What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is a region that meets two main criteria:

• It must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (unique to that region).

• It must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat, making it highly threatened.

This concept was introduced by Norman Myers and is now widely used by conservation organizations such as Conservation International to prioritize regions for protection.

The Four Biodiversity Hotspots in India

India is home to four recognized global biodiversity hotspots:

1. The Himalayas (including the North-East Himalayas)

2. The Western Ghats

3. Indo-Burma

4. Sundaland (includes the Nicobar Islands)

Among these, the Western Ghats and the North-East Himalayas (part of the larger Himalayan hotspot) are especially significant within India’s borders, both in terms of their unique biodiversity and their conservation importance.

1. Western Ghats

• Location: Runs parallel to India’s western coast, through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

• Biodiversity: Home to over 4,000 plant species, 500 bird species, and hundreds of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles—many of which are endemic.

• Significance: Recognized as one of the world’s “hottest” hotspots due to its exceptional endemism and species richness.

• Threats: Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization.

2. North-East Himalayas

• Location: Covers the eastern Himalayas, including parts of North-East India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

• Biodiversity: Contains over 10,000 plant species (with more than 3,000 endemics), and is home to iconic species like the red panda, snow leopard, and a wide variety of orchids and rhododendrons.

• Significance: Noted for its high levels of endemism and as a refuge for many endangered species.

• Threats: Habitat loss, resource extraction, and climate change.

Why Not Other Regions?

• Andaman Islands: While biologically rich, they are part of the Sundaland hotspot, which is not as extensive within India as the Western Ghats and North-East Himalayas.

• Eastern Ghats and Western Himalayas: These regions are important but do not qualify as global biodiversity hotspots under the established criteria.

• Western Himalayas: Although biodiverse, the major hotspot status is attributed to the North-East Himalayas due to their higher endemism and threat levels.

Correct Answer

Given the options, the major hotspots of biodiversity in India are the Western Ghats and North-East Himalayas.

Correct Option:
(3) Western Ghats and N.E Himalayas

Conservation Importance

Protecting these hotspots is vital for preserving India’s natural heritage. They are not only reservoirs of unique wildlife and plants but also provide essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, climate moderation, and resources for millions of people.

Conclusion

The Western Ghats and North-East Himalayas are India’s most prominent biodiversity hotspots, recognized globally for their rich, unique, and threatened ecosystems. Conservation efforts in these regions are essential to safeguard India’s ecological future and to maintain global biodiversity.