condition of the family strengthens and helps to live quality life. The following figure
shows the different sources for income generation for the people.
Floriculture
Vegetable Poultry farming
farming
Handicrafts
Horticulture
production
Construction
work Income Tailoring
Carpentry
Jobs and
services Hotels and
Beauty and lodges
Fig: 12 cosmetic works
g. Proper Spiritual Development
Human beings cannot be satisfied only with
physical and economic prosperity. For living
quality life, they need freedom. They need freedom
of belief, practice social norms and values, culture,
religion, etc. They need freedom to expose their
ideas and imaginations. When they don’t get the
opportunities to do so, they suffocate. In such
situations, they may not be able to control their
emotions and perform unexpected activities like Fig: 13
suicide, fighting, murder, etc. In order to control such emotions, spiritual development is
essential. Therefore, spiritual development is taken as an element of quality of life.
h. Security
Security is an essential element for quality of life. The family members should be free from
terror, challenges, violence, theft, loot, etc. Security helps to increase the work efficiency
of an individual, family, society and the nations. Due to the increasing population,
criminal activities are increasing day by day. But to live quality of life, our society, family,
individual, etc. should be free from fear and insecurity.
Activity: 1
Visit any 10 houses in your locality and identify their quality of life on the basis of
fulfillment of the elements of quality of life.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 101
i. Saving
Saving is the sum of money collected after making
necessary expenses. It helps to overcome some
unexpected problems or difficulties. It can also be
invested in income generating activities. It helps to
increase the income of the family and upgrade the
quality of life of the people. Therefore, saving is
regarded as an important element of quality of life.
j. Housing Fig: 14
A house protects us from heat, cold, rain , wild
animals, thieves, enemies, etc. It is necessary to
prevent different problems. The size of house
should match the size of a family. This helps to
prevent the misunderstanding that can occur
between the family members due to lack of
sufficient space in the family. A good house should
have separate rooms for kitchen, toilet, bedroom,
dining room, store, etc. It should also be airy and
bright. Fig: 15
k. Socio-cultural Values
Our society gives more importance to sons
than daughters. They regard the daughters as
untouchable during menstruation. Similarly, the
use of alcohol, cigarette, etc. during feast and
festivals, gathering, etc. are our social and cultural
systems. These systems degrade the quality of life.
Such systems should be discouraged. All gender,
caste, occupation, etc. should be given equal
importance. The habit of making unnecessary Fig: 16
expenditure should be controlled. Therefore,
social and cultural values play an important role in maintaining quality of life.
5.2 Base of Quality of life
Quality of life is a complex subject. Different perspectives are found in defining quality
of life. Education, health services, food, employment, social norms and values, etc. are
included in quality of life. Quality of life is measured in different ways in different
countries. Some of the bases to measure quality of life are given below:
a. Fulfillment of Basic Needs
Quality of life depends on the degree of satisfaction and happiness of an individual, family,
society and the nation. Human beings have various kinds of needs. The fulfillment of basic
needs like food, clothes, shelter, etc. is one of the major index of economic development
of a nation that shows the quality of life of the people. It was included as one of the major
102 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
events in the 6 five years plan (1980-1985 A.D.) The basic needs include the following
th
needs.
- Foods - Health services
- Clothes - Clean drinking water
- Shelter - Sanitation
- Education - Security
- Sexual counseling - Entertainment
Without fulfilling these needs, quality of life cannot be gained.
b. Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)
Physical quality of life index refers to the measurement of different physical facilities
like health services, education, transportation, communication, etc. available in a country.
According to this index, quality of life is measured on the basis of services and facilities
provided by the nation to its citizens. It was developed by UK Overseas Development
Council in 1979 A.D. Under this, the numerical value is driven from the following sub-
indicators:
- Under 5 child mortality rate
- Literacy rate
- Life expectancy at birth
According to this index, those countries that score high marks are considered as the
countries with high quality of life and the countries with low marks are ranked as the
countries with low quality of life. In this system, marks are given between 0-100. This
indicator is now replaced by Human Development Index (HDI).
c. Human Development Index (HDI)
Human Development Index refers to the measurement of quality of life on the basis of
life expectancy at birth, literacy rate and per capita income. It was developed by D.R.
Morris in 1979 AD and introduced by the economists Mahbul UL Haq and Amartya Sen.
It is used to rank the countries by the level of human development which usually implies
whether a country is developed, developing or under developed.
Taking the base of Human Development Index (HDI), UNDP has been publishing the
Human Development Report since 1990 AD.
HDI of Nepal in different years
Year Rank Value
2004 140 0.504
2006 138 0.527
2012 157 0.463
2014 145 0.548
2016 145 0.540
Source: Human Development Report 2016 UNDP
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 103
5.3 indicators of Happy Life
Quality of life is directly influenced by the economic and population growth rate of a
country. For quality of life, the economic growth rate must be higher than the population
growth rate. When the population growth rate is higher the quality of life becomes low
due to lack of fulfillment of needs of people.
Every family wants its members to be happy with the fulfillment of their needs. In order
to do so, the family members must develop positive attitude. Development of positive
attitude helps in the social, economical, educational, emotional and cultural development
of individuals. Some indicators of happy life are given below:
a. Small Family
It is easier to fulfill the needs and demands of a small
family. When the needs and demands of the family
members are fulfilled, they will be happy.
On the other hand, in a big family, all the needs and
demands of the family members cannot be easily
fulfilled. The needs and demands will be fulfilled on
the basis of priority. Those members whose needs are
fulfilled will be happy and the others whose needs are
not fulfilled cannot be happy. Therefore, a small family
is considered as an indicator of happy life. Fig: 17
b. Quality Education
Quality education is another indicator of happy life. Education helps an individual to
distinguish between the right and wrong things. When the family members are educated,
they can involve in income generating activities according to their qualification and skills.
This helps to promote the economic status of the family. Similarly, educated members
can create harmonious environment in the family by maintaining mutual co-operation,
understanding, compliments, peace, and cordial-relationship. They also encourage their
children for quality education for their bright future.
c. Marriage at Appropriate Age
Marriage at appropriate age helps the couples to be physically, mentally, socially and
emotionally matured. They can get quality education and quality employment. They can
also reproduce healthy baby. Rearing and caring of the babies can be done easily when the
parents are physically and mentally matured. The chances of infant and child death can
be reduced. They can bear family responsibilities properly. This makes the family happy.
d. First Conception at Appropriate Age
When the females conceive at appropriate age, the couples can take maximum pleasure of
marriage. The appropriate age for the first conception is after 20 years for females. When
they conceive after 20 years, they will be physically and mentally matured. They can gain
quality education and engage themselves in income generating activities. They can rear
104 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
and care their babies properly. They can plan for the appropriate size of family according
to their income. Thus, conception at appropriate age is considered as an indicator of
happy and quality life.
e. Birth Spacing
For happy family life, birth spacing is very essential. Birth spacing of 4/5 years between
two successive children helps to maintain good health of both the mother and the child.
The child gets proper love and care when there is proper birth spacing. At the same
time, the economic burden of family will also be reduced. Appropriate age gap between
children helps in the physical, mental and intellectual development of children.
f. Health and Sanitation
Good health and sanitation has great role in the economic and social development of any
family. Neat, clean, green and healthy environment makes the life of people healthy. Good
health is a very valuable asset of every individual. When the family members are healthy,
they can contribute for the social and economical development of their family, society and
the nation. For good health of the family and society, there should be proper management
of drainage, toilet, sewage, etc. This helps to maintain happy life in the family.
g. Nutritious Food
Nutritious food and balanced diet is essential for the survival of every human being. It
helps in the physical, mental and intellectual development of individual. It also helps to
increase the immunity power and prevent diseases. Lack of nutritious food and balanced
diet leads to malnutrition and malnutrition makes an individual the victim of different
types of diseases. A sick patient cannot be happy and make others happy too. Therefore,
nutritious and balanced diet is essential for happy life.
h. Gender Equality
Gender equality gives equal opportunities to both
males and females in every activities like education,
employment, freedom, decision making, etc. In
Nepalese family, there is discrimination between
sons and daughters. Many couples are found
reproducing many daughters for want of a son.
This makes the family size big. A big family invites
different types problems like lack of fulfillment
of basic needs, misunderstanding, lack of peace
and harmony in a family. On the other hand, in Fig: 18
the family where there is gender equality, the reverse takes place. Even the females get
opportunities of income generation. They can support to strength the economic condition
of the family and make the family happy.
i. Responsibilities of Parents
The contributions given by the parents for the overall development of their children are
known as responsibilities of parents. It is the duty of every parents to give nutritious
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 105
food, quality education, good health services and facilities, love, care and affection, good
discipline, etc. to their children. If the parents fulfill their responsibilities properly, the
children will be socialized and they also fulfill their duties towards their parents. The
children turn to be good parents in the future and helps in making the family prosperous.
j. Saving
Saving is another indicator of happy and quality life. The habit of saving helps to meet
the emergency needs. Besides, the saved amount can also be invested in some income
generating activities which further helps to increase the income of the family. When there
is good income in the family, the members of the family will be happy.
5.4 Human Development index (HDi)
Human development Index (HDI) is the latest indicator used to measure the quality of life
of people, family, society and the nation. It was introduced by Mahbal Ul Haq and Amartya
Sen. Different countries in the world use education, health, employment, per capita income,
fulfillment of basic needs, security, etc. as the basic elements of quality of life. These elements
constitute HDI. HDI and quality of life are complementary to each other.
UNDP has been publishing the HDI report at regular interval since 1990 A.D. through
World Human Resource Development Report (WHDR). Human Development Report
classifies the countries in different categories by studying the condition of human
development all over the world. The value of human development Index lies between 0
–1. Those countries which have high HDI value are considered as the countries with high
quality of life than the other. It also helps to compare the situation of human development
of the past and present of any country. It also helps the government to formulate necessary
plans and programmes for the development of different sectors. Human Development
Index measures the human development on the following basis.
i. Long and Healthy Life:
This is measured from average life expectancy
ii. Education:
This is measured on the basis of adult literacy as well as from the ratio of total enrollment
of basic, secondary and higher education.
iii. Good standard life:
This is measured on by per capita income, gross domestic product and purchasing power
of people.
HDI classifies the countries in the following ways on the basis of score.
i. Low Human Development Index: The value of HDI from 0.000–0.549
ii. Medium Human Development Index: The value of HDI from 0. 550–0.699
iii. High Human Development Index: The value of HDI from 0.700 – 0.800
iv. Very High Human Development Index: The HDI value 0.800 and above.
106 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
The table below shows the human development index of the SAARC countries.
Human Development Index of the SAARC countries
Rank Countries Score
73 Srilanka 0.757
104 Maldives 0.706
130 India 0.609
132 Bhutan 0.605
142 Bangladesh 0.570
145 Nepal 0.548
147 Pakistan 0.538
171 Afghanistan 0.465
Source: Human Development Report 2014, UNDP
According to the above table, Sri Lanka is ranked in 73 position with the score of 0. 757.
rd
Similarly, Afghanistan is ranked 171 position with the score of 0.165 and Nepal in 145 th
st
with the score of 0.548. UNDP classifies HDI on the basis of the following three topics.
– Health resources and facilities
– Education level
– Employment opportunities
The table below shows the human development index of top ten countries in the world.
10 Nations with High Human Development Index
Rank Country Score
1 Norway 0.944
2 Australia 0.935
3 Switzerland 0.930
4 Denmark 0.923
5 Netherlands 0.922
6 Germany 0.916
6 Ireland 0.916
7 America 0.915
8 Canada 0.914
9 New Zealand 0.913
10 Singapore 0.912
Score: Human Development Report 2015, UNDP
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 107
Though we say that happiness, satisfaction, family relationship, feeling, etc. affect quality
of life, they cannot be directly measured to find out quality of life. Thus, the status of
quality of life is measured on the basis of available health services and facilities, education,
income, employment, conduction of development activities, fulfillment of basic needs,
etc. These elements are considered as the indicators of development of country.
5.5 inter-relationship Between Quality of Life and Low Quality of Life
Quality of life and low quality of life are complementary to each other. When the elements
of quality of life are not fulfilled, the quality of life becomes low. In other words, low
quality of life is the opposite of quality of life. But this conclusion is not fully reliable
because quality of life and low quality of life are always inter–related. There isn’t any
person who is 100% satisfied with his life.
For example:
Q.O.L. L.Q.O.L.
100% – 100%
80% – 80%
60% – 60%
40% – 40%
20% – 20%
0% – 0%
An individual may have 80% quality of life but 20% low quality of life.
Low quality of life is the condition in which the needs and desires of family members are
not fulfilled. As a result, it may affect the physical, mental and intellectual growth of the
family members. The inter-relationship is shown in the figure below.
Quality of Life
Security Lack of security
Saving Lack of saving
Income Low income
Small family Big family
Employment Indicator of Q.O.L. Lack of employment
Education Indicator of L.Q.O.L. Illiteracy
Sanitation + – Family conflict
Good health Problems of health
and sanitation
Food High maternal and
child death
108 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Since quality of life and low quality of life are inter-related with each other, the status of
life can be promoted with hard labour.
Activity: 2
Discuss in group to promote the quality of life of people in your family and society.
Activity: 3
Prepare a project report on quality of life.
Summary
1. Quality of life is related with the improvement of comfort required for survival i.e.,
making goods and services easily available to the people.
2. Some people define quality of life on the basis of economic prosperity, some define
it according to individual’s priority and philosophy of life.
3. Quality of life is the condition in which there is satisfaction and happiness with the
fulfillment of needs of people.
4. According to UNESCO Seminar on Quality of Life and Environmental Indicators
in 1976 “Quality of life is the sense of being pleased or satisfied with those life
elements that are most important to a person.”
5. For living a successful and prosperous family life, quality of life is necessary.
6. The basic needs for survival include food, clothes, shelter, good health, security, etc.
Quality life plays an important role in the fulfillment of these needs.
7. Quality education helps to prepare skilled and efficient people for future.
8. The management of health services and facilities help to keep the members of the
family healthy.
9. Women Employment is the process of making the women powerful by giving
quality education, skill oriented training or special conservation. Families living
quality of life can provide these facilities to empower the females.
10. Malnutrition is the cause of different types of diseases. This results to low quality of life.
11. A harmonious environment can be maintained in the family with mutual
understanding, co-operation, sharing love and affection etc.
12. Good health is also considered as a component of quality of life.
13. Sanitation in the environment makes it clean, green and healthy. It helps us to
prevent diseases as well as live active and long life.
14. Human beings cannot be satisfied only with physical and economic prosperity. For
living quality life, they need freedom.
15. A good house should have separate rooms for kitchen, toilet, bedroom, dining
room, store, etc. It should also be airy and bright.
16. The fulfillment of basic needs like food, clothes, shelter, etc. is one of the major index
of economic development of a nation that shows the quality of life of the people.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 109
17. Physical quality of life index refers to the measurement of different physical facilities
like health services, education, transportation, communication, etc. available in a
country.
18. Human Development Index refers to the measurement of quality of life on the basis
of life expectancy at birth, literacy rate and per capita income.
19. For quality of life, the economic growth rate must be higher than the population
growth rate.
20. Development of positive attitude helps in the social, economical, educational,
emotional and cultural development of individuals.
21. Appropriate age gap between children helps in the physical, mental and intellectual
development of children.
22. Good health and sanitation has great role in the economic and social development
of any family. Neat, clean, green and healthy environment makes the life of people
healthy.
23. Lack of nutritious food and balanced diet leads to malnutrition and malnutrition
makes an individual the victim of different types of diseases.
24. Gender equality gives equal opportunities to both males and females in every
activities like education, employment, freedom, decision making, etc.
25. The contributions given by the parents for the overall development of their children
are known as responsibilities of parents.
26. Human development Index (HDI) is the latest indicator used to measure the quality
of life of people, family, society and the nation. It was introduced by Mahbal Ul Haq
and Amartya Sen.
27. Human Development Report classifies the countries in different categories by
studying the condition of human development all over the world.
28. Though we say that happiness, satisfaction, family relationship, feeling, etc. affect
quality of life, they cannot be directly measured to find out quality of life.
29. Quality of life and low quality of life are complementary to each other. When the
elements of quality of life are not fulfilled, the quality of life becomes low.
30. Low quality of life is the condition in which the needs and desires of family members
are not fulfilled.
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions.
1. What are the elements of quality of life?
2. What are the aspects of quality of life?
3. How does housing affect quality of life?
4. How does the size of family affect quality of life?
5. What is human development index (HDI)?
110 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
6. What are the indicators of quality of life?
7. When was the human Development Report published for the first time?
8. What are the indicators of happy life?
9. What is gender equality?
10. Why do we need quality of life?
B. Write short answer to the following questions.
1. Why do we need nutritious food? Describe
2. Small family is a happy family. Why?
3. What are the indicators of quality of life? Explain.
4. “Saving helps to maintain quality of life.” Justify this statement.
5. Explain the importance of quality of life.
6. What advantages do you gain from quality of life? Explain.
7. Explain the elements of happy life.
8. Describe the relationship between quality life and low quality of life.
C. Write long answer to the following questions.
1. What efforts can you make to increase the quality of life of people in your locality?
Explain.
2. Differentiate between quality of life and low quality of life.
3. “Quality of life varies from person to person and from country to country.”
Justify the statement.
4. Why is quality education required for quality life? Explain.
5. Two families having the same family size may have different qualities of life?
Explain.
6. Explain the indicators of happy life.
7. Why do we need quality life? Explain.
8. Compare and contrast quality of life with low quality of life.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 111
unit Natural Resources and
6 Biodiversity
Estimated Teaching Periods: 18
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce natural resources and biodiversity.
ii. explain the importance of biodiversity.
iii. describe why biodiversity is becoming rare in nature.
iv. state the methods to conserve biodiversity.
Course Outline
6.1 Introduction of Natural Resources
6.2 Conservation Measures of Biodiversity
6.3 Biodiversity by Ecological Regions
6.4 Rare Birds and Animals
6.5 Effects on Biodiversity
Glossary
biodiversity : the existence of many different kinds of plants and animals in an
environment
ecosystem : the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning
as an ecological unit
gene : basic unit of heredity found in chromosomes
species : the group of closely related organisms that can interbreed freely to produce
fertile offspring
tourism : the activity of travelling to a place for pleasure
conservation : a careful preservation and protection of animals, plants and natural
resources
genotype : a group of organisms having the same genetic constitution
in situ : in the natural or original position or place
exsitu : outside the original position or place
112 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
6.1 introduction of natural Resources
Those resources which are gifted by nature are called natural resources. We make the use
of different types of natural resources in our daily life. We cannot survive without natural
resources. For example, we use air for breathing, water for drinking, land for cultivation,
construction, etc. Similarly, we use plants, trees, birds, animals, etc. for food. Without
natural resources, life is not possible on the earth. They include both living and non-living
things. In this chapter, we will be dealing with only living things present in nature.
Concept of Biodiversity
We find large variety of living beings around
us. They may be unicellular or multicellular.
They may or may not be visible to the naked
eyes. All the living organisms of the earth are
called biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the
living organisms found per unit square area. It
indicates the total number of living species on
the earth, their status, their variation, systems
and structure. Biodiversity differs from place to Fig: 1
place and according to the types of ecosystem.
Different types of ecosystem are found in different places of Nepal. The variation in the
ecosystem supports the life of variety of biodiversity.
Biodiversity is also defined as “the measure of variety of earth ‘s animals, plants, microbes
species of ecosystem.” Biodiversity of a location means the existence of organisms and
species of living beings per square unit area of any place. Biodiversity is classified as:
a. Ecosystem Diversity
b. Gene Diversity
c. Species Diversity
d. Agricultural Diversity
a. Ecosystem Diversity
Ecosystem is the interaction between the living and non-living things present in the
environment. It provides natural habitat to different living beings. Various types of
ecosystems are found in different geographical belts of Nepal. Different types of biodiversity
are found in different ecosystems. There can also be different types of biodiversity within
a particular ecosystem. For example, within a pond ecosystem, there might be fishes,
tadpoles, algae, snakes, water weeds, etc. Similarly, variety of plants, animals, birds, trees,
etc. are found in different types of ecosystems of different geographical regions.
“Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety and frequency of distinct ecosystem including
variety of habitats, biotic communities and their changes in composition and structure
overtime.” It also refers to the differences between ecosystem types and diversity of
habitat and ecological process occurring within each ecosystem type.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 113
Different types of ecosystems like grassland ecosystem, forest ecosystem, glacial lake
ecosystem, etc. are found in Nepal. But due to lack of sea and desert in Nepal, the marine
ecosystem and the desert ecosystems are not found. However, the ecosystem of Mustang
and some northern parts of Nepal are compared with the desert ecosystem. According to
the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation(2014 A.D.), there are 118 types of ecosystems
(basically two types of ecosystems) found in Nepal.
b. Gene Diversity
All living beings inherit the characteristics from their parents. These characters are
transmitted by means of the genes present in the nucleus of the cells. The characteristics
differ from one type of living being to another. The variation brought in the living beings
due to the genes present in the living beings is known as gene diversity or genetic diversity.
It covers genetic variation between distinct population of the same species.
Gene diversity is also defined as the range of genetic variation and variability found
within the population of single species and between the species, among living organisms
in a given habitat. Dogs, cats, cows, tigers, lion, etc. are some examples of gene diversity.
c. Species Diversity
i. Concept of Species Diversity
The earth consists of different types of plants, animals, birds, trees and many other living
beings. These living beings are classified under (i) Plant kingdom and(ii) Animal kingdom.
Different types of vegetations like bryophytes, pteridophytes, trees, algae, lichens, fungi
etc. are found on the earth. Similarly, animals like goats, snake, lizard, cows, buffaloes,
birds, etc. are also found in nature. Various types of living beings are found within their
own species too. For example, among the goats, Jamunapari, Sanan, etc. and cows like
local and jersey are found in Nepal. This diversity on the basis of species of plants and
animals is called species diversity.
Species diversity also refers to the variety and frequency of living species within a specific
ecological area. Due to geographical diversity, variation in the climate and availability of
different types of ecosystem, large variety of species of living beings are found in Nepal.
ii. Status of Species Diversity in Nepal
Nepal covers 0.1% of the land and 0.03% of the total area (including the area covered
by water) of the earth. Due to the variation in land topography, climate, altitude, etc.
different types of ecosystems are found in Nepal. Especially, the hilly region of Nepal has
different types of ecosystem which provide suitable habitat for variety of biodiversity. The
availability of different types of ecosystems has made Nepal rich in biodiversity. Among
867 ecologically important places, 12 are located in Nepal.
In 2002 A.D. the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Nepal Biodiversity Strategy
(NBS) was published in Nepal with the support of Global Environment Family and
UNDP. It also published Nepal Fourth National Report to the convention on Biological
Diversity in 2009 A.D . As per these publications, the biodiversity of Nepal is given below.
114 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Table 6.1: Diversity of Flora Species in Nepal
No. of known species
Species of flora World Share of Nepal in the world
in Nepal
Gymnosperm 5292 31 5.9
Angiosperm 2316381 6973 3.0
Bryophytes More than 140003 1150 8.2
Pteridophytes 103691 534 5.1
Lichens More than 170003 771 4.1
Algae More than 400003 1001 2.5
Fungi More than 70003 2025 2.5
Table 6.2: Diversity of Fauna Species in Nepal
Species of fauna World No. of known species in Nepal Share of Nepal in the world
Mammals 4675 212 4.4
Birds 10,000 876 8.76
Reptiles 7870 123 1.9
Amphibians 4780 117 1.6
Fishes 10,000 230 2.4
Mollusks NA 217 NA
Moths 16,000 3958 2.5
Butterfly 17,500 651 3.6
Spider 39,490 175 0.4
Rotifers NA 61 NA
Crustaceans NA 59 NA
Other insects NA 5052 0.7
Platyhelminthes NA 168 1.4
Source: Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation 2014, Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan, 2014 – 2020, Page 17
iii. Status of Plant Species in Nepal
Nepal consists of 2.2% of the world’s vegetation, 2.5% of algae, 4.5% of lichens, 2.9% of
fungi, 5.1% of pteridophytes and 3.2% of flowering plants of the world. It is found that
Nepal has a total of 5833 species of flowering plants and 4216 species of non-flowering
plants. It is also estimated that 700 species of Nepalese plants have medicinal value.
Similarly, while going through the animals and birds species, Nepal is found to be rich
in these species too. In comparison to the world, 3.7% butterflies, 2.4% of fishes, 2.5%
of moths, 1.9% of reptiles, 8.8% of birds and 4.4% of mammals species are found in
Nepal.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 115
iv. Agricultural Diversity
Due to the variation in the land topography of Nepal, the ways of cultivation and the
production of crops are found to be different. A total of 153 species of different crops have
been recorded under cultivation. There are 92 species of cereals that include 42 species of
rice, 26 species of wheat and 15 species of maize. Among them 10 species are the major
food crops. Along with the agricultural crops, different types of weeds are also found
in the agricultural land. There are 364 species of such weeds in Nepal. Out of 500 edible
plants of Nepal, 200 species are cultivated here. Commercial cultivation of 100 varieties
of 15 major fruits, 200 varieties of vegetables and about 10 varieties of potatoes are found
in Nepal.
Similarly, there are 24 breeds of indigenous genotypes of cattle, goat, and sheep. In
comparison to the plant species, the animal species are comparatively less. So, they need
proper care for their conservation.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is very essential for the existence of human beings on the earth. Human
development and biodiversity are interrelated with each other. The importance of
biodiversity is connected with food and habitat, lifestyle, social and economic activities of
human beings. It also helps to regulate natural cycles like water cycle, gaseous cycle, flow
of energy, etc. which are required for the survival of living organisms. Biodiversity can
be taken as the sources of various resources needed for the people. Its importances can be
explained briefly as follows:
a. Agricultural Products
Agriculture includes the cultivation of plants/crops as well as production of animals.
Different types of agricultural productions like paddy, maize, wheat, green leafy
vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, cheese, curd, etc. are used by people. These crops were
available in the wild state in the beginning. People started to select the best seeds and
plants and cultivated them in the form of useful plants later. Similar is the case of animals
and birds. This led to the development of agriculture. To select and produce crops,
vegetables, fruits, birds, animals, etc of better quality, biodiversity is important.
b. Animal Production
Animal production like milk, meat, ghee, curd, etc. are necessary for human beings. The
birds and animals are the beauty of nature. Some animals like horse, camel, donkey, yak,
etc. are used for transportation. Oxen are used for ploughing the field and dogs are used
for security. Similarly, raw materials like bone, skin, hair, wool, leather, etc. to make bags,
clothes, decorative materials, etc. are derived from animals and birds. Different types of
medicines, perfumes, etc. are obtained from birds and animals.
c. Vegetative Productions
Fruits, flowers, timbers, clothes, etc. are obtained from plants and trees. These are also the
sources of furniture, herbs, paper, medicinal herbs, fruits, vegetables, etc. We won’t be able
to get many valuable good from different kinds of plants and trees without biodiversity.
116 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
d. Improvement of Breeds
People tame birds and animals. They cultivate different types of fruits, vegetables and
trees for their use. Animals, birds, plants etc. are bred to produce new variety. The
breeding helps in improving the production and quality. New variety can be obtained
from the bio-diversity existing in nature. These species have high productivity, resistance
to diseases, age etc. They also help in protecting the existing living beings. Wolphin, liger,
horse, etc are some examples of hybrid species.
Fig: 2
Wolphin Liger Horse
e. Production of Domestic Resources
Biodiversity is important for the production of domestic
needs like firewood, edible plants, fish, fruits, construction
materials, medicinal plants, herbs, etc. It provides raw
material for handicrafts and musical instruments. Similarly,
orchids are used for making beautiful ornaments, mosses for
decoration, silkworm for silk, rabbits for fur, etc.
f. Conservation of Soil Fig: 3 Orchid
Different types of plants and trees are grown on the soil. The roots of these plants and trees
bind the soil particles tightly. It protects the soil from erosion and landslide. Protection of
biodiversity helps in conserving the soil. Biodiversity also helps in keeping the soil cool
and moist.
g. Natural Beauty and Scene
Presence of diversity has made the environment beautiful. The natural environment is
created by the presence of vegetation, birds, animals, their size, colour, etc. The shelter of
birds and animals, their voice, recreation, etc. add beauty to the forest and give pleasure
to the people. This attracts the internal and international tourists.
h. Economic Development
Biodiversity is the main source of life supporting goods. All the basic needs like food,
clothes, shelter, medicine, entertainment, etc. are obtained from biodiversity. It provides the
raw materials for factories and industries. The factories and industries provide employment
opportunities to the people. This helps them to generate income. The attraction of tourists
also helps in economic development of the nation. Thus, the biodiversity should be
conserved and protected for the economic development of the country.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 117
i. Conservation of Watershed
There are large varieties of plants and trees on the earth. These vegetations help to
conserve the sources of water. The areas which are covered by vegetations have less
chances to get dried up than the other regions. So, the sources of water are conserved in
such areas. It supports the life of different types of biodiversity. Without water resources,
biodiversity cannot survive and vice versa. Thus, the biodiversity plays an important role
in conserving water resources.
j. Tourism Development
Biodiversity provides beauty to nature. The tourists
are attracted towards those places which are rich in
biodiversity. They are interested in the observation,
study, conducting research and recreation. The
development of tourism in naturally rich places, helps
to develop eco-tourism. Eco-tourism helps to attract
domestic and foreign tourists which ultimately help
to develop economic condition of any place. Fig: 4
k. Environmental Balance
Biodiversity helps in maintaining the balance among the environmental aspects. For
example, plants and trees help to conserve the soil and water resources. After their death,
they mix in the soil and help to increase the fertility of soil. When any one of the components
are disturbed, the whole environment is affected. Our environment consists of biological,
social, economical and physical aspects. The biodiversity keeps various aspects interrelated.
Thus, the conservation of biodiversity helps to balance the environment.
l. Existence of Natural Ecosystem
Biodiversity is the main part of ecosystem. It has developed the natural processes like
water cycle, food cycle, carbon cycle, etc. It also helps in recycling carbon, oxygen and
other atmospheric gases. Its existence helps to maintain the fertility and productivity of
soil. Thus, biodiversity is important for the proper functioning of human life cycle and
natural ecosystem.
m. Study and Research Work
Biodiversity is an important field of study and research for several scientists, students,
researchers, etc. There is a wide scope to make research on it which will contribute to the
welfare of the whole living things including man. Similarly, by improving the breeds,
biodiversity of better quality can be produced. The economic and social development also
depends upon the study and research conducted on various aspects of biodiversity. The
study of biodiversity can contribute for the welfare of all living beings in the world.
Need of Conservation
Conservation refers to the preservation of all living beings, their required habitat and
their breed quality. Their conservation helps in increasing the number and quality of
118 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
breed. Suitable environment is required to conserve biodiversity. It also helps to provide
suitable condition for the survival of living beings. The necessities of conservation of
biodiversities are described below:
a. For the Existence of Living Beings
Many species of plants and animals are found on the earth. They differ according to the
geographical regions. Some of these species are used for breeding purpose to produce
better quality. These species are the property of the country. So, conservation is needed
even for future.
b. Sustainability of Resources
Human beings get their basic needs from biodiversity such as plants, trees, livestock,
medicinal herbs, etc. Life is impossible without these things. So, it is necessary to be
conserved. It helps to sustain the life of all living beings including the humans for future.
When these resources are conserved, future generation can use these resources for sustaining
their lives too.
c. Promotion of Natural Scene
The earth is the habitat of different types of birds, animals, vegetation and other creatures.
These creatures help to decorate nature. They attract the tourists that helps to earn foreign
currency. The economic development of the nation becomes easy through the natural
scene which is created by the presence of biodiversity. People also get employment from
it. So, we should make proper use of the resources and conserve them.
Fig: 5
Khaptad National Park Phewa Lake
d. For the Balance of Nature
Natural processes like water cycle, change of season, temperature variation, gaseous cycle,
food cycle, etc. continuously occur in nature. Biodiversity helps in maintaining a balance
between living and non-living things in the environment. They help in running the natural
processes automatically. So, biodiversity is necessary to be conserved to prevent adverse
effects in the natural processes.
e. Social and Environmental Development
Biodiversity is the main sources of food, medicines, raw materials etc. for industries and
factories. They are needed for human development. Biodiversity also provides the basic
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 119
requirement needed for the social and cultural activities. The availability of biodiversity
makes the social and economical development easy.
f. Area of Study of Research
People can conduct innumerable study and research in the field of biodiversity. It is a wide
field for the study and research purpose. It helps to know about different species. The research
work helps in the conservation of existing species and production of new species too.
Conservation Measures of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is very essential for the survival of living beings. It is necessary to be conserved
for the existence of life on the earth. Some conservation measures are given below:
a. Knowledge of Biodiversity
People should have knowledge about the biodiversity found in different geographical
regions. The knowledge of biodiversity helps to know about the number, their status,
food, habitat, etc. It also helps in formulating different conversational programmes and
necessary plans and policies for their preservation. The local people should be made
aware about the needs of conservation. They should also be encouraged to participate in
the conversational activities.
b. Public Participation
It is not possible to conduct all the conservation activities only by the government. The
participation of local people is equally important in these activities. Public participation
should be increased while formulating plans and programmes for the conservation of
biodiversity. According to the local autonomous rule, the responsibility of local conservation
is given to the local village council and the municipality. So, local people should be
encouraged to participate in such activities. The community based organizations like eco-
club, political parties, NGOs, local institutions, etc. should be participated in such activities.
c. Promote Religious Values
Among the large varieties of biodiversity, many
plants, trees, birds and animals have religious
values. Plants and trees like tulsi, bar, peepal,
bel, rudrakshya, lotus etc. have religious values.
Similarly, animals like lion, tiger, snake, crow,
elephant, monkey, tortoise, peacock, etc. also
have religious values. These biodiversity are
worshiped by people with different names in
different occasions. People hesitate to destroy
them. Hence, promotion of religious values help Fig: 6
to conserve biodiversity.
120 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
d. Conservation Laws
Formulation and implementation of conservation law should be done strictly for
the conservation of biodiversity. Knowledge and awareness programes related to
conservations of biodiversity should be given to the people. The local authorities should
be made active in such programmes. There should be the provision of reward and
punishment for effective conservation of biodiversity.
e. Income Generation
The raw materials required for factories, industries, etc. are collected from biodiversity.
Production and collection of raw material helps to generate income. But while using
biodiversity as raw materials, it should be utilized properly without destroying its present
condition. For its conservation, some amount of the income generated from biodiversity
can be used in the conservation activities.
f. Change in Consumption Pattern
People consume vegetation, birds, animals and other natural resources in their daily
life. The consumption of these resources must be reduced gradually either by reusing or
recycling them. Development of self-interest is very important to conserve the existing
species.
g. Development of Positive Attitude
People should develop positive views towards the biodiversity. They should not exploit
the biodiversity to fulfill only the present needs. They should also think that biodiversity
is essential for future. They should reuse or recycle the materials to conserve biodiversity.
h. Establish and Manage Conservation Areas
Conservation areas should be established and managed properly for the conservation of
biodiversity. The In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation areas help to preserve large variety of
biodiversity in the natural or artificial environment.
6.2 Biodiversity by Ecological Belts
Nepal is divided into three ecological regions like terai, hilly and mountain regions. They
have different geographical conditions, i.e. different climate, rainfall, temperature etc.
Due to these differences, different types of biodiversity is found in Nepal. Some major
biodiversity found in different ecological regions are given below.
A. Mountain Region
The mountain region lies in the Northern part of Nepal. It consists of the highest peak
of the world Mt. Everest along with many other mountain ranges. It also includes small
valleys and grassland. It has very cold climate. So, The agricultural diversity is limited in
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 121
this region. Very less population lives in this region (only 6.7% of total population by the
record of 2011 A.D.) Ethnic groups like Sherpa, Thakali, Managi, etc. live in this region.
Trees like birch, fir, dhupi, rhododendron, different types of pine, bhojpatra, etc. are found
in this region. Majority of plants/trees bear cones in this region.
Medicinal plants like timur, chiraito, panchaunle, padamchal, jatamasi, yarsagumba, etc.
are found here.
Fig: 7
Timur Chiraito Jatamasi
Similarly, birds like danphe, monal, koklas, pleasnt, cheer pheasant, kaliz, chilime, etc. are
found in the mountain region. Animals like squirrel, red panda, serow, ghoral, musk deer,
black bear, Himalayan sheep, snow leopard, yak, etc. are found.
Fig: 8
Yak Red panda Snow leopard
Animal husbandry is the major occupation of the people in this region. People tame
yak, sheep, mule, mountain goat, etc. There are suitable grazing areas for grazing these
cattle. So, large number of people generate good income from animal husbandry in the
mountain region.
Though very less percentage of land of mountain region is cultivatable (only 2%),
people cultivate wheat, maize, buckwheat, barley, uwa, potato, etc. Rice and green leafy
vegetables are also grown in some parts of this region.
B. Hilly Region
The hilly region lies between the mountain and the terai region. It covers 42% of the total
land of Nepal. It consists of big and small, narrow and wide valleys, steep cliff, plain land,
etc. It has moderate climate in comparison to the mountain region and the terai region.
This region is very rich in biodiversity among the three ecological regions of Nepal.
According to the CBS record of 2068 B.S., 43.1% of total population of Nepal live in this
region. Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Newar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri etc. are the major
122 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
ethnic groups living in this region. It has variation in altitude and climate. The availability
of temperate, alpine as well as sub-tropical types of forests have also supported large
variety of biodiversity.
Plants like bar, peepal, katus, bamboo, utis, chilaune, walnut, ranisalla, magnolia, paiyun,
etc. are found in this region.
Different types of animals like bear, panther, deer, chittal, monkey, wildcat, leopard, red
deer, langur, pangolin, etc. are found here. People domesticate cows, buffaloes, dogs,
goats, sheep, etc. in this region.
Fig: 9
Tiger Leopard Monkey
Birds like falcon, kaliz, kite, dove, parrot, eagle, black buck, etc. are found in the hilly
region.
Medicinal plants like chutro, kalo dhaturo, chiraito, bojho, sugandhawal, sarpagandha,
timur, beladona, tejpat, etc. are available in different parts of this region.
Agriculture is the major occupation of the people in this region. Different types of crops
are grown here. Rice, wheat, maize, pulses, different types of green leafy vegetables and
fruits like pear, peach, papaya, orange, lemon, banana, etc. are cultivated in this region.
C. Terai Region
This region lies in the southern part of Nepal. It has hot and moist climate. This region is
also known as the grossory of Nepal. About 50.2% of the population of Nepal live in this
region according to the C.B.S. record of 2068 B.S. Ethnic groups like Chaudhary, Rajbansi,
Yadav, Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, Jha, etc. live here.
The hot and moist climate of terai region has supported the existence of varieties of
biodiversity. Large percentage of land of this region is covered by dense forests. Plants
like sal, sissau, simal, khayar, karma, asna, katus, utis, chilaune, etc. are found in this
region.
Similarly, animals like magar crocodile, blue bull, fishes, leopard, deer, monkey gharial,
langur, spotted deer, elephant, tiger etc. are found here.
Various types of birds like pigeon, kaliz, peacock, sparrow, water duck, dhanesh, wild
cock, crane, falcon, etc. are found in this region.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 123
Fig: 10
Rhino Elephant Gharial
Tulsi, neem, harro, barro, rajbrikshya, asuro, pipla, sarpagnandha, etc. are some medicinal
plants found in this region.
The soil of this region is very fertile in comparison to the other two ecological regions
of Nepal. Different types of food crops and cash crops are grown by the farmers of this
region. Rice, wheat, oil seeds, pulses, tobacco, jute, sugarcane, etc. are some major crops
that are grown in this region. Similarly, fruits like papaya, mango, banana, coconut, etc.
are found in this region.
6.3 Rare Animals and Plants
Introduction to Rare Animals and Birds
Those birds and animals which are decreasing in number and are in the verge of extnction
are known as rare birds and animals. Examples, clouded leopard, red panda, musk deer,
Asamese monkey, bengal tiger, spiny babbler (bird), asla, jalkapur (fishes), etc. Some of
the rare animals and birds of Nepal are discussed below.
i. Clouded Leopard
Scientific name: Neofelis nebulosa
An adult clouded leopard is 0.8-0.9 m in height and
weighs about 16-20 kg. It is of variable colour like
grey, earth-brown, pale-dark or yellowish brown.
The under parts are white to creamy in colour. It
has spots on its body and limbs. It has short limbs.
Its body is 60-120cm long with the tail of 75 - 86
cm in length. The canine teeth are big and strong
for tearing the flesh or injuring the prey. Its food is
small to medium-sized mammals and birds. It has Fig: 11
long tail. Its life span is about 8 years.
It has become rare because people hunt it for its bones, teeth and skin. Its bones and teeth
have medicinal value and the skin is used for decoration. The loss of its natural habitat
has also affected its number.
Clouded leopard is found in Bhutan, India and Indonesia including Nepal. It is a rare
animal and is protected in Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park and
124 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Annapurna Conservation Area. It is found at an altitude of 3500 m in the mountain region.
ii. Red Panda
Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
Red Panda is a rare animal found in the mountain
region in the cool and temperate climate. It is found
in the altitude of 1800 m-3500m. It is a small and timid
animal. It has rounded head, large pointed ears and
stumpy muzzles (hairy legs) with large claws. It has
dark red ears on the outer side, black nose and the
tail with alternate bands of light and dark shades. The
dorsal part of this animal is rust-red while the ventral
part is back-shaded. It weighs about 3 kg-6kg. Its height Fig: 12
is 28 cm and length is 64 cm.
It is a naturally rare animal. It is hunted or poached for its soft and beautiful skin (fur).
It is found at an attitudinal range of 1800-3500 m. in the forest of bamboo and oak. It is
protected in Sagarmatha National Park, Lantang National Park, Makalu Barun National
Park, Rara National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
Its life span is about 7 years.
iii. One Horned Rhinoceros
Scientfic name: Rhinoceros unicornis
An adult rhino is 1.1 m – 1.7 m. in height and weighs
2000 kg to 2500 kg. It is the second heaviest land animal
after elephant. It has heavy thick folded and shielded
skin with no hair. The shield lies around the shoulders,
thighs and buttocks. It has boat shaped head with only
one horn above the nose. The horn is a compact mass of
hair. The horn regenerates if broken. It is a herbivorous
animal and feeds on grass, shrubs, foliage, water
plants, crops, etc. According to the survey done in 2015 Fig: 13
A.D., there are 645 one horned rhinos in Nepal. Its length ranges from 300 cm – 315 cm.
It is hunted or poached for its horns, hooves and skin. The horns and hooves are used for
making medicine, ornament, handles of knives, etc. The skin is used for making leather
goods. The horn powder of rhino helps to increase sexual power when taken with other
substances. The life span of one horned rhinoceros is about 45-50 years. It is found in
the Shiwalik and terai region of Nepal. It is protected in Chitwan National Park, Bardiya
National Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park, etc. under Forest Act
2049 B.S.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 125
iv. Bengal Tiger
Scientific name: Panthera tigris
Bengal tiger is one of the rare species of the world.
According to the survey done in Nepal in 2013 A.D.,
there are 198 Bengal Tigers above 15 years in Nepal.
An adult tiger is about 1 m in height and weighs 130-
200 kg. Its body is reddish to yellowish orange in
colour. It has black stripes all over its body. The tail is
black and the belly is white. The ears are black spotted. Fig: 14
It has majestic look and graceful walk. It is a good swimmer.
It is a carnivorous animal and feeds on blue bull, deer, fish, reptiles, birds, etc. It travels
widely for food and for mating. It reproduces 2-6 cubs at a time. It lives for 15 years.
Bengal tiger is hunted for its skin and bones. It is also hunted for pleasure. The bones have
medicinal value. Its head and skin are used for decoration. It is found in the forests of terai
region and is protected in Bardiya National Park, Chitwan National Park, Banke National
Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park.
v. Asiatic Elephant
Scientific name: Elephus maximus
It is the largest, rare and conserved land mammal
found in Asia. It is smaller than African Elephant. An
adult elephant is 2.5 - 3.5 m tall. It weighs 4000kg-5000
kg. It is grey in colour. It has a huge head with big
ears, small eyes, small tail and long trunk with nosal
passage for smelling and sucking water. It has stumpy
legs. In males, the upper incisor teeth are modified into Fig: 15
protective tusks. It needs water holes, rivers, etc. to dip
and refresh. It is a herbivorous animal that eats grass, leaves, banana stem, fruits, crops,
etc.
It lives for about 70 years. It has become rare because it is hunted for its tusk(ivory), skin,
bones, etc. The tusk is used for decoration, making handles of knives, medicines, etc. Skin
is used for making leather goods. It is also decreasing due to the human wild conflict
since they harm the crops, people and their property.
It lives in the hot and humid forest of terai region. It is protected in Chitawan National
Park, Bardiya National Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park.
126 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
vi. Giant Pied Hornbill
Scientific name: Buceros bicornis
Giant Pied Hornbill is about 0.9 m in height and 95 cm -
105 cm in length. Its weight is 3 kg - 3.5 kg. The bird is a
mixture of black, white and yellow colour. It has a long,
golden and shiny beak on its head. The beak is hard. Its
face, under parts and tail are black. The black tail and
body have white bands. Both the male and female look Fig: 16
similar in structure, but the female is smaller in size than the male.
Giant Pied Hornbill lives in the deciduous and evergreen forest of Terai region nesting in
the holes of tall trees. It has large and fearful sound. It eats soft fruits, insects and small
vertebrates.
The life span of Giant Pied Hornbill is 6-7 years. It is hunted for meat, bones and fat. It is
decreasing in number due to the loss of its habitat. Its beak, bones and fats have medicinal
value. Its feather is used for decoration.
Giant Pied Hornbill is protected in Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Banke
National Park, Parsa National Park and Suklaphanta National Park.
vii. Asiatic Rock Python
Scientific name: Python molurus
Asiatic Rock Python is about 7-10 m in length and
weighs 85-90 kg. It is the largest and heaviest Asian
snake. It is light brown to yellowish brown in colour. It
has a series of yellow and black circular spots from head
to the tail. It has slow and sluggish movement due to
its length and weight. It kills its prey by waylaying and
trapping them near water sources and dense bushes by
its camouflaged position with the surrounding nature. Fig: 17
It is a non-poisonous snake. The female python lays
about 80-100 eggs at a time.
Asiatic Rock Python kills mammals, birds, reptiles, etc. for food. It is becoming rare due to
loss of its habitat. People kill it for its beautiful skin which is used for making belt, purse,
etc. It is also killed by the people because of fear that it may swallow their cattle or their
children. It is also trapped by people for adventurous shows.
Asiatic Rock Python prefers to live in warm, sunny surface with dry boulders. Hence it is
named as rock python. It is protected in Chitwan National Park.
Activity: 1
Study the different types of animals found in your surrounding and discuss with your
friends.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 127
Conservation of Rare Animals and Birds
There are different reasons for the loss of biodiversity from the nature. The loss of habitat,
hunting and poaching, change in climate, environmental degradation, natural disasters,
human encroachment, etc. are some responsible factors for the loss of biodiversity. We
need to protect the birds, animals and other living beings for the existence of human
beings. Some of the methods that can be followed for their conservation are as follows.
i. Conservation of Ecosystem
Ecosystem provides natural habitat for the survival of biodiversity. The conservation of
forest, water-resources, pasture land, etc. help to conserve the natural ecosystem. This
helps in the conservation of biodiversity.
ii. Study and Research
To have knowledge and idea about the present status and methods of conservation of
birds and animals, study and research is essential. Biodiversity provides a wide area for
the study and research purposes. Necessary programmes should be conducted for their
conservation on the basis of the research.
iii. Restriction of Hunting
The hunting and killing of rare birds and animals should be strictly prohibited. Selling
and purchasing of the valuable parts of these animals and birds like shin bones, feathers,
tusk, hooves, etc. must be banned. There should be provision of strict punishment for
those who engage in such activities.
iv. Conservation of In-Situ and Ex-Situ
Biodiversity is degraded in its quality and quantity due to the loss of their natural
habitat. Establishment of In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation areas helps to provide suitable
environment for their conservation. So, emphasis should be given for the conservation of
In-situ and Ex-situ.
v. Wildlife Conservation Law
Suitable conservation laws should be formulated and strictly implemented to conserve
the rare birds, animals and other living beings. Such laws should be communicated with
the local people to make them aware about them.
vi. Public Awareness
Awareness programmes should be conducted at local and national level to make the
people aware about the causes of rareness, importance of biodiversity, conservation
measures, etc. It encourages the local people to participate in the conversational activities.
Public awareness makes the conservation activities easy.
128 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
vii. Public Participation in Conservation
Without people’s participation, conservation of biodiversity is not possible. They should
be made responsible to conserve the animals, birds and other living beings at the local
level.
Protected Animals and Birds
There are twenty seven species of mammals, nine species of birds and three species of
reptiles under protection. They are as follows:
Protected Living Beings
Mammals Birds Reptiles
Pigmy hog, Red panda, Black buck, Great horned Gharial,
Gaur, Wild yak, Wild water buffalo, hornnbill, Cheer Ascatic Rock
Grey wolf, Hispid hare, Swamp Pleasant, White Python, Golden
dear, Asiatic Elephant, Lynx, stork, Black stork, Monitor Lizard
common crane,
Stripped Hyina, Asamese Monkey, Bengal Florican,
Indian Pangolin, Chinese Pangolin, Impeyan pheasant,
Himalayan Musk deer, Clouded Lessor Florian,
leopard, Great Tibitan Sheep, Crimson Pheasant
Bengal Taiger, Snow Leopard,
Tibetan Antelope, Gangetic
Dolphin, Spotted Lingsang, Four
Horned Antelope, Brown Bear
Extinct and Endangered Plants and Animals
Different types of human activities done to fulfill the needs of people are responsible for
the degradation of biodiversity. There are some natural factors too which have adversely
affected biodiversity. It is our responsibility to preserve them since they are the major
sources to fulfill our needs.
According to the records of IUCN published in 2007 A.D., out of 867 species of birds, 31
species are endangered species of the world. Similarly, among the vertebrates of Nepal,
78 species are in the list of extinct species of the world.
According to the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (2014 A.D.), 9 species of
vegetation, 55 species of mammals, 149 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and 21
species of fishes are recorded under the list of endangered species by IUCN. Similarly, 15
species of vegetation, 52 species of mammals, 108 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles
and 3 species of insects are listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna). The government of Nepal has also
decleared 27 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, 14 species of angiosperms and 4
species of gymnosperms as protected species.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 129
Rare Plants
Introduction to Rare Plants
There are many types of vegetations in Nepal. Some of the species among them are listed
under the rare plants of Nepal. Some of them are diseribed below.
i. Champ (Golden Michelia)
Scientific name: Michelia champaka
Description of the plant: It is a rare plant of Nepal. It is
of two types, big and small. It can grow upto the height
of 30 m. It is a strong plant with strong trunk and many
branches. Its stem is smooth with ash colour. It bears thick,
oily and green leaves and golden yellow flowers.
Habitat: It is found in terai and mid hill of Nepal at
latitudinal range of 600m - 1500m. It is protected in Bardiya
National Park. Fig: 18
Useful Parts: Its trunk is used for making furnitures. The bark is used for making
medicines. Similarly, its flowers are used to extract oil which is used for curing eye disease
and gout.
ii. Jatamasi (Spikenard)
Scientific name: Nardostachys grandiflora
Description of the plant: It is a small plant with sweet
scent. It is a perennial plant with pinkish white flowers.
Its leaves are divided into three heart-shaped parts. It
produces clusters of flowers at the terminal part of the
plant. The height of this plant is about of 0.6 m.
Habitat: It is found in the hilly region of Nepal in the
altitudinal range of 3000 m to 5000 m. It is protected in Fig: 19
Shey-Phoksundo National Park and Annapurna Conservation Area.
Useful parts: The roots of this plant are used to make oil that is used for curing cholera,
epilepsy and heart diseases. Jatamasi is also used for making ayurvelic medicines. The
dust of this plant is used for making incense.
iii. Sarpagandha (Serpentina)
Scientific name: Rauvolfia serpentina.
Description of Plant: It is an evergreen plant found in
the hilly and terai region of Nepal. It is a small plant of
about 1 m. height. Its stem is dry and white in colour. It
has long and wide leaves. It bears red and white flowers
in summer. It has bean-shaped fruits. It can reproduce
through stem and seeds. Fig: 20
130 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Habitat: Sarpagandha is found in the hilly and terai region of Nepal upto an altitude
of 1200 m . It is found in less number in the sal forest. It is protected in Makalu Barun
National Park.
Useful Parts: The roots are used for making medicines which are used to treat blood
pressure, reduce pain, diarrhoea, dysentery and to induce sleep.
iv. Lauth Salla (Himalayan yew)
Scientific Name: Taxus wallichiana
Description of the plant: It is a plant of pine species. It is
a cone bearing plant with comb-like leaves. It is about 8
meters tall. It can reproduce through the stems and roots.
It produces a chemical known as taxol. Taxol is used to
cure immature cancer. It produces poisonous fruits.
Habitat: It is found at an altitudinal range of 1700 to 3400 m.
It is found in the mid and western regions of Nepal. It
is protected in Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang Fig: 21
National Park.
Useful parts: Its leaves are used to extract taxol which is used to cure immature cancer. It
can also be used to prepare medicines for the treatment of intestinal diseases, headache,
respiratory tract inflection, diarrhoea, high blood pressure and dry cough.
v. Panchaunle (Orchid)
Scientific Name: Dactylorhiza hatageria
Description of the plant: Panchaunle is a rare plant of
Nepal. It is a small plant with its roots like the five fingers
of a palm. It produces a bunch of attractive pink flowers. It
is about 90 cm tall.
Habitat: It is found at an altitudinal range of 2300 m to
3600 m. It is protected in Langtang National Park.
Fig: 22
Useful Parts: Its roots are used to make medicines which
give energy. The old roots of 3/4 years have more medicinal value than the new ones.
vi. Yarsagumba (Cordyceps)
Scientific name: Cordyceps sinensis
Description of the plant: It is a fungus grown on the body
of caterpillar. It acts like a plant in summer and caterpillar
(animal) in winter. It is grey in colour . Its body is about
5-8cm in length. The plant is not differentiated into
roots, stem, leaves, flowers and fruits like other plants. It
reproduces by means of spores.
Habitat: It is found in the Himalayan region which remains Fig: 23
covered with snow. It is found in the altitudinal range of 3000 m - 5000 m.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 131
Useful Parts: The whole body of the plant is useful. It gives energy when taken with milk
and honey. It is also used in preparing medicines to treat heart disease, mental disease
and to increase sexual power.
Activity: 2
Study the biodiversity found in the garden of your school and discuss.
Conservation of Rare Plants
Human beings have been using these plants and trees since the ancient time to fulfill their
needs through cultivation, trade, industry, etc. They are the major sources to fulfill our
needs. These days, the extension of human settlement, development activities, pollution,
natural disasters, etc. have adversely affected the quality and quantity of these plants and
trees. Different conservation measures can be adopted to preserve the plants and trees.
The following conservation measures can be adopted to conserve them.
i. Proper Collection of Forest Products
Forest are the sources of firewood, timber wood, medicinal herbs, etc. People should
collect or use these product carefully. They should not affect other plants and trees while
collecting necessary resources from the forest. The young plants should not be affected
while collecting the required materials.
ii. Control of Forest Fire
Forest fire kills lots of young plants,trees, birds, animals, medicinal herbs and many other
biodiversity. It even destroys the seeds and seedlings of common and rare plants which
reduces the quality and quantity of biodiversity. Therefore, forest fire must be controlled to
conserve rare plants.
iii. Reduction of Overgrazing
Overgrazing of cattle makes the forest or pasture land
naked. So, the species of vegetation and animals will
be reduced. On the other hand, people use the land
for cultivation purposes. As a result, the plants, trees
medicinal herbs etc. will be reduced. So, the rare plants
and trees should be conserved by adopting conservation
measures. Fig: 24
iv. Proper Harvesting of Raw Materials
Necessary raw materials like wood, paper, leaves, colour, etc. are collected from plants
and trees. So, these useful plants and trees should not be destroyed. While collecting the
raw materials, if only the useful parts of plants and trees are collected, the whole plant or
tree will not be destroyed. People should be made aware about the utility of rare plants
for medicinal value. This encourages them to conserve such plants and trees.
132 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
v. Establishment of Nursery
Nursery provides suitable environment for the collection and conservation of the seeds
and rare plants. It helps to develop new sapling of plants to increase the quality of plants
species. So, establishment of nursery should be promoted.
vi. Protection of Natural Habitat
The destruction of natural habitat destroys quality and quantity of biodiversity. Natural
habitat is generally destroyed due to forest fire, overgrazing of cattle, haphazard collection
of forest products and clearing of forest for different purposes. Such activities must be
reduced. The establishment of In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation areas helps to protect the
habitat of rare plants and trees.
vii. Conservation Law
Conservation laws make people conscious about the conservation of biodiversity. So,
necessary laws should be formulated and strictly implemented to conserve and promote
the status of rare plants.
viii. Awareness Programmes
People should be made aware about the importance of conservation of rare plants.
They should be given knowledge about their natural and economical value. To make
people aware about such resources, awareness programmes should be conducted at local
level.
6.4 Adverse Effects on Biodiversity and Conservation Methods
Adverse Effects and Mitigating Measures
Human activities like construction work, development activities, use of insecticides,
chemical fertilizers, etc. have adversely affected the status of biodiversity. The adverse
effects and their mitigating measures vary with place and geographical regions. Some of
the effects and their mitigating measures are given below.
a. Degradation of Ecosystem
Human beings destroy the ecosystem for different purposes. Different types of activities
like forest fire, deforestation, blasting, overgrazing of cattle, use of insecticides and
pesticides, etc. affect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. The degradation of ecosystem
makes the existence of biodiversity difficult. Thus, the degradation of ecosystem must be
controlled by controlling forest fire, stopping the use of insecticides and pesticides, etc.
Development and construction activities should be conducted systematically to control
pollution in the environment. This reduces the adverse effect on biodiversity.
b. Loss of Habitat
The natural habitat of biodiversity is destroyed due to human activities like deforestation,
construction work, excessive use of chemical substances and mixing of harmful substances
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 133
produced from homes, hotels and lodges, factories and industries. These activities affect
the food cycle and the habitat of biodiversity. As a result, their status is affected.
Since food and habitat play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, people should not
destroy them. Conservational activities, afforestation and plantation on barren land etc.
should be increased. The water bodies should not be polluted. Development activities
should be conducted sustainably without affecting natural resources.
c. Loss of Mobility
The natural environment like forest, grassland,water-resources, etc. required for the
mobility of birds and animals is lost due to human activities. Human beings destroy the
forest, expand the agricultural land, establish factories and industries, etc. to fulfill the
needs of increasing population. These activities reduce the mobility of birds and animals.
As a result, their number gets reduced.
In order to conserve the living beings, we should not destroy natural environment.
Afforestation and plantation should be promoted to conserve the biodiversity.
d. Limitation of Vegetation
The growing population needs more land for the production of food and construction of
houses. They destroy the forests and grassland to extend the agricultural land to meet
the food demands of people. The destruction of forest deteriorates the biodiversity. Thus
humans beings should expand the forests by planting trees near their residences, on both
the sides of road and on the barren land. Overgrazing should also be stopped to reduce
the effect on biodiversity.
National and local Biodiversity Conservation Programme
Biodiversity is essential to be conserved to continue the life of living beings on the earth.
Various conservation programmes are conducted at local and national level to preserve
biodiversity. Some of the programmes which are being launched for conservation of
biodiversity are given below:
a. National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Conservation Areas
Various national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas are established in our
country. There are 12 National Parks, 1 Wildlife Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas and 1
Hunting Reserve in the country. About 18.5% of the total land of Nepal is covered by
protected areas. These areas are helping the plants and animals to live in their original
habitat, i.e. In-Situ conservation. The function of In-Situ is to conserve the biodiversity in
the original place. This attempt helps to conserve the ecological system of that area. This
will make the habitat and food available to the living beings. No one is allowed to enter
into these areas without permission. Thus, the establishment of conservation areas should
be encouraged to preserve biodiversity. Chitawan National Park, Sagarmatha National
Park, Banke National Park, Lantang National Park, Parsa National Park and Annapurna
Conservation Areas are some conservation areas established to conserve biodiversity.
134 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
b. Man-made Conservation Areas (Ex-Situ Conservation)
Artificial conservation areas established to protect birds and animals by creating artificial
environment are known as ex-situ conservation. They protect the living beings from
being extinct. Botanical garden, zoo, nursery, aquarium, etc. are the examples of ex-situ
conservation areas. They help to conserve the plants and animals. The conservation works
help in protecting the breed of living beings for their growth and reproduction.
c. Local Programmes for Raising Awareness
Different government organizations and non-governmental organizations are involved in
the conservation of biodiversity. The Ministry of Population and Environment formulates
policies and implements programmes for the conservation and promotion of natural
environment. The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture, and
Ministry of Industry have been conducting various programmes for the conservation of
natural environment and watershed. These programmes are related with population and
environment which help in conserving the ecosystem.
d. Conservation Programmes at National Level
Biodiversity is our common property. We need to conserve it. A joint effort is needed for
the conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, various conservation programmes are being
conducted at community and national level. Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation (which
was formerly known as King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation) conducts various
programmes at community level through people’s participation. Different international
organizations like IUCN, WWF and World Conservation Union are conducting some
programmes for environment conservation. They help to conserve biodiversity by
conserving the environment. Therefore, the joint effort of the individual, non-governmental
organizations, INGOs, etc. make the conservation activities more effective.
Activity: 3
Prepare a project work on rare plants and animals in Nepal.
Summary
1. Those resources which are gifted by nature are called natural resources.
2. Biodiversity refers to the living organisms found per unit square area. It indicates
the total number of living species on the earth, their status, their variation, systems
and structure.
3. Biodiversity of a location means the existence of organisms and species of living
beings per square unit area of any place.
4. Ecosystem is the interaction between the living and non-living things present in the
environment.
5. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety and frequency of distinct ecosystem
including variety of habitats, biotic communities and their changes in composition
and structure overtime.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 135
6. There are 118 types of ecosystems (basically two types of ecosystems) found in
Nepal.
7. The variation brought in the living beings due to the genes present in the living
beings is known as gene diversity or genetic diversity.
8. Species diversity also refers to the variety and frequency of living species within a
specific ecological area.
9. Provides the raw materials for factories and industries. The factories and industries
provide employment opportunities to the people. This helps them to generate income.
10. Biodiversity is an important field of study and research for several scientists,
students, researchers, etc.
11. Public participation should be increased while formulating plans and programmes
for the conservation of biodiversity.
12. Those birds and animals which are decreasing in number and are in the verge of
extnction are known as rare birds and animals.
13. The loss of habitat, hunting and poaching, change in climate, environmental
degradation, natural disasters, human encroachment, etc. are some responsible
factors for the loss of biodiversity.
14. According to the records of IUCN published in 2007 A.D., out of 867 species of birds
31 species are in endangered species of the world. Similarly, among the vertebrates
of Nepal, 78 species are in the list of extinct species of the world.
15. Taxol is used to cure immature cancer.
16. Human activities like construction work, development activities, use of insecticides,
chemical fertilizers, etc. have adversely affected the status of biodiversity.
17. Thus humans beings should expand the forests by planting trees near their
residences, on both the sides of road and on the barren land.
18. There are 12 National Parks 1 Wildlife Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas and 1 Hunting
Reserve in the country.
19. The function of In-Situ is to conserve the biodiversity in the original place.
20. Artificial conservation areas established to protect birds and animals by creating
artificial environment are known as ex-situ conservations.
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions.
1. What percentage of world vegetation is found in Nepal?
2. What is biodiversity?
3. Define gene diversity.
4. Give the scientific name of ‘Panchaule”.
5. In which region is serpentina found?
6. Name any two reptiles conserved in Nepal.
136 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
7. Mention any two effects of human activities on biodiversity.
8. What is the full form of IUCN?
9. Which is the heaviest land animal?
10. Name some plants with religious values.
B. Write short answer to the following questions.
1. Why do we need biodiversity? Explain in brief.
2. Differentiate between biodiversity and ecosystem.
3. Describe the causes of rareness of biodiversity in brief.
4. Explain the conservation programmes launched to conserve biodiversity.
5. Explain in brief about species diversity.
6. How is biodiversity affected by human activities? Explain in short.
7. Discuss briefly about the types of biodiversity found in the hilly region of Nepal.
8. How can you reduce the effects on biodiversity?
9. Write short note on Red Panda and Bengal Tiger.
10. Write in short about Asiatic rock python and Yarsagumba.
C. Write long answer to the following questions.
1. Describe in brief about the biodiversity found in the terai region of Nepal.
2. The hilly region is rich in biodiversity. Explain.
3. Discuss about In-situ Conservation and Ex-situ Conservation areas.
4. How can you conserve the rare birds and animals? Describe.
5. How does biodiversity help in the economic development of a nation? Explain.
6. Why do we need to conserve biodiversity? Describe.
7. Explain the effects on human activities along with their mitigating measures.
8. “Deforestation is one of the major causes of loss of biodiversity.” Justify this
statement.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 137
unit Environmental Health
7 and Diseases
Estimated Teaching Periods: 18
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce communicable and non-communicable diseases.
ii. differentiate between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
iii. describe the major causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases.
iv. state the causes, major symptoms and preventive and control measures of communicable diseases.
Course Outline
7.1 Concept of disease
7.2 Types of diseases
– Communicable diseases
– Non-communicable diseases
7.3 Cycle of communicable diseases
7.4 Causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases
7.5 Some major communicable diseases
– Food and water borne diseases
– Airborne diseases
7.6 Some non-communicable diseases
7.7 Environmentally infectious diseases
Glossary
infection : a disease caused by germs that enter the body
curse : a cause of trouble or bad luck
rabid : affected with rabies
narcotic : a drug (such as cocaine, heroin or marijuana) that affects the brain and that
is usually dangerous and illegal
hypertension : abnormally high blood pressure
susceptible : easily affected, influenced or harmed by something
dehydration : an abnormal depletion of body fluids
nausea : the feeling you have in your stomach when you think you are going to
vomit
138 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
7.1 Concept of Disease
According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a disease is an illness affecting
humans, animals or plants, often caused by infection. Human beings, plants and animals
have been suffering since their evolution on the earth. So the concept of disease is not
a new concept. The history of diseases is as long as the history of human beings. The
unhealthy condition of human beings is called disease. We feel uneasy or discomfort
while suffering from a disease.
Fig: 1
Diarrhoea Chicken pox Heart attack
According to Webster’s dictionary, a disease is the distinctive process in a particular organ
or organism. It is the bad condition of the body. The word disease is made up of two
words, viz. ‘dis’ and ‘ease’ which simply means lack of easiness or lack of comfort. A
disease is an abnormal condition that affects the body of an organism. A disease also refers
to the condition of a body which causes infection, pain, distress, dysfunction, disability,
discomfort, etc. A person suffering from a disease cannot work normally.
Some people believe in the god and think that we suffer from diseases due to the curse of
god. But in fact, we suffer from various diseases due to infection or failure of the body parts,
not by the curse of god. Some people still go to bathe in the river, visit Dhami, Jhankri,
Tantrik, etc. and worship god in temples to get free from diseases. Actually, diseases occur
due to infection of various microbes or disfunction of body parts. Therefore, we should go
to hospital for treatment instead of visiting Dhami, Jhankri, Tantrik, etc.
Fig: 2
We should not go to Dhami and Patient is being taken to hospital
Jhakri for treatment.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 139
7.2 Types of Diseases
We suffer from various diseases such as fever, diarrhoea, pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis,
asthma, heart attack, polio, common cold, etc. Some diseases transmit from one person
to another and others do not. On this basis, diseases are mainly of two types. They are as
follows.
1. Communicable diseases
2. Non-communicable diseases
1. Communicable Diseases
Those diseases which transmit from infected person to another are called communicable
diseases. For example, common cold, diarrhoea, dysentery, AIDS, rabies, chicken pox,
typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, etc.
Fig: 3
Tuberculosis AIDS Mumps
Communicable diseases are mainly caused due to infection of micro-organisms. The
microbes of a communicable disease transmit from the infected to a healthy person by
various modes. Direct contact with the infected person, use of personal materials of the
patient, contaminated food, water, air, etc., blood of infected person, organ transplantation,
etc. are some of the common modes of transmission of communicable diseases.
Communicable diseases also transmit from one person to another by means of vectors
like mosquito, bug, flies, lice, mites, ticks, etc. For example, mosquitoes transmit diseases
like malaria, filariasis, encephalitis, meningitis, yellow fever, etc. Similarly, rabies is
transmitted due to bite of rabid animal and so on.
When micro-organisms enter our body, they increase their number and weaken our
immunity. When the immune system of human body becomes weak, symptoms of the
disease are seen.
2. Non-communicable diseases
The diseases which do not transmit from one person to another are called non-
communicable diseases. For example, problem of uric acid, asthma, heart diseases,
obesity, marasmus, scurvy, kwashiorker, rickets, cancer, etc.
140 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Fig: 4
Scurvy Heart attack Obesity
Non-communicable diseases mainly occur due to malfunction of body parts, unhealthy
lifestyle, mental stress, lack of physical exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. But non-
communicable diseases do not occur due to micro-organisms. It means that bacteria,
viruses, protozoa, worms, etc. are not responsible for occurrence of non-communicable
diseases. Diabetes occurs due to lack of insulin hormone in the body. Heart diseases
occur due to unhealthy lifestyle, regular consumption of alcohol, fatty and oily foods, etc.
Throat cancer, lung cancer, etc. may occur due to regular consumption of tobacco. Non-
communicable diseases like anaemia, scurvy, marasmus, night blindness, kwashiorkor,
etc. occur due to malnutrition.
7.3 Modes of Transmission of Communicable Diseases
1. Direct contact with the patient/infected person
Examples: Common cold, swine flu, mumps, measles, chicken pox, conjunctivitis,
scabies, AIDS, etc.
2. Droplet transmission
Examples: Common cold, mumps, measles, tuberculosis, etc.
3. Animal/Insect bite
Examples: Rabies, malaria, filariasis, encephalitis, plague, etc.
4. Use of contaminated food and drinks
Examples: Typhoid, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, etc.
5. Use of personal articles of the patient
Examples: Mumps, measles, polio, common cold, chicken pox, etc.
6. Unsafe and unhealthy sexual intercourse
Examples: AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, hepatitis, etc.
7. Infected organ transplantation
Examples: AIDS, hepatitis, etc.
8. Use of contaminated syringe
Examples: AIDS, hepatitis, etc.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 141
7.4 Preventive and Control Measures of Communicable Diseases
1. Personal hygiene should be maintained.
2. Children should be immunized according to the schedule.
3. Balanced diet should be taken.
4. Safe and healthy sexual practice should be adopted.
5. Animal bite/ insect bite should be avoided.
6. Consumption of contaiminated food and water should be avoided.
7.5 Major Causes of Non-communicable Diseases
1. Mental tension
2. Regular consumption of tobacco
3. Regular consumption of alcohol
4. Use of narcotics (drugs)
5. Lack of physical exercise
6. Unhealthy lifestyle
7. Malnutrition
8. Heredity
9. Obesity
7.6 Preventive and Control Measures of Non-communicable Diseases
1. Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol should be avoided.
2. Balanced diet should be consumed.
3. Physical exercise should be done regularly.
4. Use of narcotics/drugs should be avoided.
5. Obesity should be reduced.
6. Healthy lifestyle should be adopted.
7. We should be free from hypertension.
8. Yoga and pranayam should be done regularly.
7.7 Cycle of Communicable Diseases
Soon after entry of germs in the body, we do not develop the symptom of the concerned
disease. Germs increase their number rapidly if we have weak immune system. When
the immune system of the body cannot fight against disease causing germs, symptoms of
142 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
the disease are seen and the person becomes the source of infection. The germs from the
person’s body transmit to others by various means. As a result, many persons get infected
by the disease. Similarly, germs transmit to other healthy persons from those infected
persons. The cycle of communicable diseases is shown below.
Source or reservoir of
infection (sick person)
Medium (Modes of Susceptible host (Humans or
transmission) other organisms)
Cycle of communicable diseases
Modes and Ways of Transmission of Some Communicable Diseases
S.No. Modes of transmission Ways of transmission Diseases
1. Direct contact with the • Sleeping in the same • Eye infection
patient bed (conjunctivities)
• Sharing the food and • Scabies
spoon • Common cold
• Sitting nearby • Mumps
• Using the articles • Measles
used by the patient
• Use of utensils used • Chicken pox
by the patient
2. Through contaminated • Through breath of • Pneumonia
air the patient • Measles
• Coming in contact • Mumps
of contaminated air • Common cold
and dust particles • Bronchitis
3. Through contaminated • Drinking • Diarrhoea
food and drinks contaminated water • Dysentery
• Eating food cooked
in contaminated • Cholera
water
• Consumption of • Hepatitis B and C
fruits without • Typhoid
washing hands
properly
• Use of water in dirty
container
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 143
4. Vector borne/Insect bite • Sleeping without • Malaria
(Through the bite of using net • Kalazar
mosquito, flea, sand fly, • Sitting outside house
etc.) • Japanese
• Walking in dark encephalitis
place • Meningitis
• Wearing short • Filariasis
clothes
• Yellow fever
• Plague
5. Through animal bite or • Due to bite of rabid • Rabies
through infected birds animal • Plague
or animal
• Contact with the • Bird flu
saliva of the rabid
animal • Swine flu
• Bite of rat having
plague
• Contact with the
infected birds
6. Through unsafe sexual • Unsafe sexual • HIV/AIDS
intercourse intercourse with the • Syphilis
infected partner
• Hepatitis B, C and D
• Gonorrhoea
7. Through contaminated • While injecting • HIV/AIDS
syringe, needle, blade, medicine • Syphilis
etc.
• Cutting hair • Hepatitis B, C and D
• While shaving
• Making tattoo
• Piercing ears and
nose
8. Through cantaminated • Due to contaminated • HIV/AIDS
blood transfusion or blood transfusion • Malaria
organ transplantation
• Through • Hepatitis B
infected organ
transplantation like
kidney
144 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
7.8 Major Communicable Diseases
A. Air-borne Diseases
The diseases which are transmitted through air are called air-borne diseases. For example:
common cold, eye-infection, SARS, etc.
Common cold
Common cold is an air-borne viral disease. It spreads
rapidly and occurs throughout the world. This disease
affects the people of all ages.
The causative agent of common cold is rhino virus. There
are variety of viruses that cause common cold. Rhino
virus attacks nose, throat, respiratory tract and chest.
Fig: 5
Causative agent: Rhino virus
Modes of Transmission
i. Direct contact with the patient
ii. Droplet infection
iii. Use of personal articles of the patient
iv. Sleeping in the same bed
v. Sharing the same spoon while eating food Fig: 6
Major Symptoms
i. Runny nose
ii. Watery eyes
iii. Coughing
iv. Sneezing
v. Throat infection
vi Fever
vii. Joint ache
viii. Stuffy nose
ix. Difficulty in breathing
x. Weakening of smelling and tasting capacity
Preventive and Control Measures
i. Avoiding direct contact with the patient
ii. Avoiding the use of personal articles of the patient
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 145
iii. Covering nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing
iv. Steaming
v. Wearing warm clothes
vi. Taking antibiotics to avoid bacterial infection
Food and Water Borne Diseases
The diseases which are transmitted through contaminated food and water are called food
and water-bone disease. Examples: diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, etc.
1. Diarrhoea
Passing out of loose stool more than three times in a day is
called diarrhoea. This disease generally spreads in summer
season. This disease may affect the person of any age.
However, it generally affects children and people of old
age. The germs of this disease are found in the stool of the
patient. These germs enter our body through contaminated
food and drinks and we suffer from diarrhoea.
Fig: 7 diarrhoea
Causes of Diarrhoea
i. Infection with Salmonella, Gartner Bacillus, Shigella shiga, Rota virus, etc.
ii. Indigestion
iii. Food poisoning
iv. Intestinal surgery
v. Cold
vi. Inflammation of intestine
Major Symptoms
i. Loose motion or frequent passing out of stool in a day
ii. Abdominal pain
iii. Loss of appetite
iv. Weakness
v. Sunken eyes
vi. Hollow checks
vii. Contraction of muscles of hands and legs
viii. Decrease in body temperature
ix. Nausea and vomiting
146 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
x. Occurrence of undigested food particles in the stool
xi. Foul smell in the stool
xii. Swelling of abdomen
xiii. Dehydration
If a person suffers from diarrhoea for a long time, dehydration occurs which shows
following symptoms.
i. Sunken eyes
ii. Mouth becomes dry.
iii. The patient feels thirsty.
iv. The amount of urine decreases.
v. Wrinkles are seen in the skin.
Preventive and Control Measures
i. Consumption of contaminated food and drinks should be avoided.
ii. Consumption of raw foods without washing properly should be avoided.
iii. Defecation in open fields and near the water sources should be avoided.
iv. We should defecate only in toilets.
v. Flies should be controlled.
vi. We should wash hands properly with soap and water before having food and after
visiting toilet.
vii. Proper health education should be given.
viii. Food and water should be prevented from contamination.
2. Dysentery
Dysentery is a very common disease which equally affects
the people of all age groups (i.e. children to adults). In
dysentery, blood and mucus are seen in the stool of the
patient.
Dysentery is caused by amoeba (i.e. Entamoeba histolytica)
and bacteria (i.e. Shigella). The germs of dysentery are
found in the stool of the patient. These germs enter our
body through contaminated food and water.
Fig: 8 Dysentery
Types of dysentery
On the basis of types of germs, there are two types of dysentery. They are as follows:
a. Amoebic dysentery b. Bacillary dysentery
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 147
a. Amoebic Dysentery
The causative agent of amoebic dysentery is a protozoan parasite called Entamoeba
histolytica. This parasite is found in the stool of the patient. These germs enter the body
of a healthy person through faecal-oral route, i.e. through contaminated food and water.
Major Symptoms
i. Abdominal pain
ii. Presence of mucus in the stool
iii. Frequent passing out of stool
iv. Weakness
v. Fatigue
vi. Nausea and vomiting
vii. Dehydration
viii. Loss of appetite
ix. Headache
x. Muscle cramps
xi. Sunken eyes
xii. Hollow cheeks
xiii. Occurrence of lather in the stool
b. Bacillary Dysentery
The causative agent of Bacillary dysentery is Shigella shiga. It is found in the stool of the
patient. These germs enter the body through faecal-oral route.
Major Symptoms
i. Abdominal pain
ii. Fever
iii. Frequent passing out of stool
iv. Mucus and blood can be seen in the stool
v. Difficulty and pain occur while defecating
vi. Dehydration
vii. Weakness
viii. Fatigue
148 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
c. Roundworm Infection or Ascariasis
Roundworm infestation is a food and water borne disease.
It is a disease of intestine. Roundworm infestation includes
the infection with hookworm and Ascaris. Roundworm
infestation generally occurs for two months.
Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) is a large-sized worm.
It is found in anterior portion of small intestine, i.e.
dueodenum. The length of a roundworm varies from 20
cm to 30 cm. Female roundworm is longer and thicker than
the male. The eggs of roundworm enter the digestive tract Fig: 9 Ascaris
through contaminated food and water.
Roundworm is a unisexual animal. The female roundworm lays more than two lakh eggs
in a day.
Unhealthy lifestyle, unhygienic feeding habits and consumption of contaminated food
and drinks are major causes of roundworm infection.
Major Symptoms
i. Abdominal pain
ii. Digestive disorder
iii. Nausea
iv. Vomiting
v. Loss of appetite
vi. Appearance of roundworms in stool
vii. Coughing
viii. Sometimes small worms may come out while vomiting
Preventive and Control Measures
i. Hands should be washed properly with soap and water after visiting toilet and before
having food.
ii. Raw foods should be washed properly before consumption.
iii. Defecation on open fields and near the sources of water should be avoided.
iv. We should defecate only in toilet.
v. Consumption of contaminated food and drinks should be avoided.
vii. Water should be boiled and filtered before drinking.
Causes of the Diseases That are Transmitted Through Contaminated Food and Water
i. Defecation on open fields and near the sources of water
ii. Improper disposal of household wastes
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 149
iii. Poor personal hygiene
iv. Unhealthy lifestyle
v. Consumption of contaminated food and water
vi. Consumption of raw foods without washing properly
vii. Consumption of uncooked meat
viii. Consumption of stale foods
ix. Consumption of vendor’s foods
x. Consumption of milk without boiling properly
xi. Improper disposal of faecal mater of the patient
Preventive and Control Measure of the Diseases That are Transmitted Through
Contaminated Food and Water
i. Defecation on open fields and near the sources of water should be avoided.
ii. Household wastes should be disposed properly.
iii. Personal cleanliness should be maintained.
iv. Healthy feeding habit and healthy lifestyle should be adopted.
v. Consumption of contaminated food and water should be avoided.
vi. Meat should be cooked properly.
vii. Consumption of stale foods should be avoided.
viii. Houseflies should be controlled.
ix. Consumption of vendor’s food should be avoided.
x. Milk should be boiled properly.
xi. Faecal matter of the patient should be disposed properly.
xii. Health education should be given.
c. Diseases Transmitted by Contaminated Syringe/Needle
1. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is the disease of liver which is caused by a
virus called Hepatitis B. It is a life-threatening disease. This
disease causes cancer of liver. About 20 lakh people die of
Hepatitis B every year throughout the world. This disease is
also called silent killer. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted
disease. Hepatitis B is a DNA virus. It is a round shaped
virus and about 42 nm (nanometer) long.
Fig: 10 Hepatitis B virus
The word ‘Hepatitis’ has been derived from two latin
words ‘hepato’ and ‘itis’. The word ‘hepato’ means liver and ‘itis’ means inflammation. So
hepatitis is the infection of liver.
150 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
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