Biodiversity and Conservation

1. Levels of Biological Diversity

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of all life forms on Earth, including their
interactions and ecosystems. It is generally classified into three levels:

a) Genetic Diversity

• Definition: Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within species. It

includes the differences among individuals within a population and variations
between populations of the same species.

• Significance:

o Ensures species survival by enabling adaptability to changing

environmental conditions, such as climate change or emerging diseases.

o Provides a reservoir of traits that can be used for breeding programs,

such as disease resistance in crops or livestock.

o Reduces vulnerability to genetic disorders within small, isolated

populations.

• Example: The genetic variation in rice (Oryza sativa) has led to the development
of thousands of varieties, each adapted to specific climates, soil types, and
human needs. This diversity helps secure food security in different regions.

b) Species Diversity

• Definition: Species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of different

species within a given area, ecosystem, or across the planet.

• Components:

o Species richness: The number of distinct species present in a particular

region.

o Species evenness: The relative abundance of individuals of each

species in an area.

• Importance:

o Enhances ecosystem resilience and productivity.

o Supports ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest

control.
 o Contributes to cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values.

• Example: The Western Ghats in India, a biodiversity hotspot, are home to a rich
variety of species, including endangered species like tigers and a vast array of
endemic plants.

c) Ecosystem Diversity

• Definition: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a

geographical area. It encompasses the interactions between organisms and their
physical environments.

• Types of Ecosystems:

o Terrestrial: Forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra.

o Aquatic: Freshwater (rivers, lakes) and marine (oceans, coral reefs).

• Significance:

o Supports a wide range of ecosystem services such as climate regulation,

water purification, and carbon sequestration.

o Ensures availability of resources like food, water, and raw materials.

• Example: India’s diverse ecosystems include the Himalayan forests, Thar

Desert, Sundarbans mangroves, and the coral reefs of the Lakshadweep
Islands.

2. Hotspots of Biodiversity

Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are exceptionally rich in species diversity,
especially endemic species, but are also under significant threat due to habitat loss and
human activities.

Criteria for Hotspots:

1. Must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.

2. Must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat due to deforestation,
urbanization, or other factors.
Major Biodiversity Hotspots in India:

1. The Himalayas:

o Stretching across northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, the

Himalayan region hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna due to its
altitudinal gradient.

o Key Species: Snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, red panda.

o Threats: Deforestation, climate change, overgrazing.

2. Indo-Burma Region:

o Spanning northeastern India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia, this

region is known for its unique biodiversity.

o Key Species: Numerous orchid species, Asian elephants, and Hoolock

gibbons.

o Threats: Agricultural expansion, illegal wildlife trade, habitat

fragmentation.

3. The Western Ghats:

o Running parallel to India’s western coast, this region is one of the most
significant biodiversity hotspots in the world.

o Key Species: Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar civet.

o Threats: Plantation agriculture, mining, and urbanization.

4. Sundaland (Nicobar Islands):

o Encompasses the Nicobar group of islands, characterized by tropical

rainforests and marine ecosystems.

o Key Species: Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodiles, dugongs.

o Threats: Rising sea levels, habitat destruction, invasive species.

3. India as a Mega-Biodiversity Nation

India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, hosting about 7-8% of the world’s
recorded species despite occupying only 2.4% of the Earth’s land area.
Reasons for India’s Rich Biodiversity:

1. Geographical Diversity:

o Varied landscapes, from the high Himalayas to the Deccan plateau and
vast coastline, contribute to diverse habitats.

2. Climatic Variations:

o India’s climatic zones range from tropical in the south to alpine in the
north, allowing for diverse ecosystems.

3. Traditional Knowledge and Practices:

o Indigenous and local communities have long coexisted with nature,

employing sustainable practices to protect biodiversity.

Key Biodiversity Statistics:

• Flora: India hosts over 47,000 species of plants, including medicinal and
economically valuable species.

• Fauna: Approximately 96,000 species of animals, including mammals, birds,

reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

• Endemism: India ranks high in endemic species, with many species found
exclusively in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Andaman Islands.

4. Endangered and Endemic Species of India

a) Endangered Species

Endangered species are those that face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

• Causes of Endangerment:

o Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.

o Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

o Pollution, climate change, and invasive species.

• Examples:

1. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):

▪ Habitat: Sundarbans, Western Ghats, and other forests.

 ▪ Threats: Poaching for skins and body parts, habitat loss.

2. Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica):

▪ Habitat: Gir Forest, Gujarat.

▪ Threats: Limited range, human-wildlife conflict.

3. Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica):

▪ Habitat: Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.

▪ Threats: Water pollution, dam construction disrupting habitats.

b) Endemic Species

Endemic species are those found only in a specific region and nowhere else in the
world.

• Significance: Indicative of unique ecosystems and critical for ecological

balance.

• Examples:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus):

▪ Habitat: Tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.

2. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius):

▪ Habitat: Grasslands and rocky terrains of the Western Ghats.

3. Andaman Wood Pigeon (Columba palumboides):

▪ Habitat: Andaman Islands.

Conservation Measures

1. In-situ Conservation:

o Protecting species in their natural habitats to maintain ecological

processes.

o Examples: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

o Notable Initiatives:

▪ Project Tiger (1973): Focused on tiger conservation and restoring

habitats.
 ▪ Project Elephant (1992): Aimed at conserving elephants and their
migratory routes.

2. Ex-situ Conservation:

o Protecting species outside their natural habitats, especially for critically

endangered species.

o Examples: Zoos, botanical gardens, gene banks, and seed banks.

3. Community Participation:

o Involving local communities in conservation efforts ensures sustainable

practices and benefits for local populations.

o Example: Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs in India encourage

collaborative efforts between local communities and forest departments.

4. Legislation and Policies:

o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Prohibits hunting and trade of endangered

species and protects their habitats.

o Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Regulates the diversion of forest land

for non-forest purposes.

o Biodiversity Act, 2002: Focuses on the conservation of biological

diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of
benefits arising from its use.

5. International Efforts:

o Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Aims to promote biodiversity

conservation and sustainable use.

o Ramsar Convention: Focuses on the conservation of wetlands of

international importance.

o CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species):

Regulates international trade in wildlife and plants to ensure their survival.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is the cornerstone of life on Earth, providing ecological, cultural, and

economic benefits. India’s rich biodiversity is a treasure that must be conserved for
future generations. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation
strategies and involving all stakeholders, a sustainable and harmonious relationship
with nature can be achieved.