The 35 biodiversity hotspots cover 2.3% of the Earth’s land surface, yet more than 50% of the world’s plant species and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrate species are endemic to these areas. In 2011, the Forests of East Australia region was identified as the 35th biodiversity hotspot. Biodiversity hotspots in India
India’s Biodiversity Hotspots: An Overview. A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.
Biodiversity Hotspots in India: India’s Four Unique Hotspots and Beyond. According to Conservation International, India is home to 4 significant biodiversity hotspots (each characterized by unique ecosystems, species diversity, and conservation challenges. These hotspots consist of the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland.
The foundation of all life on Earth is biodiversity. Biodiversity hotspots in india. India hosts four of the 36 globally acknowledged biodiversity hotspots, each distinguished by remarkable species richness and endemism. To be designated as a biodiversity hotspot, an area must satisfy two conditions: it must have a minimum of 1,500 indigenous ...
A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable. It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened. On the basis of the above criteria, 36 regions in different continents are found to be the hotspots for Biodiversity. Andes Mountains tropical forests are the most biodiversity-rich area of the world.
The following is a detailed summary of India’s Hotspots for Biodiversity-Himalayas. One of the main Indian hotspots is the Eastern Himalayas. It covers the regions of Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. It has an evergreen forest with oak and alpine trees in it. The wildlife includes the fascinating western tragopan, clouded ...
Biodiversity Hotspots in India. Numerous rare and vulnerable plant and animal species can be found in large numbers in India’s biodiversity hotspots. Four of the 36 Biodiversity Hotspots in the world—the Himalayas, the Indo-Burma region, the Western Ghats, and Sundaland—are located in India, according to official figures.
Biodiversity Hotspots in India: Key Regions for Biodiversity Conservation. The Himalayas: This includes the entire Indian Himalayan region (and also falls in Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar). The Western Ghats: These are older than the Himalayas and spread across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Sundaland: Includes the Nicobar group of Islands ...
India’s biodiversity hotspots encompass only a small fraction of its total land area but house an astonishing percentage of the world’s known species. Protecting these areas is vital for preserving global biodiversity and ensuring the continuation of essential ecosystem services. Biodiversity hotspots contribute to climate regulation ...
Over two-thirds of world’s biodiversity occur in tropical areas, especially in tropical forests (Raven, 1988; Pimm & Raven, 2000). The tropical zones with high level of species diversity have been identified as “Biodiversity Hotspots”. History of Biodiversity Hotspot The term ‘biodiversity hotspot’ was coined by Norman Myers (1988).
List of Biodiversity Hotspots in India. India hosts four significant biodiversity hotspots, each with unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity: The Eastern Himalayas. Encompasses Bhutan, the northeastern Indian states, and the southern, central, and eastern parts of Nepal. Habitat includes tropical rainforests and alpine meadows.
Human Impact on Indian Biodiversity Hotspots . Deforestation and Habitat Loss. Human activities have significantly impacted biodiversity hotspots in India. Urban expansion drives forest loss, leading to a reduction in natural habitats. For instance, the expansion of urban and cropland has caused about 12% of deforestation, which has reduced ...
A biodiversity hotspot is defined by two main criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and it must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. India boasts four recognized biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, and Sundaland.
This article explores the ecological wealth of India’s biodiversity hotspots, discusses the adversities they encounter, and proposes sustainable strategies. Biodiversity Hotspots in India. India is blessed with multiple biodiversity hotspots, regions characterized by a high number of endemic species and facing threats from human influence.
The large biodiversity of India includes “biodiversity hotspots,” a term originated by Norman Myers, which total about 24.46% of the country’s land area covered in forests and trees. Knowing that the UPSC Mains GS-III syllabus includes these hotspots as areas with significant variety and biodiversity, these subjects are required for the ...
