[UPPSC-UP Special Syllabus Decoded] Habitat and Ecosystem, structure and function, adjustment; Flora and Fauna with reference to UP

1. Habitat and Ecosystem (The Ecological Canvas)

Trend: Shift from “General Ecology” to “Landscape-Specific” analysis (Terai vs. Bundelkhand).

A. Major Habitats in Uttar Pradesh

• Terai Arc Landscape (TAL):
  • Structure: Moist grasslands and Sal forests along the Nepal border (Pilibhit, Lakhimpur).
  • Significance: Critical corridor for the movement of mega-fauna like Tigers and Elephants.
• Gangetic Aquatic Habitat:
  • Riverine: The Ganga-Yamuna system supporting the National Aquatic Animal (Gangetic Dolphin).
  • Wetlands (Jheels): Ox-bow lakes in Eastern UP (e.g., Bakhira, Surha Tal) acting as flood buffers.
• Vindhyan & Bundelkhand Habitat:
  • Structure: Dry deciduous scrublands and ravines (Behad) supporting hardy species like Blackbuck.

B. Ecosystem Structure & Function

• Biotic Components:
  • Producers: Sal, Teak, and Elephant Grass (Saccharum ravennae).
  • Consumers: Top predators (Tiger/Leopard) controlling the herbivore population (Chital/Nilgai).
• Ecological Function:
  • Nutrient Cycling: Rapid decomposition in the humid Terai floor.
  • Energy Flow: The river systems act as “energy channels” transporting nutrients from the Himalayas to the plains.

2. Adjustment (Ecological Adaptation & Succession)

Trend: “Human-Wildlife Coexistence” and “Climate Adaptation.”

A. Ecological Adjustment (Adaptation)

• Sugarcane as “Pseudo-Forests”:
  • Phenomenon: In Western UP (Bijnor/Meerut), leopards have adjusted to using sugarcane fields as breeding habitats due to forest loss.
• Flood Adaptation:
  • Flora: Khadar vegetation (riverine grasses) adapted to annual submergence.
  • Fauna: Swamp Deer (Barasingha) adapted to the marshy grounds of Dudhwa with splayed hooves.

B. Ecological Succession

• Riverine Succession: Fresh alluvial deposits (Retila) being colonized by Kans grass (pioneer species) followed by Khair-Sissoo forests.
• Restoration: Converting degraded ravine lands (Behad) into green cover using aerial seeding (adjustment to soil erosion).

Current Affairs Linkage :

• Leopard Rescue Centers: In response to the “adjustment” of big cats in sugarcane fields, UP announced new rescue centers in Meerut and Bijnor  to manage conflict.
• Climate-Resilient Flora: The Forest Department prioritized planting deep-rooted species (Peepal, Banyan) in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign to adjust to the falling groundwater levels.

3. Flora of Uttar Pradesh (Vegetation)

Trend: “Economic Botany” and “Carbon Forestry.”

A. Forest Classification (Champion & Seth)

• Tropical Moist Deciduous: Found in Terai (Sal, Asna). High economic value.
• Tropical Dry Deciduous: Plains and Vindhyan region (Teak, Tendu, Mahua).
• Tropical Thorny: Bundelkhand (Acacia, Babul, Thorny bushes).

B. Strategic Flora Initiatives

• Heritage Trees (Virasat Vriksha):
  • Policy: Identification and conservation of trees older than 100 years.
  • Impact: Promoting them as eco-tourism spots.
• Agro-Forestry Species: Promotion of fast-growing species like Poplar and Melia Dubia for the plywood industry to reduce pressure on natural forests.
• Medicinal Flora: Focus on establishing “Ayush Vans” in every district; key species include Sarpgandha and Kalmegh.

Current Affairs Linkage :

• Carbon Credit Scheme: UP is the first state to facilitate Carbon Credits for Farmers. In 2024-25, farmers in Gorakhpur received payments for planting trees on farm boundaries (Medh), turning flora into a financial asset.

4. Fauna of Uttar Pradesh (Wildlife)

Trend: “Census Data,” “Man-Animal Conflict,” and “Conservation Breeding.”

A. Flagship Species

• State Animal: Swamp Deer (Barasingha) – Found exclusively in Dudhwa-Hastinapur.
• State Bird: Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone) – Highest density in Mainpuri/Etawah wetlands; indicator of healthy agricultural wetlands.
• State Fish: Chitala (Indian Featherback) – Declared state fish in 2023-24 to promote riverine biodiversity.

B. Conservation Projects

• Project Tiger: 4 Reserves (Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, Ranipur).
  • Update: Tiger population crossed 205 (2022 Census).
• Project Dolphin:
  • Sanctuary: National Chambal Sanctuary and the stretch from Mirzapur to Varanasi.
  • Census: 2024 census showed increased sightings in the Ganga (Bijnor to Narora).
• Vulture Conservation:
  • Center: India’s first Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center (JCBC) established in Maharajganj (operational 2024) to save the King Vulture.

C. Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

• Mitigation: Solar fencing under Mukhya Mantri Khet Suraksha Yojana.
• Compensation: Increased ex-gratia for casualties caused by Tiger/Leopard attacks.

Current Affairs Linkage :

• Kukrail Night Safari: Development of India’s first Night Safari in Lucknow to showcase nocturnal fauna.
• Turtle Conservation: The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) collaboration in the Chambal and Ghaghara rivers successfully released thousands of hatchlings in 2025 to clean the rivers (biological scavengers).