Biodiversity Hotspots in India

Biodiversity is referred to the biological diversity that exists in an area or locality. It is a collection of animals and plants that is specific to that area. It describes the diversity that exists in all levels of life on earth, starting from the genetic composition to the ecological system. It also surrounds the process of evolution, ecological changes, and cultural diversification that have a huge impact on sustaining life on earth. A biodiversity hotspot is an area that is rich with plants, birds, and animals that are unique and indigenous to that location. India is one of the richest countries in biodiversity. India comprises the 2 biodiversity hotspots out of 35 that exist around the world.

Type of biodiversity

The biodiversity of an area can be measured by two major components such as evenness of the species and the species richness. Species evenness is measured by the distribution of flora and fauna that makes up the richness of the habitat. On the other hand, the richness of the species can be determined by the number of different species of plants, animals, and birds found in that area. Biodiversity is segmented into three principal groups such as species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecological diversity. 

Genetic diversity

The genetic diversity of a species can be determined by the variation that can be observed on a genetic level in an individual within a species. 

Species diversity

Species diversity is the variety and the number of different species that can be observed in a community.

Ecological diversity

It describes the diversity that is observed within the ecosystem of a particular region. 

Four major biodiversity hotspots in India

The Western Ghats

It comprises the hills of the western side of peninsular India. As this reef is situated near the ocean, it receives a sufficient amount of rainfall. The rainforest and the deciduous forest are grown in this region. There are more than 6000 varieties of plants that belong to 2500 genera and 3000 plants are endemic to this specific habitat.

The Himalayas

This region has 163 species that are endangered such as “wild Asian water buffalos” and one-horned rhinoceros. The endangered species also includes 12 amphibians, 45 mammals, 36 plant species, 50 birds, and 17 reptiles.

Indo-Burma region

This region is very rich in biodiversity. The “Annamite muntjac”, “leaf deer”, “large-antlered muntjac”, gibbons, languor, and freshwater turtles are found in these areas. 

Sundaland

The islands of these regions were declared as the “biosphere reserve” in 2013. It consists of a marine ecosystem as well as a unique terrestrial ecosystem. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds are found in these islands. 

Importance of biodiversity

Biodiversity is important in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. It provides us with natural resources of important biotic components that are essential for survival. On the other hand, it has its own intrinsic value. The balance of the ecosystem is essential in balancing various natural processes such as nutrient cycling, pollination, climate regulation, and seed dispersal. The loss of biodiversity disrupts the environmental balance and it can badly affect the food chain. Due to its significant role in the survival of all species and the environment, the conservation of biodiversity has been put on higher priority. 

The overuse of natural resources has resulted in the extinction of some rare species as they are unable to get their sustainable components from the environment. Overpopulation has also affected the diversity of flora and fauna of regions. In the case of proper precaution, it can lead to a serious impact on our environment.

Threats to biodiversity

Destruction of habitat

The spread of habitat for humans has caused an overall reduction in the green area over the world. Trees have been cut down due to the requirements of wood, fuel, and medicinal purposes. As a result, a wide variety of species have lost their home and been forced to migrate to other locations. The other species have been extinct as they are unable to survive in adverse environmental conditions. 

Environmental degradation and pollution 

This has resulted in an imbalance in the ecosystem as the ratios of oxygen and carbon-di-oxide have been changing rapidly. The temperature has been on the rise and it has endangered a wide range of species that might be extinct in near future. 

Poaching

The horns of the rhinoceros and the teeth of elephants are two of the major reasons for poaching. These are used to create various ornaments and are usually sold at a high cost. As a result, the killings of these animals have been increased in national reserves as well as forests. Various animals are killed by the poachers for their skin and fur against the rules of the governments.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is one of the most important aspects of our survival and hotspots need to be protected. It has a wide effect on the climate, temperature, and nutrient cycle of nature. The advancement of technology has an adverse effect on the climate. The emission of carbon dioxide has been rising exponentially due to the increasing use of machinery. The use of plastics has resulted in water pollution. It has caused the death of several marine species. The species that have been successful in adapting to new habitats have been able to survive.