India, a Megadiverse Country

by Rajshri Ravichandran

India is one of the world’s 12 major biodiversity countries. Ten biogeographic regions make up the nation. Diverse physical characteristics and climatic conditions have created biological habitats such as forests, grasslands, marshes, coastal and marine ecosystems, and desert ecosystems, which house and support enormous biodiversity.

Additionally, this nation is one of the 12 major hubs for the development of domesticated animals and plants. It is regarded as the native habitat of 114 domesticated animal breeds, as well as 167 key plant species, including cereals, millets, fruits, sauces, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds. The number of indigenous flowering plant species in the nation is about 4,900. These are spread over 47 families and 141 genera.

Source: Bored Panda

The preservation of biodiversity is essential for India not just because it provides many essential goods and services for humanity, but also because it is closely linked to the provision of livelihoods and the improvement of economic factors for millions of locals, supporting sustainable development and the reduction of poverty. The forest sector in India, which is widely regarded as a key performer in programs to reduce poverty, is an example of an advantage obtained from biodiversity. Nearly 11% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions are offset by its trees. In India, the forests provide a living for close to 200 million people.

Source: The Logical Indian

The majority of the many plant, animal, and aquatic species in the environment are concentrated in four regions of India, which are referred to as mega diversity hotspots. India’s four diversity hotspots are the Himalayas, Western Ghats, North-East, and Nicobar Islands.

The primary threats to biodiversity are habitat fragmentation, degradation, and loss; excessive resource use; dwindling genetic variety; invasive alien species; a declining base of forest resources; climate change and drought; the effects of development projects; and the effects of pollution. The demand to intensify and accelerate efforts for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as well as for the equitable and just sharing of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources, is urgent given the diverse sociocultural context and frequently competing priorities of various stakeholders.

Source: Atlas & Boots

By learning more about environmental concerns, being more conscious of the effects of biodiversity loss, and strengthening our support for governmental policies and initiatives that protect our priceless ecosystems, we can contribute to biodiversity conservation. By assisting in the recovery of endangered species and preventing the extinction of other species, we can serve as environmental educators and role models.

Enhancing the quality of the soil, water, air, and other natural resources as well as maintaining and preserving endangered animals and their habitat by giving the land to a land trust are all examples of habitat stewardship activities. Determine the hazards to these places as well as the locations of vital wildlife habitats for endangered species. Remove hazards where you can, while maintaining natural regions and protecting vital wildlife habitats by not disturbing them, especially nesting and resting areas, and creating bird and bat habitations to encourage animal use.

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