6. INDIA AS A MEGA DIVERSITY NATION
India is a biodiversity hotspot and is considered a 'mega-diversity nation' due to its rich flora and fauna, hosting over 75,000 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants. Key biogeographical zones contribute to the endemic species richness, particularly in the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. However, biodiversity faces significant threats from habitat destruction, poaching, invasive species, and pollution, prompting urgent conservation efforts both in-situ and ex-situ.
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6.2.4.aEastern Himalayas
The Eastern Himalayas are a critical hotspot of biodiversity, characterized...
What we have learnt
- India is classified as one of the world's 'megadiversity nations' due to its vast array of unique species.
- Significant threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and poaching.
- Conservation strategies in India emphasize both in-situ and ex-situ methods to protect endangered species.
Key Concepts
- -- Biodiversity Hotspots
- Areas that exhibit significant levels of species richness and endemism, crucial for conservation efforts.
- -- Insitu Conservation
- The preservation of species in their natural habitats, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- -- Exsitu Conservation
- The conservation of species outside their natural habitats, often in controlled environments like zoos and seed banks.
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