Biodiversity Hotspots in India - Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats & Sundaland and The resources should be utilized efficiently.
Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in their nature as well as artificial habitats.
Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its importance
3. Introduction
Biodiversity is referred to as the variation of plants and animal species in a particular habitat. Species
evenness and species richness form the major components of biodiversity.
India is known for its rich biodiversity and has around 24.46% of the geographical area covered by forests
and trees.
As coined by Norman Myers the term “Biodiversity Hotspots” specifically refers to 25 biologically rich
areas around the world, that have lost at least 70% of their original habitat.
4. Biodiversity Hotspot in India
Coming to India, it is one of the top mega-diverse countries in the world. There is a vast range of
biodiversity – over 91,000 species of animals, and 45,500 plant species have been documented in India. In
upcoming slides we will discuss the biodiversity distribution in the four hotspots of India. Two of these:
The Indo-Burma region and Sundaland are not strictly confined within the political boundaries of India
but are present in South Asia.
The major reasons for a rich diversity in these Indian biodiversity hotspots are the suitable climatic
conditions, fertile soil, suitable temperature, ample amount of rains, which allows the growth of different
plants. These areas are covered with dense vegetation of tropical, sub-tropical forests, dense savanna
grasslands.
5. The Himalayas
In India it covers Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
More than 7.4 Lakh km2 area wise expanse of the Himalayas. Only left with 1.88 L km2 of area for vegetation,
under which 1.12 L km2 is protected.
It houses more than 10,000 plant species, 300 mammals, 970 birds, 105 amphibians, 170 reptiles and 270
freshwater fishes.
Among these, 3100 endemic plant species and 8, 4, 4 threatened species of birds, mammals, amphibians
respectively.
Himalayan Tigers, Snow leopard, Asiatic Elephant, One-horned Rhinoceros, Red Panda, Swamp deer, Water
Buffalo, Indian Hornbill, Black-necked Crane, etc are endemic but treated animals.
Therapeutic plants like Himalayan Yew, Blue-Poppy, Snow Lotus are over exploited.
6.
7. The Indo-Burma Region
Covers the North-eastern states of India.
It stretches across 23 Lakh km2 of area. However, the area left for vegetation is merely 1.18 L km2.
The region houses over 13,500 plant species, over 430 mammals, 1,260 birds, 520 reptiles, 290 amphibians
and 1,260 freshwater fishes.
Around 7,000 plant species and almost half of each category of animals are endemic in nature.
The reason for depletion of diversity is mainly due to agricultural activities, commercial plantations. Also
fisheries have led to a decrease in mangrove cover. Due to this, only 5% of the original habitat is
remaining.
Species such as Pygmy Loris, Delacour’s leaf monkey, Saola, the White-eyed River Martin, Giant Ibis,
Vietnamese Gecko, etc lies in category of critically endangered species.
8.
9. The Sundaland
It covers across the Nicober group of islands when comes to India.
It stretches across 15 Lakh km2 area. Only 1 L km2 remaining for vegetation. while area under protection
is 1.79 L km2.
It provides shelter for 25,000 plant species, 380 mammals, 770 birds, 450 reptiles, 245 amphibians and 950
freshwater fishes.
Around 15,000 of plants and almost half of mammals and reptiles are endemic to the region.
These islands are an abode to unique orchids and tropical plant species of high economic value, like oil,
palm, rubber, etc.
Turtles, Pangolins, Orangutans, Tigers, Rhinoceros, The Bali Starling, Straw Headed Bulbul and many
more are the endangered species here.
The biodiversity hotspot faces red danger and has lost most of its habitat due to deforestation, intensive
commercial agriculture, man-made forest fires, extensive illegal hunting and poaching of animals.
10.
11. The Western Ghats
Western Ghats (The Sahayadri range) is one of the latest additions to the list of biodiversity hotspots in
India.
The Western Ghats span over an area of 1.6 lakh km2 , running parallel to the Western Coastline of India,
from Gujarat to Kerala.
There are over 7,000 plant species in the Western Ghats, of which about 5,600 are endemic.
The endangered and vulnerable species include Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Parakeets, Laughing
Thrush Birds and more.
Human interference is the primary cause for the depletion of vegetation. However, deforestation ,
commercial plantation and overgrazing are the major causes too.
12.
13. Strategies to conserve biodiversity hotspots in India
Abiding the following strategies we can conserve the Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals should be limited.
All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved. • Unique ecosystems should
be preserved first.
The resources should be utilized efficiently.
Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in their nature as well as
artificial habitats.
Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its importance.
14. Conclusion
Most biodiversity resources are consumed by humans, so it is their primary responsibility to preserve and
protect biodiversity to protect the earth. The richness of the species, the ecosystem, the environment and the
sustainable growth of life on earth is important.
