Introduction to Biodiversity Hotspots in India

But.. What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.
Biodiversity hotspots host their diverse ecosystems on just 2.4% of the planet's surface, however, the area defined as hotspots
covers a much larger proportion of the land. The original 25 hotspots covered 11.8% of the land surface area of the
Earth. Overall, the current hotspots cover more than 15.7% of the land surface area, but have lost around 85% of their
habitat. This loss of habitat explains why approximately 60% of the world's terrestrial life lives on only 2.4% of the land
surface area.

What conditions does the geographic region

does a geographic region have to meet to be
called as a Biodiversity Hotspot?

To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:

• It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found
nowhere else on the planet. 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.
 The Biodiversity Hotspots in India.
There are 4 out of 36 biodiversity hotspots of the world located in India —The Himalayas, the
Indo-Burma region, Western Ghats, and the Sundaland.
 The threat to these hotspots!
Climate change and over increasing human disturbance are major causes for forest destruction and species extinction. Analysis of
global human population data shows higher human population density in hotspots located in the tropics, where the Western Ghats
accommodate the highest human population density among all global hotspots — more than 300 persons/km 2.
The regional rate of climate warming in Himalaya has been observed to be higher than the global warming rates. This could lead to
extinction of native flora in the Himalayas because further pole-ward migration is not possible due to the topographic barriers.
Most of the vegetation cover of Indo-Burma hotspot exhibits high levels of forest fragmentation.
Recent extreme events such as the Indian Ocean tsunami have caused tremendous loss of forest cover in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, which form part of Indo-Burma and Sundaland hotspots. Threats such as invasive alien species, forest fires, and droughts
put undue stress on the vegetation of these hotspots.
Pollution
Environmental pollution is the most subtle form of habitat degradation. The most common causes of which are pesticides,
industrial effluents and emissions, and emission from automobiles. Toxic pollutants can have disastrous effects on local populations
of organisms. Pesticides linked declines of fish-eating birds and falcons was well documented in the 1970s. Mysterious, widespread
deaths of thousands of seals on both sides of Atlantic in recent years are linked to an accumulation of chemicals such as DDT, PCB’s
and dioxins. Lead poisoning is another major cause of mortality for many species of wildlife.
Poaching
Poaching is another insidious threat that has emerged in recent decades as one of the primary reasons for the decline in number of
species. Poaching pressures, however, are unevenly distributed since certain selected species are more heavily targeted that others
are. Despite legal protection in many countries, products from endangered species are widely traded within and between nations.
Genetic assimilation
Some rare and endangered species are threatened by genetic assimilation because they crossbreed with closely related species
that are more numerous or more vigorous. Opportunistic plants or animals that are introduced into a new habitat by human
actions may genetically overwhelm local populations. For example, hatchery-raised trout introduced into lakes or streams may
genetically dilute indigenous stocks.
 Biodiversity Protection: Steps Taken By Indian Government
Indian Government has taken various biodiversity protection steps. Important measures include:
1. The Central Government has enacted the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Act, inter alia, provides for the creation of Protected
Areas for the protection of wildlife and also provides for punishment for hunting of specified fauna specified in the schedules I to IV
thereof.
2. Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 have been framed for the protection of wetlands, in the States.
3. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System also provides assistance to the States
for the management of wetlands including Ramsar sites in the country.
4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species.
5. Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History society and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History are some of the
research organizations undertaking research on conservation of wildlife.
6. The Indian Government has banned the veterinary use of diclofenac drug that has caused the rapid population decline of Gyps
vulture across the Indian Subcontinent. Conservation Breeding Programmes to conserve these vulture species have been initiated at
Pinjore (Haryana), Buxa (West Bengal) and Rani, Guwahati (Assam) by the Bombay Natural History Society.
7. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats‘ has been modified by including a new component
namely ‘Recovery of Endangered Species‘ and 16 species have been identified for recovery viz. Snow Leopard, Bustard (including
Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugong, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode,
Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser.
8. Protected Areas, viz, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves all over the country covering the
important habitats have been created as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to provide better protection to
wildlife, including threatened species and their habitat.
9. Financial and technical assistance is extended to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz, ‘Integrated
Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection and conservation to wildlife.
 Important Indian Acts passed related to Environment and Bio Diversity
1. Fisheries Act 1897.
2. Mining and Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957.
3. Prevention of cruelty to animals 1960.
4. Wildlife protection act 1972.
5. Water (prevention and control of pollution) act 1974.
6. Forest Conservation Act 1980.
7. Air(prevention and control of pollution) act 1981.
8. Environment Protection Act 1986.
9. Biological Diversity Act 2002.
10.Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of rights) act 2006.
11.Indian Forests Act 1927.
 Lessons learned
Biodiversity Hotspots provide service to living beings in many ways :
The environmental services from species and ecosystems are essential at global, regional and local levels.
There is production of fresh oxygen, reduction of carbon dioxide. There regions help in maintaining the water
cycle, protecting soil.
Biodiversity has been preserved by traditional societies. These societies valued it as a resource and believed that its
depletion would be a great loss to their society.
It is based on importance of protecting all forms of life. Most religious and secular creeds believe that all forms of
life have the right to exist on earth. Basic philosophy, “Live and let others Live”.
Aesthetic Value : It involves appreciation of the presence of biodiversity for its inherent value and beauty, as well
as for the contribution it makes to our knowledge, aesthetics, imagination and creativity .
Yet, human activities have been destroying these beautiful regions massively.
We’ve been causing Habitat Loss, Pollution, Overuse in there regions. There is an immediate need to protect these
places.
It is of utmost importance for us to develop quick and effective ways to protect species from extinction. If we fail
to conserve the species facing extinction now, we are paving the way for easier and faster depletions in the future.
We will live in a domesticated world lacking wild biodiversity.
 My recommendations to preserve Biodiversity Hotspots in
India.
Conservation methods can help protect and restore ecosystems.
There are several ways that people can help to protect the environment. – control
population growth of human and thus there will be considerable relief in ecosystem.
develop sustainable technology to meet demands without much affecting the
ecosystem.
change practices i.e. to select a path that is more beneficial to ecosystem.