally or within a specific region. The causes of endangerment are
multifaceted and include habitat loss, poaching, the introduction of invasive species, and
the far-reaching effects of climate change. These factors disrupt ecosystems and reduce
populations to critical levels, threatening the delicate balance of biodiversity on which all
life depends.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List serves as the most
comprehensive global inventory of the conservation status of biological species. It
classifies species into categories based on their risk of extinction, raising awareness about
the urgency of conservation efforts. Additionally, regional and national agencies evaluate
the status of species within specific political boundaries and enact protective measures.

Efforts to combat the endangerment of species have led to the establishment of

conservation laws in many countries. These laws often include measures such as
prohibiting hunting and poaching, restricting land development, and designating
protected areas to safeguard habitats. Some nations have implemented stringent penalties
for illegal activities that harm endangered species, further emphasizing the importance of
their protection.

The extinction of endangered species is a hazard to humanity, not just the environment.
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Each species contributes significantly to the health of ecosystems, which provide crucial
services like clean air, water, and food.

A Dive Into Endangerment

CAUSES:

Habitat loss

As human activities expand, natural habitats are transformed or destroyed, putting

countless species at risk. For example, the Amazon rainforest, home to 10% of the
world’s known species, has faced extensive deforestation to clear land for agriculture,
cattle ranching, and logging. The impact is devastating: species like jaguars, sloths, and
macaws are losing their natural homes and food sources. The loss of habitat makes it
increasingly difficult for them to survive

Invasive species

Invasive species are a major cause of loss of diversity of both plants and animals. When a
new species arrives with no natural predators to keep it in check, it can take over. And
they often outcompete native species for resources.
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A familiar example is the brown tree snake inadvertently arriving in Guam on a cargo
ship following World War II. The venomous brown snake has decimated on virtually all
of the local bird, fruit bat and lizard populations [8]. The snake population decimated
local bird species – the Guam rail and the Micronesian kingfisher, both of which are now
endangered or extinct in the wild. Just one snake species created a cascade of ecological
disruptions.

Disease

Diseases kill humans and animals alike. The Ebola virus killed 5,000 critically
endangered western gorillas between 2002 and 2003 at the Lossi Sanctuary and other
hundreds of gorillas in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in 2003 and 2004 [12].

In Panama, a deadly chytrid fungus decimated 30 species of amphibians in the early

2000s. This fungus, which likely spread through the global wildlife trade and human
activities, attacks the skin of amphibians, interfering with their ability to absorb water and
oxygen. Many amphibian species, including the golden toad, vanished from their native
habitats as the fungus spread across Central America. Without intervention, these species
have little chance of survival in affected areas.

Poaching

Poaching is a major problem for many animals, especially those with valuable body parts.
Rhinos and elephants are two of the most affected. Rhinos are poached for their horns,
which are used in traditional medicine and sold on the black market. Elephants are killed
for their ivory tusks, which are carved into decorative items. High demand for these
animal products drives poaching, even though these animals are protected by law.
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Climate change

The complicated link between climate change and biodiversity is clear. Rising
temperatures and changing weather are disrupting ecosystems. Climate change caused by
humans could worsen the ongoing biodiversity problem by changing the habitats that
many species need to survive. For example, climate change might change where crops
can grow and shrink forests in the northern hemisphere, pushing many species closer to
extinction and worsening the problems caused by habitat loss

CASE STUDY 1 : FLORA

Red sandalwood

Red Sanders is found to be among the most commercially exploited tree species in India.
It is undergoing severe pressure by illegal logging and harvesting. This heartwood in both
domestic and foreign markets is turned into furniture, handicraft, and The colouring agent
from the wood- red dye-in the textiles, medicine, and food industries is obtained.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, rampant illegal logging and
smuggling of trees have been reported in Chittoor, Kadapa, Nellore & Kurnool districts
in Andhra Pradesh. The red dye obtained from the wood is used as a colouring agent in
the textiles, medicine and food industries. According to the Andhra Pradesh Forest
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Department, rampant illegal logging and smuggling of trees have been reported in
Chittoor, Kadapa, Nellore & Kurnool districts in Andhra Pradesh.

Red Sanders, also called Red Sandalwood, is an indigenous species to Andhra Pradesh.
Therefore, the use and trade of this species is controlled by the State. Since the
amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was made in December 2022, Red
Sanders has been placed in Schedule IV. As per the foreign trade policy of India, import
of Red Sanders is not allowed and export is prohibited. Despite the regulation and legal
protection, illegal logging and timber extraction remains a major conservation concern
for the species.

Red Sanders is in high demand in the domestic and international market (Hegde, et al.,
2012) for furniture, handicrafts, and musical instruments in China and Japan (Arunkumar
and Joshi, 2014; Ramabrahmam and Sujatha, 2016).
The CITES Trade Database documented 28 confiscation, seizure, and export of wild
specimens of Red Sanders from India.

These shipments were exported to China (53.5%), Hong Kong (25.0%), Singapore
(17.8%) and the United States of America (3.5%) between 2016 and 2020. India reported
an export of more than 19,049 tonnes of logs. On the other hand, importing countries
reported around 4610 tonnes of logs, 127 tonnes of sawn wood, 20 tonnes of transformed
wood and 980 kg of wood products, which very clearly show that the reports on Red
Sander trade by importing and exporting countries do not match up. China is the largest
importer with more than 13618 tonnes of the products, followed by Hong Kong (5,215
tonnes) and Singapore (216 tonnes)

Conservation acts

The State Forest Department has enhanced its efforts to combat the illicit logging and
smuggling of Red Sanders in Andhra Pradesh by establishing checkpoints at key areas
and identified bottlenecks to monitor their road transportation.
Steps have been taken for the betterment of the species' conservation and e-surveillance
of social media and e-commerce websites has also increased. In order to stop the
smuggling of species, two special courts were established by the Andhra Pradesh Forest
Department to conduct speedy trials and the Preventive Detention (PD) Act was imposed
on the smugglers (Forest Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh).

A.P. Act No.15 of 2016 modified the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 2016 in order to confer
special protection status upon Red Sanders. Penalties of Red Sanders offenses have been
made stringent, and it is declared to be a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Properties
illegally obtained from Red Sanders vest in the government for forfeiture.
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The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, in its attempt to bring an end to Red Sanders
smuggling, constituted the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force in 2014. Along with
other administrative and ministerial designations, designated positions in the Police
Department, District Special Parties, Andhra Pradesh Special Police Platoons, and Forest
Department were sanctioned towards stopping Red Sanders smuggling. It has recovered a
few Red Sanders in the State since the creation of the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task
Force.

CASE STUDY 2: FAUNA

Irrawaddy dolphins

Dolphins around the world face the looming threat of extinction. We know around
sixteen species of dolphins to be in danger of extinction but due to our limited
knowledge, we don’t know about any other extinct species.
The main reasons driving dolphins to extinction can be categorised to: climate change
and human activities.
Due to the rapid change in climate, the dolphins are unable to adapt to the changes in
time and their natural prey are reducing in numbers too.
The major cause are human activities, by fishing and hunting the dolphins, their numbers
have decreased rapidly. Along with the chemical pollution in the sea, humans have
played a major role in endangering these animals.
Southeast Asia is home to freshwater, brackish, and marine habitats for the Irrawaddy
dolphin. The initial specimens described from Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River are the
source of the name. The freshwater populations are thought to be more at risk, even
though the species is listed as endangered overall in all of its habitats. Habitat and
distribution
Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit small, isolated freshwater populations in the Mekong
(Cambodia), Mahakam (Indonesia), and Ayeyarwady (Myanmar) rivers. The species can
be found in the Mahakam from roughly 180 km above the river mouth to 600 km
upstream, including some lakes and tributaries1. Dolphins live in a 190-kilometer section
of the Mekong from Kratie, which is roughly 500 kilometers upstream of the river mouth
in Vietnam.
to Khone Falls (also known as Lee Pee), just upstream of the Laos/Cambodia border. The
dolphins in Myanmar are also limited to a section of the Ayeyarwady River that is inland
and far from the river mouth. Dolphins are linked to deep (seasonal) pools at confluences
and above and below rapids in areas where habitat usage has been investigated.
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In the three river basins where they can be found, there are less than 250 freshwater
Irrawaddy dolphins remaining. From an estimated 200 dolphins in 19973 to 127 in 2005,
93 in 2007,4, 85 in 2010,5, and 80 in 20156, the Mekong population experienced a drop.
The most recent estimate, made in 2020, is 89 individuals (with a 95% confidence
interval of 78-102 individuals). Populations have seemed to stabilize since 2007.It has
been estimated that there are between 59 and 72 Irrawaddy dolphins in Myanmar's
Ayeyarwady River. Between 2002 and 2016, 42 deaths were reported; however, the
population trend is unknown. In comparison to earlier estimates from 200810, the
Mahakam River population was constant in 201922, with an estimated 79–81 persons.
Threats
The biggest hazard to all three riverine populations is gillnet entanglement. Illegal fishing
practices like electrofishing have also been observed in these rivers11, as has
contamination from gold mining, especially in the Ayeyarwady River. Boat crashes were
believed to be the source of 9% of deaths in the Mahakam River, but gillnets were found
to be the cause of 66% of deaths with a known cause. The Mekong population has a high
rate of calf mortality, although the cause is unknown. Because of the high rate of calf
mortality, long-term population monitoring indicates that 73% of the Mekong population
is over 20.

OBSERVATIONS

The case studies emphasize a frightening reality: most creatures are on the verge of
extinction, owing mostly to human activity. Deforestation, pollution, overhunting, illicit
wildlife trade, and poaching are major contributors to the situation. While natural factors
such as diseases and climate change contribute to species decline, their impact is minimal
in comparison to the tremendous damage caused by human activity.

This threat is largely driven by human activities that have significantly disrupted
ecosystems worldwide. Major contributors include deforestation, which wipes out
essential habitats; pollution, which contaminates environments and reduces their ability
to support life; overhunting, which drives species toward extinction; and illegal practices
such as wildlife trade and poaching, which exploit key species for profit.

Although natural factors like diseases and environmental changes have historically
played a role in species decline, their impact pales in comparison to the extensive damage
caused by human actions. The rapid pace and scale of these changes leave many species
unable to adapt in time, pushing them closer to extinction. This underscores the immense
responsibility humanity bears in causing biodiversity loss and highlights the urgent need
for focused, effective action to mitigate these impacts and restore balance to our
ecosystems.

The case studies also serve as a reminder that conservation efforts must go beyond
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individual activities and take a global, coordinated approach. Governments,

organizations, and individuals must collaborate to address the underlying causes of
biodiversity loss. This includes enacting stronger rules against habitat loss and wildlife
exploitation, investing in habitat restoration initiatives, and promoting sustainable
development techniques that take into account ecosystem health in the long run.

CONCLUSION

The extinction of plants and animals poses a serious threat to the planet's ecological
equilibrium and biodiversity. This issue is about more than just species extinction; it is
also about the cascading impacts on ecosystems and the critical services they give to
humanity. Plants and animals are essential components of a healthy environment,
providing clean air, fertile soil, and sustainable food systems. Losing these critical
components jeopardizes the foundation of life on Earth. This conclusion considers the
necessity of conservation, the repercussions of inaction, and the efforts required to
conserve our natural environment.

1) The Fragility of Ecosystems

Every species, regardless of its size or role, plays a crucial part in maintaining ecological
balance. The extinction of even a single species can set off a chain reaction, disrupting
ecosystems and impairing their capacity to provide vital services like clean air, water, and
fertile soil.

2) Irreversible Damage

The loss of a species is permanent, resulting in a reduction of biodiversity and the erasure
of valuable evolutionary history. This also eliminates potential discoveries in fields like
medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Such losses undermine the Earth's
capacity to sustain life, affecting all forms of existence.

3) Human Responsibility

Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, overhunting, and climate change are
the primary drivers of species extinction. These actions highlight humanity’s
responsibility to mitigate the damage through informed choices and the adoption of
sustainable practices.

4) The Need for Collective Action

Protecting flora and fauna is a global challenge that requires countries, organizations, and
communities to work together. Efforts such as restoring natural habitats, enforcing
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stricter anti-poaching laws, and regulating land use play a vital role in preserving
biodiversity. These actions are essential not only to protect ecosystems today but also to
ensure that future generations can benefit from the resources and balance they provide.

Consequences

The endangerment and extinction of species have far-reaching implications that go

beyond the loss of individual organisms. These impacts damage ecosystems, deplete
resources, and have far-reaching consequences for human life. From compromising
global food security to damaging cultural heritage, biodiversity loss has an adverse
impact, testing nature's equilibrium and jeopardizing the survival of life on Earth.

1) Reduced Food Security

The loss of species can disrupt food systems, particularly in communities reliant on
biodiversity for sustenance. For example, the extinction of certain fish species can reduce
protein sources for millions, while pollinator loss directly affects crop yields, threatening
global food supplies.

2) Imbalance in the Food Chain

The extinction of one species can have a cascading effect on the entire food chain.
Predators may lose their prey, leading to their decline, while herbivores may
overpopulate and cause overgrazing, ultimately degrading ecosystems and reducing
biodiversity further.

3) Reduced Agricultural Productivity

Many agricultural systems depend on specific animals and plants for pollination, pest
control, and soil fertility. The loss of these species can lead to decreased crop yields,
higher production costs, and greater vulnerability to pests and diseases, jeopardizing food
production.

4)Loss of Medicinal Resources

Many medicines are derived from plants and animals, and the extinction of species means
losing potential cures and treatments for diseases. Biodiversity loss narrows the scope for
medical advancements and compromises the health benefits humanity can derive from
nature.

5) Social and Cultural Impacts

Certain species hold significant cultural, spiritual, or economic value for communities
worldwide. Their extinction can lead to the erosion of cultural heritage, traditions, and
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livelihoods, particularly for indigenous and rural populations who depend on local
biodiversity for their way of life.

Silent Forest

The "silent forest phenomenon" refers to a situation where a forest, although visually lush
and healthy, lacks the sounds of animals such as birds, insects, and other wildlife. This
absence of sound is an indicator of a declining ecosystem. It’s a metaphor often used to
describe ecosystems that are under severe stress or degradation, despite appearing intact
to the untrained eye.

Causes:

1) Loss of habitat
Human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion lead to
habitat destruction.

2) Pollution
Industrial pollution, herbicides, and heavy metals damage the land, water, and air,
causing vulnerable species to decline. Pesticides, for example, have a negative impact on
insect populations, which are a major food source for birds.

3) Climate change
Habitats become unsuitable for native species due to altered temperature and
precipitation patterns. Extreme occurrences like droughts, floods, and wildfires aggravate
these shifts, putting wildlife populations under further strain.

4) Overexploitation of Resources
Overhunting, poaching, and unsustainable resource extraction all target critical species
like predators and keystone species, causing imbalances in the food chain.

Ecological Impacts:

The silent forest phenomena represents the loss of biodiversity, which is essential for
ecosystem health. Birds, insects, and mammals all play important roles in pollination,
seed dissemination, and pest control. Their absence causes several cascading effects:
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1) Disrupted Ecosystem Services

With fewer pollinators and seed dispersers, plant reproduction and growth are
hampered, affecting vegetation dynamics.

2) Unbalanced Food Webs

The absence of predators or prey disturbs natural population control systems,
frequently resulting in overpopulation of specific species or uncontrollable pest
infestations.

3) Reduced Ecosystem Resilience

Ecosystems become less resilient to perturbations such as major weather events.

4) Human impacts
The degradation of ecosystem services also affects humans, from reduced
agricultural productivity to compromised water and air quality

Broader Implications

The silent forest phenomena serves as a sobering reminder of life's connection within ecosystems.
It emphasizes the unintended effects of human actions that favor short-term benefits above long-
term sustainability. From a global viewpoint, it emphasizes the critical importance of
conservation efforts, climate action, and sustainable development practices.

Prevention
The need for prevention of this endangerment is very crucial for the ecosystem , every
living organism and the planet!.
Few preventive measures can be taken in order to prevent endangerment like
1. Establish and maintain protected areas: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and
reserves safeguard critical habitats.
2. Strengthen law enforcement by increasing patrols, improve intelligence gathering,
and prosecute wildlife traffickers.
3. Reduce demand for illegal wildlife products by raising awareness about the illegal
wildlife trade and its impacts.
4. One of the best ways to prevent this is by Empowering local communities.
Involve local communities in conservation efforts and share the benefits of
wildlife conservation.
5. Public awareness
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REFERENCES ➖

1.https://earth.org/endangered-dolphins/
2.https://www.britannica.com/science/endangered-species
3.https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/endangered-specie
/
4.https://www.firstcry.com/intelli/articles/what-is-flora-and-fauna-its-
importance-and-examples-for-kids/?srsltid=AfmBOoqxAflMEQ-e-
EQgV9AtY0t98-uCqab3cS-AYZnHU83SNzYtBRRQ
5.https://sciencetrends.com/flora-fauna-meaning-examples/
6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPRpWg_wU0A
7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyPp2ludHxo
8.https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/03/26/endangered-species-
matter/
9.https://environment.co/the-effects-of-endangered-species/
10.https://latinoamerica21.com/en/what-is-the-empty-forest-syndrome-
and-why-it-should-concern-us/
11.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/
S2351989423003827

PLAGIARISM REPORT

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