Concept of Biodiversity
Introduction
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity. It sustains ecological balance and human well-being.
Definition of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is biological variability among organisms, including differences within species, between species, and across ecosystems.
Example: Western Ghats and Sunderbans host rich endemic species.
Ecological Importance
Maintains ecological balance through nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control.
Example: Honey bees in Punjab & Himachal Pradesh support crop pollination.
Economic Importance
Supports agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and provides raw materials for medicine and industry.
Example: Neem & Tulsi plants are vital for pharmaceuticals.
Cultural & Aesthetic Importance
Species and landscapes hold spiritual, recreational, and cultural significance influencing traditions.
Example: Ganga River ecosystem blends biodiversity with festivals and pilgrimage.
Scientific & Research Importance
Biodiversity enables genetic studies, climate adaptation research, and biotech innovations. Example: IISc Bangalore studied wild rice varieties for drought tolerance and climate-resilient crops.
Examples of Biodiversity in India
Flora
Sandalwood, Teak, and Sal forests provide timber, medicinal products, and ecological services.
Fauna
Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and Olive Ridley Turtles represent species diversity and conservation significance.
Microbial Diversity
Soil microbes in Western Ghats coffee plantations aid nutrient cycling and support agricultural productivity.
Marine Biodiversity
Andaman & Nicobar Islands harbor coral reefs and diverse fish species, crucial for fisheries and ecological stability.
Biodiversity Classification & Genetic Inbreeding
Introduction
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing differences within species, between species, and among ecosystems. It is essential for ecological balance, human well-being, and sustainable development.
1. Genetic Diversity
Variation of genes within a species allowing adaptation and disease resistance, ensuring long-term survival.
Example: Indian rice varieties like Swarna and Basmati adapt to varied climates.
1.1 Genetic Inbreeding
Occurs when closely related individuals reproduce, reducing variability and increasing vulnerability to stress.
Example: Asiatic lions in Gir National Park are monitored to avoid inbreeding.
2. Species Diversity
Variety and abundance of species in a region, supporting ecosystem functions and stability.
Example: Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary hosts over 100 migratory bird species.
3. Ecosystem Diversity
Variety of habitats, communities, and processes; different ecosystems contribute to global biodiversity.
Example: Sundarbans mangroves provide coastal protection, fisheries, and unique flora/fauna.
Conclusion
Biodiversity, through genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, maintains ecological stability. Genetic diversity ensures adaptability, species diversity sustains functions, and ecosystem diversity provides resilience. Conservation examples: Asiatic lion programs, Sundarbans mangrove restoration, and Kazhuveli migratory bird protection highlight integrated biodiversity management.
Species Classification
Introduction
Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between living organisms and their physical environment. It traces links from individuals to the biosphere, explaining adaptation, energy flow, and how systems remain resilient.
Species Classification
Species classification is essential for understanding biodiversity, ecosystem health, and conservation priorities. Different species play unique ecological roles and are categorized based on ecological, conservation, and socio-economic significance. Key classifications include Flagship, Keystone, Priority, Indicator, and Endemic species.
Flagship Species
Flagship species are charismatic organisms used to raise awareness and garner public support for biodiversity conservation.
Example: Bengal Tiger — Project Tiger increased population from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022.
Keystone Species
Keystone species have a disproportionate ecological impact relative to their population, maintaining ecosystem structure and biodiversity.
Example: Asian Elephant disperses seeds in forests of Karnataka and Kerala, supporting biodiversity corridors.
Priority Species
Priority species are selected for conservation based on rarity, threat status, ecological role, or socio-economic value.
Example: Great Indian Bustard, critically endangered in Rajasthan and Gujarat, prioritized under National Wildlife Action Plan.
Indicator Species
Indicator species provide early signals of environmental change, reflecting pollution, habitat degradation, or climate impacts.
Example: Freshwater Otter in Kerala wetlands indicates water quality and ecosystem health.
Endemic Species
Endemic species are restricted to specific geographic regions, making them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and human impacts.
Example: Nilgiri Tahr in Western Ghats — crucial for montane ecosystem biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion
Species classification—Flagship, Keystone, Priority, Indicator, and Endemic—is vital for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem balance, and monitoring. Integrating species-specific strategies with habitat protection, community involvement, and scientific monitoring safeguards ecosystems and their services.
India’s Biogeographic Zones
Introduction
India, with its diverse landscapes, climate, and ecosystems, is one of the world’s megadiverse countries. Its biodiversity is classified into 10 biogeographic zones by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Trans-Himalaya
Cold deserts of Ladakh, Zanskar, Spiti. Alpine vegetation, snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, medicinal plants.
Example: Hemis National Park, Ladakh protects snow leopards and migratory birds.
Himalaya
Diverse forests from tropical to alpine, tigers, red panda, Himalayan black bear, endemic birds.
Example: Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand conserves tigers and riverine ecosystems.
Desert
Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Low rainfall, xerophytic plants, desert fox, Indian gazelle, migratory birds.
Example: Desert National Park conserves great Indian bustard.
Semi-Arid
Punjab, Haryana, central India. Scrub forests, thorny vegetation, blackbuck, nilgai, migratory birds.
Example: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan protects tigers and dry-deciduous forests.
Western Ghats
Biodiversity hotspot: tropical evergreen forests, shola-grassland, endemic flora & fauna including lion-tailed macaque.
Example: Silent Valley National Park, Kerala preserves endemic species and pristine river ecosystems.
Deccan Peninsula
Peninsular plateau, tropical dry/moist deciduous forests, tigers, leopards, gaur, sloth bear, birds and reptiles.
Example: Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks protect tiger habitats and wetlands.
Gangetic Plains
Fertile alluvial soils, riverine forests, wetlands. Gharial, swamp deer, tigers, migratory birds.
Example: Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha conserves estuarine wetlands and saltwater crocodiles.
North-East India
Hilly terrain, tropical forests, high rainfall. Red panda, clouded leopard, hornbills, diverse orchids.
Example: Namdapha National Park protects clouded leopards and Hoolock gibbons.
Coastal & Islands
Mangroves, estuaries, sandy beaches. Olive ridley turtles, shorebirds, fisheries, wetlands.
Example: Bhitarkanika National Park preserves mangroves and critically endangered crocodiles.
Islands
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep: tropical rainforests, coral reefs, dugongs, endemic species.
Example: Radhanagar Beach and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park conserve coral reefs and endemic species.
Biodiversity Situation and Richness in India
India ranks among the 17 megadiverse countries of the world, hosting a vast range of species, habitats, and genetic diversity shaped by varied geography, climate, and cultural conservation practices.
1. Exceptional Species Diversity
India harbors over 91,000 animal and 47,000 plant species, including globally significant taxa like tigers, elephants, and orchids. The diversity spans from alpine meadows to coastal mangroves.
2. Global Biodiversity Hotspots
India contains four of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots—the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, and Sundaland—recognized for high endemism and threats from habitat loss and climate stress.
3. High Endemism
Nearly 33% of flowering plants and 60% of amphibians found in India are endemic. The Western Ghats alone host species like the lion-tailed macaque and Malabar civet found nowhere else.
4. Ecosystem Variety
From cold deserts of Ladakh to tropical rainforests of North-East India and coral reefs in Andaman, India’s ecosystems represent nearly all major global biomes within one country.
5. Protected Area Network
India’s protected areas include over 100 national parks, 550 sanctuaries, 100 conservation reserves, and 50 tiger reserves, securing flagship species under Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
6. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity
India’s 7,500 km coastline supports mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. Sites like Gulf of Mannar and Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve protect marine biodiversity and climate-buffering ecosystems.
7. Agrobiodiversity Heritage
Traditional farming sustains over 166 crop species and 320 wild relatives, including rice and millets. Sikkim’s organic model showcases conservation through sustainable agriculture.
8. Threats and Decline Trends
Rapid urbanization, deforestation, invasive species, and climate change threaten ecosystems. Great Indian Bustard populations are critically low due to habitat fragmentation.
9. Community and Traditional Conservation
Sacred groves in Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Kerala protect microhabitats. Indigenous knowledge strengthens adaptive conservation via People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
10. Policy and Global Commitments
India aligns with global frameworks like the CBD and Kunming-Montreal Framework, supported by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and National Biodiversity Mission.
Conclusion: India’s biodiversity embodies ecological wealth and cultural harmony. Balancing development with conservation through science, local participation, and climate resilience remains key to ensuring a sustainable natural legacy.
Measuring Biodiversity: Indices and Methods
Biodiversity measurement provides a scientific basis for conservation by quantifying species richness, abundance, and distribution across ecosystems. It helps assess ecosystem health, detect changes, and plan management strategies for sustainable development.
Species Richness
Refers to the total number of species in an ecosystem — the simplest measure of biodiversity. The Western Ghats host over 7,400 plant species, reflecting exceptional richness.
Species Evenness
Measures how equally individuals are distributed among species. High evenness indicates balance — as seen in Sundarbans mangroves with moderate evenness among fauna.
Alpha Diversity (Local Richness)
Represents species diversity within a particular habitat. Example: a single coral reef in Lakshadweep shows high alpha diversity of reef fish and corals.
Beta Diversity (Between-Habitat Variation)
Measures species turnover between habitats. For example, differences between dry forests of Madhya Pradesh and moist forests of Kerala indicate high beta diversity.
Gamma Diversity (Regional Richness)
Reflects overall diversity across large biogeographic regions, combining alpha and beta diversity. The Himalaya exemplifies high gamma diversity across its ecosystems.
Functional & Phylogenetic Diversity
Assesses species roles and evolutionary relations. Grasslands with varied root depths enhance carbon storage — showing how traits sustain ecosystem functions.
Remote Sensing & Modern Techniques
Tools like satellites, eDNA, drones, and AI enable large-scale biodiversity monitoring. The National Biodiversity Mission uses GIS to track species changes in the Western Ghats.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity, the variety of life across genes, species, and ecosystems, forms the foundation of Earth’s life-support systems. It sustains ecological balance, supports livelihoods, and ensures resilience against environmental changes.
India, covering just 2.4% of the world’s land area, harbors 7–8% of global species, ranking among the 17 megadiverse countries. This immense biological wealth underpins national development, food security, and cultural heritage.
Ecological Stability
Biodiversity maintains nutrient cycling, pollination, and soil fertility. Example: Western Ghats forests regulate monsoon patterns and groundwater recharge.
Climate Regulation
Forests, wetlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks, mitigating greenhouse gases. Example: Sundarbans mangroves sequester carbon and buffer cyclones.
Food and Nutrition Security
Biodiversity ensures food variety and resilience. Example: Traditional rice in Odisha and millets in Karnataka offer climate-resilient nutrition.
Medicinal and Genetic Resources
80% of people depend on plant-based medicines. Example: Neem and Turmeric drive global health and pharmaceutical industries.
Economic Value & Livelihoods
Supports agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and ecotourism. Example: Ecotourism in Kaziranga and Periyar sustains rural incomes.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance
Indian traditions revere nature through sacred groves and rivers. Example: Sacred groves in Meghalaya conserve endemic flora.
Scientific & Educational Value
Biodiversity drives research and innovation. Example: DNA studies of Himalayan species aid climate adaptation programs.
Disaster Resilience
Natural ecosystems stabilize landscapes and absorb shocks. Example: Coral reefs in Andaman protect from storm surges.
Pollination & Agriculture
Pollinators ensure productivity of 75% of crops. Example: Honeybee pollination in Himachal improves apple yield.
Intergenerational Responsibility
Conserving biodiversity ensures future ecosystem services. Example: Ganga Rejuvenation Mission restores biodiversity with clean water goals.
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