Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions with significant levels of biodiversity that are threatened with habitat loss. The concept, originally proposed by Norman Myers in 1988, identifies areas rich in endemic species – those found nowhere else on Earth – and experiencing exceptional rates of habitat destruction. These areas represent crucial conservation priorities. India, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, is recognized as a mega-biodiversity country and harbors four globally identified biodiversity hotspots, demanding urgent conservation attention.
Understanding Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (>0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics, and it must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
Hotspots of India
1. Himalayas
This hotspot encompasses the entire mountain range, including parts of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. It is characterized by exceptional altitudinal gradients, leading to a wide range of ecosystems.
- Key Species: Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jamtshani), various rhododendron species.
- Threats: Deforestation, climate change, poaching, infrastructure development.
2. Indo-Burma Region
This hotspot extends across northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of southern China. It’s known for its diverse forests and numerous endemic species.
- Key Species: White-throated Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis), Leaf Deer (Muntiacus putaoensis), numerous orchid species.
- Threats: Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, hunting, and infrastructure projects.
3. Sundaland
This hotspot includes Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. A portion extends into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.
- Key Species: Andaman Narcondam Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), Nicobar Tree Shrew (Tupaia nicobarica), various Rafflesia species (parasitic plants).
- Threats: Deforestation for palm oil plantations, illegal wildlife trade, and coastal development.
4. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
This hotspot is arguably the most important in India, running along the western coast of India and extending into Sri Lanka. It’s renowned for its high levels of endemism and diverse rainforests.
- Key Species: Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseorhinus), King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), numerous endemic plant species like Nepenthes khasiana (pitcher plant).
- Threats: Deforestation for agriculture (tea, coffee, spice plantations), urbanization, hydroelectric projects, and illegal mining.
Conservation Efforts
Several initiatives are underway to protect these hotspots. These include:
- Protected Area Network: Establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Project Tiger: Focused on conserving tiger populations and their habitats (relevant to the Himalayas and Indo-Burma).
- Species Recovery Programs: Targeted efforts to conserve endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque.
- Community-Based Conservation: Involving local communities in conservation efforts.
| Hotspot | Geographical Area (India) | Key Threat | Endemic Species Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayas | Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh | Deforestation & Climate Change | Red Panda |
| Indo-Burma | Northeast India | Illegal Logging & Poaching | White-throated Langur |
| Sundaland | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Palm Oil Plantations | Andaman Narcondam Hornbill |
| Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu | Agricultural Expansion & Urbanization | Lion-tailed Macaque |
Conclusion
India’s biodiversity hotspots are critical for global conservation efforts, harboring a significant proportion of the world’s endemic species. However, these areas face immense pressure from human activities. Effective conservation requires a multi-pronged approach, integrating protected area management, sustainable development practices, community participation, and stringent enforcement of environmental regulations. Prioritizing these hotspots is not just an environmental imperative but also crucial for ensuring the long-term ecological security and well-being of the nation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.