What Is a Biodiversity Hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:

• It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.

• It must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

The Western Ghats: India’s Biodiversity Powerhouse

Location and Extent

The Western Ghats stretch along the western coast of India, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Covering approximately 160,000 to 180,000 square kilometers, this mountain range is older than the Himalayas and forms a continuous chain of hills and forests parallel to the Arabian Sea156.

Global Recognition

The Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity. In 2012, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value for biodiversity and ecological processes1256.

Exceptional Biodiversity and Endemism

• Flora: The region is home to over 4,000 plant species, nearly 27% of India’s flora, with a high level of endemism. Many species are found nowhere else on Earth57.

• Fauna: The Western Ghats supports more than 30% of India’s mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish species. It is a sanctuary for globally threatened and endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar large-spotted civet, and several unique amphibians and reptiles356.

• Endemism: The region has remarkable endemism—78% of amphibians, 62% of reptiles, and significant proportions of other taxa are exclusive to the Western Ghats5.

Ecological Importance

• Water Source: The Western Ghats is the origin of many perennial rivers that support agriculture, drinking water, and livelihoods for millions of people across peninsular India278.

• Climate Regulation: The high montane forests influence the Indian monsoon and help moderate the tropical climate of the region1.

• Habitat Diversity: The area includes tropical evergreen forests, montane grasslands, shola ecosystems, moist and dry deciduous forests, and unique shola-grassland mosaics46.

Conservation Significance

The Western Ghats faces significant threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and human encroachment. Its status as a biodiversity hotspot highlights the urgent need for conservation to protect its unique species and maintain vital ecosystem services578.

Comparison with Other Indian Regions

• Eastern Ghats: While biologically rich, the Eastern Ghats do not match the Western Ghats in terms of endemism or global hotspot status.

• Sundarbans: Famous for its mangrove forests and Bengal tigers, the Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is not classified as a global biodiversity hotspot.

• Thar Desert: The Thar Desert has unique biodiversity adapted to arid conditions but does not qualify as a biodiversity hotspot.

Conclusion

The Western Ghats is the correct answer as India’s biodiversity hotspot. It stands out for its exceptional species richness, high endemism, ecological importance, and global recognition as a hotspot under threat. Protecting the Western Ghats is crucial for preserving India’s natural heritage and ensuring ecological balance for future generations.

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