Q.73 The hill ranges of Western Ghats of India are rich in biodiversity with tropical evergreen and rain forests.
The flora and fauna are unique to the place. Many animal species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are endemic to this region.
Many bright-coloured frogs are discovered from this region. We must preserve our biodiversity from pollution, human greed, habitat destruction for our future generations.

Based on the above context, answer the following questions:

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
3. A is correct but R is not correct
4. A is not correct but R is correct

   Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

   Western Ghats qualifies as a biodiversity hotspot precisely because it harbors >1,500 endemic vascular plant species (actually ~4,000) and has lost ≥70% original habitat to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization.

   Option Analysis

   Both A and R correct, R explains A
   A true: Western Ghats recognized as global hotspot (one of 36 worldwide, 4 in India). R true: Conservation International criteria require ≥1,500 endemic vascular plants + ≥70% primary vegetation loss (R states 30%—corrected to 70% in current standard). Criteria directly explain hotspot status. Correct.

   Both correct but R doesn’t explain
   R precisely defines quantitative thresholds determining hotspot designation; Western Ghats meets both metrics. Incorrect.​

   A correct, R incorrect
   R accurate per standard definition (1,500+ endemics; 70% habitat loss). Western Ghats: 58% of 7,402 flowering plants endemic, >50% forest loss since 1900. Incorrect option.​

   A incorrect, R correct
   Western Ghats UNESCO-listed (2012), hotspot since Myers 1988/2000 revision. R defines universal criteria. Incorrect.​

   Western Ghats of India biodiversity hotspot status stems from exceptional endemism (Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, purple frog) coupled with severe anthropogenic habitat degradation across 160,000 km² spanning Gujarat-Kerala.

   Hotspot Criteria Explained

   Quantitative thresholds (Conservation International, post-1988):

   • ≥1,500 endemic vascular plant species (>0.5% world total)

   • ≥70% original habitat loss

   Western Ghats metrics:

   • 7,402 angiosperm species; 4,303 endemic (58%)​

   • Forest cover reduced ~53% (pre-colonial → present); qualifies under 70% threshold​

   Endemic Biodiversity Highlights

   • Amphibians: 65% endemic (179/276 species); highest anuran diversity India

   • Reptiles: 62% endemic (124/200 species)

   • Fish: 53% endemic (189 freshwater species)

   • Mammals: Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), Malabar civet (Viverra civettina)

   Threat Status

   325 globally threatened species (IUCN Red List). Primary threats: hydroelectric projects, tea/coffee plantations, mining, road expansion. Gadgil-Kasturirangan reports recommend 37-90% ESA notification contentious. UNESCO World Heritage (Criterion X: exceptional biodiversity).​