Hotspots of Biodiversity

Regions of the Earth that are extremely rich in species, especially endemic species, and are under severe threat of habitat loss are called biodiversity hotspots.

Biodiversity hotspots are highly threatened, species-rich regions prioritised for conservation because they contain a massive number of endemic species (organisms found nowhere else).

• Global Status: There are 34 recognised hotspots worldwide. Although they now cover merely 2.3% of the Earth's surface, they harbour 50% of all global plant species.
• Conservation Impact: Enforcing strict protection over these remaining hotspot areas is critical, as it has the potential to reduce ongoing global mass extinction by almost 30%.

• Primary Indian Hotspots: India is home to two major hotspots – the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. Both regions possess incredible biological wealth but are suffering from accelerated habitat loss.
• Threats to the Western Ghats: The region is increasingly endangered by industrial activities like mining and natural gas exploration, which severely threaten the natural habitats of the Asiatic lion and the wild bison.
• Threats to Major National Parks: Crucial heritage sites, specifically Manas National Park and Sunderban National Park, are under extreme environmental pressure due to dam construction, large-scale deforestation, and water exploitation. These activities actively endanger their native tiger and rhino populations.

• Biodiversity hotspots are highly threatened regions prioritised for conservation due to their massive numbers of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
• Globally, 34 identified hotspots cover just 2.3% of the Earth's surface but harbor 50% of the world's plant species, and protecting them could reduce global mass extinction by nearly 30%.
• India hosts two major biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas, which possess incredible biological wealth but are suffering from accelerated habitat loss.
• The Western Ghats are severely endangered by mining and natural gas exploration, which directly threatens the natural habitats of the Asiatic lion and wild bison.
• Major Indian heritage sites like Manas and Sunderban National Parks are under extreme pressure from dams, deforestation, and water exploitation, endangering their native tiger and rhino populations.