Biodiversity Hotspots in India: A Guide for UPSC and APSC
Biodiversity Hotspots in India
Are you preparing for the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exams? An understanding of environmental and ecological concepts is an essential requirement, and one key topic included is biodiversity hotspots. Biodiversity hotspots are areas of endemic species that are highly threatened. They are essential areas for conservation in India and have been highlighted in both the preliminary and main exams. In this article, we will look into the fundamental concepts and principles of biodiversity hotspots so that you are on your way to being prepared for your UPSC/APSC experience. Let us explore the biodiversity hotspots together.
What are Biodiversity Hotspots?
Biodiversity hotspots are essential reservoirs of life on Earth and regions of exceptional ecological, genetic and cultural significance. To ensure global biodiversity and the ecosystem services that human life relies upon, the protection of these areas is crucial. The term was introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. These remarkable regions not only showcase a wide variety of life but also face significant threats from habitat loss and degradation.
A biodiversity hotspot is defined by particular criteria. The region must possess high levels of plant endemism, where plant species are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else, and there must be extensive habitat loss. These biodiversity hotspots are critical for conservation and underscore the urgent need to protect the planet’s rich biodiversity.
1. High Species Endemism: The region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (which is more than 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics. Endemic species are those that are found nowhere else in the world except for a particular region/locale.
2. High Threat Level: The area has likely experienced a loss of at least 70% of native vegetation. This indicates that the area is supremely threatened by degradation and immediate conservation activities. The identification of these biodiversity conservation areas also aims to prioritise conservation actions in areas that are both rich in biodiversity and face immediate threats.
The Importance of Biodiversity Hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are irreplaceable places that are critical to the health of the planet and our health and happiness. We consider them “cradles of life.” Respect their importance for three principal reasons:
1. Genetic Diversity Reservoirs: Ecosystems have all sorts of unique plants and animals, so each organism is making a wonderful contribution to the overall genetic pool. Genetic diversity is essential for the resiliency of ecosystems, and also contains unique prospects for new medicines, new crops, and new bioresources that contribute to human welfare.
2. Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity hotspots are the workhorses of nature! They provide pretty important ecosystem services based on our needs, such as purifying water, providing pollination of native/food crops, regulating climate, maintaining soil fertility, and controlling pests. If biodiversity hotspots are degrading, the impacts on human health and welfare can be severe.
3. Economic Opportunities: Many communities depend on these hotspots for their livelihoods (and local economies). This includes various enterprises, ranging from farming to forestry to tourism, and importantly, the economic stability they provide for millions of people who rely on the bounty of nature.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Beyond financial value, the layered biodiversity in these areas has tremendous cultural, spiritual and aesthetic significance, particularly to Indigenous peoples and local communities. People can have a strong relationship with their natural environment linked to their identity.
For those studying for exams like UPSC or APSC, it is essential to have an understanding of the multiple importance of biodiversity hotspots. Understanding these aspects will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you better respond to analytical and descriptive questions.
List of Biodiversity Hotspots in India: A Detailed Look
Understanding biodiversity hotspots is essential for your UPSC–APSC prep. These unique regions are crucial for our planet’s health and conservation. Let’s explore their significance! There are 4 biodiversity hotspots in India, as mentioned below.
- The Eastern Himalayas
- The Western Ghats
- The Indo-Burma Region
- The Sundaland
Let us look into the list of biodiversity hotspots in India in detail.
1. Biodiversity Conservation Areas: The Eastern Himalayas
The Himalayan mountains stretch elegantly through northern India, offering fantastic scenery, and are also an important biodiversity hotspot, with many species of plants and animals found nowhere else.
- Geographic Range: The entire Indian Himalayan region, and also includes lands of Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
- Key Ecosystems: The Himalayas have an impressive diversity of ecosystems, including alluvial grasslands and subtropical broadleaf forests in the foothills, temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests in the mid-hills, and alpine meadows at the highest elevations.
- Endemic Flora and Fauna: The hotspot boasts a significant number of endemic species, one of which stands out is the Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana), the source of a clinical component of the highly effective anti-cancer drug Taxol. The diversity of fauna is also exceptional, and one can find various species such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, and the Kashmir Stag (Hangul).
- Threats: The Himalayan hotspot is under serious threat due to deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure, overgrazing, poaching, and climate change, which contribute to glacial melt and altered weather patterns.
2. Biodiversity Conservation Areas: The Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, which run in a North-South direction parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, represent a mountain range that is older than the Himalayas and now has the designation as a global biodiversity hotspot.
- Geographical Extent: The Western Ghats span the southernmost tip of Gujarat to Kerala, capturing approximately 160,000 square kilometres.
- Key ecosystems: The Western Ghats comprise several distinct ecosystems, including tropical wet evergreen forests, montane evergreen forests (also known as Sholas), and moist deciduous forests. The Shola-grassland ecosystem is a feature of this hotspot.
- Significant flora and fauna: The Western Ghats have a very high endemism. The region includes over 300 globally threatened species. Significant endemic fauna includes Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Giant Squirrel, etc., along with a considerable variety of amphibians and reptiles. The original discovery of the Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) in 2003 is only one example of the unique biodiversity in this hotspot.
- Threats: There are immense threats to agriculture, including land encroachment (notably for tea, coffee, and rubber plantations), mining, dams and reservoirs, development, and human-wildlife conflict.
3. Biodiversity Conservation Areas: The Indo-Burma Region
The Indo-Burma region is one of the largest and diverse biodiversity hotspots globally. This hotspot includes much of North-Eastern India. This is an essential topic for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examination.
- Geographical Extent: This hotspot includes parts of Northeastern India (south of the Brahmaputra River), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China.
- Key Ecosystems: This hotspot has multiple ecosystems, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and wetlands. The Loktak Lake in Manipur, a Ramsar site, is a vast ecosystem within the Indo-Burma hotspot.
- Endemic Flora and Fauna: Although much of it remains to be documented, the counts of endemic flora and fauna for the Indo-Burma hotspot are high. It has several primate species, including the Hoolock Gibbon, which is India’s only ape, the Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, and the Stump-tailed Macaque. It also has several populations of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.
- Threats: Deforestation for timber and agricultural purposes (including shifting cultivation or ‘jhum’), as well as poaching for illegal wildlife trade, and large-scale development projects are several threats to the Indo-Burma wildlife region.
4. Biodiversity Conservation Areas: The Sundaland
Experience the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot in Southeast Asia, including the stunning Nicobar Islands of India. The area is rich in wildlife, has lush rainforest, and stunning scenery that attracts nature lovers.
- Geographical Extent: This hotspot covers the western half of the Indo-Malayan archipelago. It’s shared by countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. The Nicobar Islands represent India in this hotspot.
- Key Ecosystems: Rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs typify the Nicobar Islands.
- Endemic Flora and Fauna: The long period of isolation for the Nicobar Islands has resulted in much endemism. Some endemic faunal species include the Nicobar Megapode, also known as the Nicobar Scrubfowl —a bird that creates large nest mounds —and the Nicobar Tree Shrew. The coral reefs surrounding the islands also have high marine biodiversity.
- Threats: The Sundaland hotspot is among the most threatened in the world. The Nicobar Islands are threatened by rising sea levels (climate change), unsustainable tourism, and invasive alien species.
Attributes of Biodiversity Hotspots of India
Biodiversity hotspots are regions of the world that contain a high number of endemic species and other significant ecological features of value. An example of this is the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. These biodiversity hotspots have the most essential threats from human actions. Conservation and protection of biodiversity hotspots are crucial for global biodiversity. They can be used to fulfil numerous biodiversity conservation targets that align with both the UPSC and APSC exam syllabi.
| Attributes | Hotspots | |||
| Eastern Himalayas | Western Ghats | Indo-Burma Region | Sundaland | |
| Hotspot Original Extent (km2) | 7,41,706 | 1,89,611 | 23,73,057 | 15,01,063 |
| Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km2) | 1,85,427 | 43,611 | 1,18,653 | 1,00,571 |
| Endemic Plant Species | 3,160 | 3,049 | 7,000 | 15,000 |
| Endemic Threatened Birds | 8 | 10 | 18 | 43 |
| Endemic Threatened Mammals | 4 | 14 | 25 | 60 |
| Endemic Threatened Amphibians | 4 | 87 | 35 | 59 |
| Extinct Species* | 0 | 20 | 1 | 4 |
| Human Population Density (people/km2) | 123 | 261 | 134 | 153 |
| Area Protected (km2) | 1,12,587 | 26,130 | 2,35,758 | 1,79,723 |
| Area Protected (km2) in Categories I-IV** | 77,739 | 21,259 | 1,32,283 | 77,408 |
*Recorded extinction since 1500.
**Categories I-IV afford higher levels of protection.
Threats to Biodiversity Hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are vital ecosystems that are under serious threat. Due to various factors like deforestation, urbanisation, and agriculture, the natural habitats of many plants and animals are in danger. We must take strong measures to protect our biodiversity conservation areas for the benefit of future generations.
- Climate Change: Changes in temperatures and patterns of rainfall influence species distributions and the dynamics of ecosystems.
- Pollution: Pollution associated with industrial activity, pesticides, and plastic waste disposal adversely affects biodiversity.
- Invasive species: Non-native species can outcompete, prey upon, or introduce diseases to native species, and thereby alter ecosystems.
- Overexploitation: Biodiversity hotspots are overexploited through unsustainable practices such as hunting, fishing, and logging, which remove species from their populations and destroy their habitats.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
Biodiversity is essential to natural resources; for instance, in preparing for the UPSC and APSC exams. India has protected national parks, nationally recognised protected areas, established wildlife sanctuaries, and has taken a community approach to conserving biodiversity. All these actions help to protect the ecosystems on which biodiversity is reliant. A biodiversity conservation strategy is needed as it leads to an appreciation for the country’s natural heritage and inspires us to be champions of conserving it.
1. In situ Conservation
This means conserving species in the ecosystem they inhabit. It is very common to protect species in situ through the following approaches:
- Protected Areas: By establishing National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves and Community Reserves, all in biodiversity hotspots.
- Sacred Groves: Patches of forest that a community has designated to be preserved primarily for their cultural or religious value. Sacred Groves provide key areas for biodiversity.
2. Ex-situ Conservation
This includes safeguarding species outside of their natural ranges through:
- Zoological Parks and Botanical Gardens: Botanical gardens and zoological parks conserve and breed endangered plants and animals
- Gene Banks and Seed Banks: Gene banks and seed banks conserve the genetic material of plants and animals.
3. Legal and Policy Framework
India has several laws concerning the protection of its biodiversity:
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This is a wild animal, birds and plants protection act.
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This act aims to stop the loss of forest land for non-forest uses.
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This law helps in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by conserving biological diversity, promoting its sustainable use, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits from biological resources.
Importance of Biodiversity Hotspots: UPSC and APSC Examinations
Biodiversity hotspots are a fascinating and significant theme that often features in the General Studies papers for both UPSC and APSC examinations, especially in the Environment and Ecology themes. If you’re studying for these exams, look for questions presented in different formats related to biodiversity hotspots.
1. Prelims: Aspirants are requested to be ready for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that will challenge their knowledge about India’s biodiversity hotspots– their locations, key endemic species, and their ecological significance. These questions are a wonderful way to check your understanding of the delicate weave of life that these regions support.
2. Mains: In the Mains of the civil services Mains examination, you would be asked descriptive questions and would need to provide thoughtful discussions based on analysis. You may discuss the critical significance of biodiversity hotspots, the range of threats, or use your ability to assess the actions India is taking to conserve biodiversity critically.
For APSC aspirants, it is almost essential to pay attention to the Indo-Burma hotspot, which covers Assam and all of North-East India. Not only is it an incredibly biodiverse area, but it is also important for examining the environmental issues of that larger region. These studies will help you in your exams, but also allow you to appreciate the incredible biodiversity of our planet truly.
Conclusion
Biodiversity Hotspots are an important ecological asset, as they help maintain biodiversity worldwide and provide critical ecosystem services. India has four of these biodiversity hotspots, characterised by high biodiversity, endemic species, and important ecosystems, which are all under threat from the combined effects of Habitat Loss and Climate Change. We must protect these hotspots, not just for the well-being of everyone on this planet/beach, but also for our heritage asimas
As aspiring civil servants, it is vital to understand not only what biodiversity hotspots are, but also how they are destroyed. As you begin your UPSC-APSC preparations, consider using biodiversity as a focus, since it spans the entire world beyond national borders and is a global disaster affecting the environment, air, land, water, and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: India has four major biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Indo-Burma region, the Western Ghats, and Sundaland.
A: The term “biodiversity hotspot” was coined by Norman Myers in 1988.
A: A biodiversity hotspot is a global conservation classification based on endemism and threat levels, while a national park is a legally protected area under national jurisdiction.
A: There are currently 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
A: Major threats faced by biodiversity hotspots in India include habitat loss, deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, and poaching.
A: Indigenous groups have been stewards of their traditional land and have extensive traditional ecological knowledge regarding the biodiversity in the region and the sustainable and cultural land and resource management regimes that were traditionally practised in the area. By combining traditional with modern conservation techniques, higher conservation outcomes can be achieved by collaborating with Indigenous businesses, tourism businesses, and governments.
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