4.

Recent Estimates of Global

In a
Biodiversity
paper published in The Quarterly Review of Biology (September 2017), researchers from the
ENVIRONMENTAL
Arizona have estimated that there are roughly 2 billion living species on Earth, over a thousand ti
the current number of described species.
4.1%
0,4%
2.8%
1%
0.1%
78%
7.3%
7.4%
Urimoverresty than
5.6%
17.6%
0.02%
7.3%
Animals
4.9%. Fungi
Plants
Protists
73.1%
90.5%
OBacteria
Wilson (1992) Mora et al. (2011) University of Arizona Study
The pie chart on the left
:shows atraditional estimate of the relative richness of different groups of organisrme
numbers of described species(Wilson 1992), the middle shows an estimate based on projected
groups (Mora et al. 2011), and the pie on the right shows estimates based on the projected richness of richnecs based on
of dif erent
groups in the present study. Credit: Brendan B. Larsen, Elizabeth C. Miller, Matthew K. Rhodes, and diferent
John J. Wiens
(ht ps:/ phys.org/news/2017-08-biodiversity-earth.html#jCp).
BIODIVERSITY AT NATIONAL LEVEL
Among the biologically rich nations, India stands among the top 10 countries. India has
" 350 different mammals - 8th highest in the world
1,200 species of birds - gth highest in the world
453 species of reptiles - 5th highest in the world
45,000 plant species, of which most are angiosperms - 15th highest in the world
" 1,022 species of ferns and 1,082 species of orchids
50,000 known species of insects, including 13,000 butterflies and moths.
It is estimated that the number of unknown species could be
several times higher.
Table 4.3: Earth's 50 topmost diverse countries
COUNTRY Birds Amphi-
bians
MammalsReptiles Fish Vascular BioD Rank Bio DIndex/ Rank
plants Index Land Area
Brazil 17.6% 13.6% 11.8% 7.9% 13.7% 20.8% 0.85 1 0.10
Colombia 18.3% 10.2% 8.1% 5.9% 6.2% 19.0% 0.68 2 0.57
Indonesia 16.2% 4.6% 12.2% 7.1% 14.1% 10.9% 0.65 3 0.34
China 12.5% 5.5% 10.0% 4.7% 10.1% 11.9% 0.55 4 0.06
Mexico 10.9% 5.0% 9.5% 8.9% 7.9% 9.7% 0.52 0.26
Peru 18.1% 7.6% 8.5% 4.7% 4.7% 6.3% 0.50 6 0.41
Australia 7.1% 3.2% 6.4% 10.1% 14.7% 5.8% 0.47 7 0.06
India 11.9% 5.2% 7.5% 6.7% 7.4% 6.9% 0.46 0.14
Ecuador 16.0% 7.2% 6.8% 4.3% 3.3% 7.2% 0.45 9 21
1.59
Venezuela 13.7% 4.8% 6.6% 3.9% 5.2% 7.8% 0.42 10 0.45
United States 8.5% 4.0% 8.0% 5.2% 9.3% 7.2% 0.42 11 0.04
Bolivia 14.3% 3.2% 6.6% 3.0% 1.2% 6.4% 0.35 12 0.31
South Africa 7.6% 1.7% 5.4% 4.4% 6.2% 8.7% 0.34 13 0.27
DR Congo 10.9% 3.2% 7.8% 2.9% 4.5% 4.1% 0.33 14 0.14
Malaysia 7.1% 3.5% 6.1% 4.7% 5.8% 5.7% 0.33 1 0.97 32
Vietnam 8.3% 3.0% 5.2% 4.5% 7.3% 33
3.9% 0.32 16 0.97
Papua New Guinea 7.2% 4.9% 4.9% 2.7% 8.5% 4.3% 0.32 17 0.69
Thailand 9.3% 1.9% 5.7% 4.2% 6.4% 4.3% 0.32 18 0.60
BIODIVERSITYAND CONSERVATION 4.5

10.6% 2.7% 6.5% 3.5% 19

0.34
Tanzania 5.3% 3.7% 0.32
10.0% 2.3% 6.8% 4.3% 20 0.10
Argentina 3.0% 3.5% 0.30
8.8% 2.9% 6.1% 2.8% 21 0.55
Cameroon 3.1% 3.1% 0.27
10.4% 1.5% 6.9% 2.7% 3.2% 22 0.47
Kenya 2.4% 0.27
8.8% 2.8% 4.5% 2.6% 23 3.45
Panama 4.2% 3.7% 0.27
Philippines 5.7% 1.5% 3.5% 2.0% 24 0.87
9.9% 3.3% 0.26
8.6% 2.7% 4.89 6
CostaRica 4.1% 2.6% 3.3% 4.5% 0.26 25
Mayanmar 10.2% 1.2% 5.4% 3.0% 3.1% 2.6% 0.25 26 0.37
4.4% 1.0% 2.6% 1.0% 12.1% 0.23 27 0.62
Japan 2.1%
9.1% 1.3% 5.2% 2.4% 2.7% 0.23 28 0.18
Angola 1.9%
Madagascar 2.5% 4.1% 4.2% 4.0% 3.5% 3.5% 0.22 29 0.36
Mozambique 6.7% 1.2% 4.3% 2.2% 5.3% 2.1% 0.22 30 0.26
7.1% 2.2% 1.93 18
Guatemala 4.0% 2.6% 2.7% 3.2% 0.22 31
7.9% 1.8% 0.98 31
Guyana 4.3% 1.8% 3.0% 2.4% 0.21 32
9.9% 0.8% 5.8% 1.7% 0.8% 2.4% 0.21 33 0.87
Uganda
6.3% 1.0% 4.1% 5.8% 3.0% 1.1% 0.21 35 0.86
Guinea
8.6% 1.5% 5.2% 1.9% 2.3% 1.7% 0.21 34 0.24
Nigeria 20
7.0% 1.6% 3.9% 2.6% 3.1% 2.1% 0.20 36 1.78
Honduras
6.8% 0.9% 37 1,46 22
Nicaragua 3.7% 1.9% 3.2% 2.8% 0.19
6.9% 1.3% 3.9% 1.7% 1.7% 3.1% 0.19 38 0.76
Laos
6.1% 1.0% 3.6% 3.3% 2.3% 2.2% 0.19 39 0.53
Congo
8.1% 0.9% 4.9% 2.3% 0.5% 2.4% 0.19 40 0.17
Ethiopia
9.2% 0.2% 5.1% 1.8% 1.4% 1.2% 0.19 41 0.10
Sudan
7.1% 1.4% 0.19 42 2.26 15
French Guiana 3.8% 1.6% 2.9% 2.1%
6.8% 1.1% 4.7% 1.8% 2.1% 1.4% 0.18 43 0.75
Ghana
7.0% 1.5% 1.9% 0.18 44 1.09 28
Suriname 3.8% 0.6% 3.1%
6.1% 1.3% 3.3% 1.3% 2.3% 2.5% 0.17 45 0.64
Gabon
6.7% 1.1% 4.6% 1.5% 2.0% 1,4% 0.17 46 0.53
Ivory Coast
4.3% 1.8% 1.2% 1.8% 0.17 47 0.23
7.3% 1.2%
Zambia
4.7% 0.3% 3.4% 3.2% 1.9% 3.0% 0.17 48 0.10
Iran
3.3% 1.4% 0.9% 2.6% 0.17 49 1.16 27
Nepal 8.1% 0.6%
6.9% 1.0% 3.0% 1.8% 0.8% 2.9% 0.16 50 0.39
Paraguay
Source: https://news.mongabay.com/2016/05/top-10-biodiverse-countries/
Approximately
It is estimated that 18% of Indian plants, especially flowering plants are endemic to the country.
62% of amphibians are unique to India and 50% of lizards are endemic.

World Heritage Convention

of the World Cultural and Natural
The 1972 World Heritage Convention of UNESCO concerns the Protection
and implement policy framework
Heritage. It provides an effective guideline for the Member States to develop
convention and has included several protected
for conservation of heritage properties. India is a signatory to the
heritage experts, provides technical
Areas as World Heritage sites. UNESCO New Delhi office, through its network of
challenge of heritage preservation.
support to the State parties to the Convention to meet this complex
well as 46 properties in the Tentative List.
India has 32 World Heritage properties in the World Heritage List, as
Himalayas, and the Sunderbans in the Ganges
These include Kaziranga in Assam, Bharatpur in U.P., Nandadevi in the
deltain West Bengal.

BIOGEOGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION OFINDIA

climate and landscape in different parts. Hence each
India is known as a mega diversity country as it has diverse
and animals. Based on these characteristics
region is characterised by different kinds of ecosystem, vegetation each zone with particular climate soil and
Diogeographers have classified India into ten biogeographic zones;
biodiversity. These zones are as follows:
 4.6
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Table 4.4: Biogeographic Zones of India

S.No.Biogeographic zone Province %of Country's

1. Trans-Himalayas Extension to the Tibetean plateau-cold desert in ladakh (Jammu 5.7%

landmass
and Kashmir)and Lahaul Spiti(Himachal Pradesh)

2. Himalayas Kashmir in the North-west toAssam in the North-east 7.2%

3. Desert " The desert of Western Rajasthan - Thar 6.9%

"The desert of Gujarat - Kutch
" Cold desert of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh - Ladakh
Semi-arid Between the desert and the Deccan plateau; includes Aravalli 15.6%
range

5. Western Ghats West coast of Peninsular India; North-south from southern tip of 5.8%
Gujarat in the north to Kanyakumari in the south

6. Deccan Plateau Semi-arid region lying in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats 4.3%

7 Gangetic Plain Between the South Himalayas to the Tropic of Cancer 11.0%

8. North-east India Non-Himalayan rarnges of North-eastern India 5.2%

9 Islands The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal; 0.03%
Lakshadweep Islands in Arabian Sea
10. Coasts Coastline of India; Includes - West coast and East coast Rest of Landmass

BÊODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
There are over 1000 major ecoregions the.world. An ecoregion is defined as a "relatively large unit of
land or water containing a characteristic set of natural communities that share a large majority of their
species dynamics, and environmental conditions". Of these, 200 regions are identified by WWF as the richest.
rarest and most distinctive natural areas which need to be preserved. These areas are known as Global 200.
Aregion is considered a biodiversity hotspot if it has
at least 1,500 endemic vascular plants.
" 30% or less of its original natural vegetation.
Thus, a biodiversity hotspot is abiogeographic region with significant levels of
biodiversity that is
threatened with destruction. The concept of hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in his articles "The
Environmentalist" and "Hotspots: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions".
Why are hotspots important?
Biodiversity supports all life on the Earth. Without biodiversity, there would be no air to breathe, no food
to eat, no water to drink. Human society will be under threat.
" Richest and important ecosystems. Hotspots are among the richest and most
important ecosystems In
the world. They are home to many vulnerable populations who are directly
dependent on nature to survive.
Around the world, 35 areas qualify as hotspots. They represent just 2.3% of the Earth's land surface, but they
support more than half of the world's plant species as endemics and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile
and amphibian species as endemics. Despite that ecosystems in hotspots account for 35% of the
"ecosystem
services" that vulnerable human populations depend upon.
BIODIVERSIY
'AND CONSERVATION 4.7
Hotspotsof
lndia
national"hot spots' of India are as follows.
globallyaccepted
The
(a)Himalaya
includesthe entire Indian Himalayan region (and that falling in Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, China
It Myanmar). The Eastern Himalayan hotspot has nearly 163 globally threatened species including
andmammals,50 hirds, 17 reptiles, 12
45
amphibians, 3
Rhinoceros, the Wild Asian Water invertebrates 36 plant species. The
and region is homefor
One-horned bufalo and Himalayan Newt, etc.
Himalayaalso has an estimated 10,000 species of plants with 1/3rd endemic inhabits
The threatened endemic bird species
such species. It also
few ne Himalayan quail, Cheer pheasant, etc., along wnth
endangered
a birds such as the Himalayan vulture and
White-bellied heron. It iis also a home to over 300
speciesof mammals, adozen of which are endemic. An endemic genus in the hotspot is the Namadapha
which is critically endangered.
flyingssquirrel
(o) Indo-Burma
includesentire North-eastern India, except Assam and Andaman group of Islands (and Myanmar, Thailand,
ItVietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Southern China), This region is home to several primates such as monkeys,
gibbons with populations numbering only in the hundreds. Many of the species, especially some
Jangurs and
freshwaterturtleespecies,are endemic.Almost1,300 bird species existin this rregion includingthethreatened
white-eared night-heron, the grey-crowned crocias and the orange-necked partridge..Itis estimated that there
Wbout13,500 plant species in this hotspot, with over half of them endemic.
(c) Sundalands
Thic region includes Nicobar group of Islands (and Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines). In
013 the United Nations declared the islands a World Biosphere Reserve. The biodiversity includesseveral
enecies such as whales, dolphins, dugong, turtles, crocodiles, fishes, prawns, lobsters, corals and sea shells.
resources. The
The primary threat to this bl0diversity comes from over exploitation of marine and forest
Andaman and Nicobar Islands alone have as many as 2,200 species of flowering plants and 120species of
ferns.

Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, the Gulf areas of

Coral reefs in Indian waters surround the Andaman and Nicobar
forests!
Guiarat and Tamil Nadu. They are nearly as rich in species as tropical evergreen
Lanka
(d) Western Ghats and Sri
There are over 6000 vascular plants belonging
This hotspot includes entire Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
3000 are endemic. Much of the world's spices such as
toover 2500genera in this hotspot, of which over
the Western Ghats. The region also inhabits over
black pepper and cardamom have their origins in
260 reptiles and 175 amphibians. Over 60% of the
450 bird species, about 140 mammalian species, over
the hotspot. The vegetation originally extended
reptiles and amphibians are completely endemic to
190,000 sg. km, has been reduced to just 43,000 sq. km.

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
crisis, the forests and
immense loss of biodiversity. To deal with the
There are many other activities that cause means to protect
maintained, preserved and conserved. Conservation of forests and wildlife
Wildlife must be How can this be done?
resources in their natural environment, without disturbing them in any way. various steps
these
implemented any rules or regulations for the conservation? What are the
nas our government
disappearing species? We willstudy about all these aspects as we proceed.
diat nave been taken to protect the of species. Some plants and
animals have already
basic reasons for the extinction particularly
0u are now familiar with the facing the danger of extlnction. The species that are
others
One extinct and there are many characteristics. These are:
SuSCeptible to extinction have certain
" large body size,
" small population size, and
" low
reproductive rate. plant and animal species has intensified
during the last twenty-five years.
Interest in protecting8 the world's
realised that we are living
in times of unprecedented mass extinction.
Both scientists and general public have
 4.8
ENVIRONMENTAL SIUDES
Red Data Book
The World Conservation Union (WCU), formerly known as International Union for the
Nature and Natural Resources (1UCN) compiles the Red Data Book. It contains lists of rare and/or
species, along with relevant information, from all over the world. This list is termed as the IUCN Red
ConsereLivndatsatn.iogenred
of

initiatedin 1963 and since then the evaluation of the conservation status of species is continuing on aglobal It was
IUCN Red list sCale.
The aim of the IUCN Red List is toimpart information about the urgency and scale of conservation problems to
public and policy-makers. The main objectives of the IUCN Red List include:
" developing awareness about the importance of threatened biodiversity,
" identification and documentation of the endangered species,
" providing aglobal index of the decline in biodiversity,
defining conservation priorities at the local level, and
" guiding conservation action.
(IUCN
RED
LIST
On September 12, 2007, based on the history of distribution, decline in the number of individuals, natura.
habitat, known threat and the potential value of species, IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeCies has recognisoa
nine Red List Categories of the species. These categories signify the conservation status of aspecies. Th
provide an easy and widely understood method for highlighting the species which are under greater risk
extinction. It helps to focus our attention on conservation measures to protect these species.
Extinct (EX)
Aspecies is considered extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that its last existing individual bas diea
Some extinct species are dodo, thylocine and passenger pigeon.
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Aspecies is considered extinct in the wild when it is known to survive only in cultivation, captivity o
an artificial ecosystem. Some animals which have become extinct in the wild are Abingdon Island tortoise
Red-tailed black shark and South China tiger, while some plant species which have become extinct in the wild
are Mangifera rubropetala and Rhododendron kanehirai.
Critically Endangered (CR)
A species is considered critically endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction from
the wild. Some examples of critically endangered species are one-horned rhino, Jerdon's courser, Arakan forest
turtle and pink-headed duck.

Endangered (EN)
A species is considered endangered when it is not critically endangered but faces a
very high risk of
extinction from the wild in the immediate future. Indian rhinoceros, crocodile, blue whale, white-winged
duck,yellow-eyed penguin, pink pigeon, sarpagandha, brahmakamal and the Malaysian slipper orchid are some
examples of endangered species.
Vulnerable (VU)
Aspecies is considered vulnerable when it contains insufficient number of
individuals in its habitat.
Some vulnerable species are cheetah, gaur, lion, moluerine, musk deer and Indian bison. AIl these may become
endangered species if unfavourable conditions continue to operate in their habitats.
Near Threatened (NT)
These species may be considered threatened in the near future. Some examples of nearly threatened
species
are small-clawed otter, blue-billed duck, bald eagle, maned wolf, brown bear and sea
otters.
Least Concern (LC)
These species have abundant population and face no immediate threat to their survival. For example, brown
rat, mountain quail and wood pigeon.
BOOVERSITAND
CONSERVATION
4.9
Daltapeficient
(DD)
speC0ec ahout which it is diffncult to
the make a dírect or indirect of the risk of
are becausethe information available is insufficient. assessment
Chese This is
extlnction,

Not
Evaluated
(NE)
yet been
specieshave not assessed against the above criteria.
These
Extinct (EX)
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Threatened categories
Adequate data Critically Endangered (CR)
Endangered (EN) Extinction
risk
Evaluated Vulnerable (VU)

Near Threatened (NT)

All species
Least Concern (LC)

Data Deficilent (DD)

Not Evaluated (NE)

Fla, 4.3: Nine Red List Categories of the Species recognised by lUCN Red List of Threatened Species
i only two following kinds.
were commonly categorisedIin
Earlier,species
species(R): These arethe species with asmall population worldwide, usually anumber less than 10,000,
" Rare
presently endangered or vulnerable, but at risk. These species are localised within restricted geographical
not
no habitats or are thinly scattered over a more extensive range. Some examples of rare species are Giant
mammal and|Hickman's potentilla, a wild flower.
Panda, a
Hraatened species: These are species which are listed in one of the following categories-endangered,
vulnerable or rare.

listed below:
Come of the major endangered plant and animal species of India are
Table 4.5: Afew endangered species of India
Animal species Plant species
Golden langur Sarpagandha
Great Indian rhinoceros Brahmakamal

Lion-tailed macaque Lagerstroemia

Asian elephant
Red panda
Snow leopard
Peacock

Tiger
Blue whale
1AcTIVITY
their photographs.
names of various extinct wild animals and plants of Indla. Enlist these along with
rind out the
causes of extinction.
Collect information about their habitat, habits and

ENDEMIC SPECIES flora and fauna depending on the

environmental conditions prevailing
Diferent parts
in that of the world have their own
and fauna of different parts of
the world do not sshow any uniform pattern
region. Thus, we find that flora
 4.10
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
of distribution. The species which have restricted distribution and are found only in restricted
areas
endemic species and the phenomenon is called endemism. Endemic species are not found anywhersare C,
Endemic Flora
calea
India has approximately 47,000 species of plants out of which 7,000 are endemic. About
62%
flora is restricted primarily to Himalayas, Khasi Hills and Western Ghats. Some of the
important endemie
perreoxatmerp,lesetc
include orchids and species like Sapria himalayana, Uvaria lurida, Nepenthes khasiana, Pedicularis
Endemic Fauna
There are about 81,000 animal species in India, many of which are endemic. About 62%
toads, etc.) and 50% lizards are endemic to Western Ghats. For example, monitor lizards amphibians (frogs.
(Varanus).
python, Indian Salamander and Viviparous toad (Nectophryne), etc.
Reasons for endemism
reticulated
Physical Factors
distribution of many terrestrial
Mountain ranges, large water bodies and land masses limit the
For example, the Great Himalayan ranges harbour various endemicspecies of both plants and animalsnpecies
Climatic Factors
In extreme temperatures, only a few animals and plants can survive. For example, the
Himalayan
harbour a hardy range of animals that can survive in extreme cold. Ladakh's freezing high altitude
for yak,the Tibetan antelope, blue sheep and wild ass.
is
the rahome
nges
Biological Factors
Vegetation is a biological barrier that affects distribution of species. Plants serve as food and as a mears.
shelter for animals. Thus, depending upon selective food habits, animals are confined to areas that h.
vegetation of their choice. For example, primates like monkeys prefer to live in tropical forests, where they f
on fruits, nuts, birds and insects.

Table 4.6: AFew Common Plant Species in India

S.No. Name of Plant Distribution Uses
Picture
Species
1. Teak Deciduous tree in Yields timber used for making furniture and other
(Tectona Southwest parts of WOoden items
grandis) peninsular India

2 Sal Forests of the NE Seeds are used in manufacturing of cosmetics

(Shorea region of India,
robusta) extends into Madhya
Pradesh and Odisha
3 Mango All over the country Edible pulpy nutritious fruit; Leaves used in treatment
(Mangifera of diabetes
indica)

4 Neem All over the country, Plant with a number of medicinal uses; Leaves used as
(Azadirachta especially semi-arid source of eco-friendly insecticide
indica) regions

5 Banyan All over the country Sacred and medicinal plant; Berries source of nutrition
(Ficus for many animal sp.
benghalensis)
6. Coconut Coastal region of India Coconut fruit commonly used as food
(Cocos especially inSouth
India; Leaves used for broomsticks; Fibres yielded
nucifera) o COConut husk from
BLODIVERSITY
ANDCONSERVATION 4.11

Bamboo Many forests of India; Used for

(Bambusoa
especially of NE and constructing huts and several other items,
such as baskets, farm
vulgaris)
Eastern lndia
implements, matting,
implements, fences,
etc.; Young shoots usedhousehold
Raw material in pulp and as to00;
paper industry
All over the country
Mustard Mustard leaf/seed powder Used in the
(Brassica of mayonnaise, sauce, etc.; manufacture
juncea) flavouring agent while cookingWhole mustard used as a
Tamarind Primarily grown in Edible sour fruit rich in vitamin C: used as
(Tamarindus Madhya Pradesh, tor tangy flavour; also used for food additive
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil timber and for fuelwood
indica)
Nadu and Karnataka

Primarily in Himalayan Timber used in

10
Pine
(Pinussp.) regions construction, carpentry and the paper
industry; Resin used to make turpentine,
pitch; Pine oilas insect repellent and in rosin, tar and
perfumes
Lotus Almost all parts of the National flower; Rhizome, stalks of
1 country
the leaves and seeds
(Nelumbo considered delicacies; Fruit used for dry decorations
nucifera)

2AcTIVITY
Enlist common plants/trees of India other than listed in table above. Find out their identifying features,
distributionin India and common uses. Try to collect pictures of these species clicked from different parts of
India. Compare and try to find differences, if any, based on geographic regions.

Table 4.7:Afew distinct animal species in India

Name of Animal Species Characteristic Features Picture
S.No.
Nilgai Found in areas with short bushes and scattered trees in scrub forests
(Boselaphus and grassy plains, males are blue-gray in colour.
tragocamelus)

2 Indian Wild Ass It is endemic to Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch and its
(Equus hemionus khur) surrounding areas of the Great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat province
of India

3. Tiger National animal of India; since 2008, it is listed as Endangered on the

(Panthera tigris tigris) IUCNRed List and is threatened by poaching, deforestation and habitat
fragmentation.

4. Asiatic Lion Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, it is found only in and
(Panthera leo leo) around Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat.

Great Indian Bustard Alarge bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, it is among the
(Ardeotis nigriceps) heaviest of the flying birds. Once common on the dry plalns of the
Indian subcontinent, the species is critically endangered by hunting and
loss of its habitat.
6
Siberian Crane Adults are nearly all snowy white, except for thelr black primary feathers
(Grus, leucogeranus) that are isible in flight. The eastern populations migrate during winter
Their
to China while the western population winters in India and Nepal.to hunting
populations have declined drastically in the 20th century due
along their migration routes and habitat degradation,
claws, and well
Monitor Lizard Monitor lizards have long necks, powerful tails and
lIUCN Red LIist of threatened speciles, most
(Varanus sp.) developed limbs. AcCording to
species fall in the categories of least concern but
of the Monitor lizard
the population is decreasing globally.
 4.12
abundant sea turtles found in the
ENVIRONMENTAL SU E
Olive Ridley turtle These are the smallest and most are best known
Oceans. They
(Lepidochelys olivacea) world, primarily in the Pacific and Indian where thousands of
nesting called Arribada,
for their unique mass beach to lay eggs.
females come together on the same
subcontinent and has been listed as Least
9. Paradise flycatcher It is native to the Indian elongated central
have
(Terpsiphone paradisi) Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004. Males
short-tailed.
tail feathers while females are

Western Ghats of South India, it

10. Lion-tailed macaque An Old World monkey endemic to the
which surrounds the head from
(Macaca silenus) has a characteristic silver-white mane
the cheeks down to its chin.

the Western
11. Nilgiri tahr Endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of
Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is the state animal of
(Nilgiritragus hylocrius) Ghats in the states of
Tamil Nadu.

declined
12. Black buck It is native to and found mainly in India. Their number has
sharply due to excessive hunting and deforestation. Hunting of
(Antilope cervicapra) Wildlife
blackbuck is prohibited in India under Schedule | of the
Protection Act of 1972.
AcTIVITY3
identifying fo.
Enlist common animal species of India other than listed in the table above. Find out their
and distribution in India. Try to collect pictures of these species clicked from different parts of India. Core
and try to find differences, if any, based on the geographic regions.

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Increasing demands of the rising human population have resulted in the destruction of habitats, degradato
of the environment leading to loss of biodiversity. Aroundthe globe, biologicalcommunities that took millons
of years to develop are being destroyed by human activities. The most serious aspect of the loss of biodivercih
is the extinction of species.
Extinction isthe worldwide death and disappearance of a specific organism or group of organisms.
Extinction of species has disturbed the ecological balance and the entire biotic community. Once a species
becomes extinct, there are no chances for its revival.
Afew threats to the biodiversity are discussed below.
Deforestation
Today, a major threat to the survival of organisms is deforestation, which means clearing of forests and
using the land for other purposes such as cultivation, building houses and factories or using wood for fuel
or furniture. All of these are man-made causes of deforestation. Some natural causes of deforestation are forest
fires and severe droughts.
When people cut down trees, burn a forest or plough a grassland, the natural habitat is destroyed. This leads
to the killing of many plants and animals,causing the loss of biodiversity.
Consequences of Deforestation
You know that forests play an important role in maintaining the oxygen supply and providing fresh air o
breathe. They maintain balance of gases and nutrients in nature by various biogeochemical cycles, bind sol,
intercept heavy rainfalland recharge groundwater. They also regulate temperature and atmospheric humiay
and prevent soil erosion and degradation of the physical environment. Above all, they provide a habitat lo
innumerable plants and animals. Cutting of these forests may have serious consequences.
" Deforestation has caused aserious imbalance of oxygen (0,) and carbon dioxide (CO,) in the atmosphet
You know that plants take up carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. As deforestation decreases the numpe
BIODIVERSIYAND
CONSERVATION 4.13
level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases. This
the
trees, theheat of the sun's rays. leads to global warming as carbon
of traps
dioxide
increase
in temperature of the Earth disturbs the water cvcle. This may reduce the rainfall, resulting
The
indroughts.
,
Deforestationresultein soil erosion and degradation of land. Loose soil particles get transported with
run-offs. This leads to the removal of top fertile soil and
surface exposure of the hard and rocky layer ofsoil.
withtheloss of fertility, high wind velocity, low rainfall and temperatures,the fertile
Gradually,
convertsinto deserts. This is called extremes of
land
desertification.
Deforestationwillcause shortage of forest products--firewood, timber, honey, gum, sealing wax and many
likepaper.
otherthings the catchment
Denudationin areas of rivers leads to serious
problems of floods.
.Deforestation Causes decrease in rainfall and also reduces the water-holding capacity of the soil and
movement of water from the soil surface into the ground. This decreases the groundwater level.
Deforestationleads to the extinction of many wild animals and plants.

Hastinapur Wildlite Sanctuary (HWS), Utar Pradesh, India is the largest sanctuary in the state and
CASE under the highest anthropogenic pressure. People engage in fishing, livestock grazing, fuel food/
STUDY
fodder collection, cash cropping of cucurbits in the sandy river banks for sustenance and commercial
extraction of sand and grass for construction. These activities threaten the survival of threatened
species like Swamp Deer Rucervus duvauceli, Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica, Smooth-coated
otter Lutrogale perspicillata and Gharial Gavialis gangeticus.
Survey studies revealed that there is no difference in people's perception on increase, decrease or
stability of biodiversity. Further, a majority of people find life around a protected area disadvantageous,
or with dismal advantages. Building on this premise the study suggests that a better share in
development and alternative livelihood options for the local community of HWS can decrease their
dependence on natural resources and improve conservation as a favourable option the present
perceptions of the people.

Destruction of Natural Habitat

Bhitat destruction inevitably results from the expansion of human population and activities.
Rllions of hectares of forests and grasslands have been cleared over the past 10,000 years for conversion
into agriculture lands, pastures, settlement areas or development projects.
Human activities such as mining, fishing, cattle ranching, dam construction, forestry and agriculture, etc,
have led to the loss of natural habitat.
Severe damage has been caused to wetlands thinking them to be useless ecosystems. Many wetlands have
been destroyed due to draining, filling and pollution leading to enormous loss of biodiversity.
Kokkarebellur, also called Kokrebellur is avillage in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. The village
CASE is named after the painted stork (/bis leucocephalus) which is called "kokkare" in Kannada language.
STUDY The village is one of the 21 breeding sites existing in India. During December, apart from painted stork,
the spot-billed pelicans, also migrate here. Both are classified as "near threatened category in IUCN
Red List of 2009.
The distinctiveness in Kokkarebellur is the long-established bonding between the spot-billed pelicans
thus
and the villagers. Theyconsider the birds as omens of good luck and prosperity to the village and
they have adopted this bird as their heritage. They obtain phosphorus and potassium-rich manure
the popularity of
from the droppings of these birds (also known as guano). Further, over the years,
watch the birds.
this uniqueness has also attracted tourists to the village to
tamarind trees
Kokkrebellur is a small village where the storks and pelicans coexist freely, mostly in
indicate increased nestling
In the middle of the village, in total harmony with the villagers. Reports hailed ae
birds have been fruitful and
activity in recent years. Thus, efforts to conserve these
"role model" for replication at other places.
 4.14

Habitat Fragmentation
Sometimes a large, continuous area of habitat is reduced (in size) by division into two or
For example, a patch of forest is surrounded by croplands, urban areas and roads. Thismore
disappearance
ENVIRONMENTrAesLuSlitrTsaUgmeDIEnt
of species due to changes in climate and their habitat. For example, wildlife
bears their habitat threatens
and large cats require large territories to exist. Disintegration of
and survival. spheiecires suchin th
Habitat Degradation
ex0stene
The physical degradation of forest by natural or man-made fire can lead to agreat loss of
Repeated fires started by local grazers to increase grass growth ultimately reduces regeneration lora and
the diversity of plant species. and lofawuenray
Habitat Pollution
The environmental pollution caused by the use of pesticides and chemicals, dumping of wastes
and
from factories and automobiles affects the living population. For example, the leaching of
chemical fertilisers into the water bodies results in eutrophication. This causes depletion of
and reduces species diversity drastically. You will learn about various reasons and
nutri
oxygen e
consequences water
of
nt
ins
anaemis ions
in next Chapter.
Introduction of Exotic Species
polution
Exotic species are new species entering a geographical region. They cause disappearance of native species
due tochanged biotic interactions.
Common examples in India are import of certain weeds into our country; such as Lantana,
Parthenium (Congress grass). These have invaded several large tracts of our natural forests at
the diverse range of indigenous species and caused their extinction.
Eupat
the oexpense
rium andof

Lantana Parthenium Eicchornia

Fig. 4.4: Common Invasive Weeds

An exotic predatory fish, Nile perch, was introduced into Lake Victoria in South Africa. It
threatened the entire ecosystem of the lake by eliminating several native species of small
fishes that were endemic to this lake.

Overexploitation
The increasing human population has escalated the
use of natural resources. For example, excessive
harvesting of the marine organisms, such as fishes,
molluscs, turtles and prawns, has resulted in reduced
biodiversity. Turtles are being massacred off the
coast of Odisha. The rare whale shark, ahighly
endangered species, is being killed off the coast of
Gujarat.
The extinction of species, such as Steller's sea cow
and passenger pigeon, is due to their overexploitation Steller's sea cow Passenger pigeon
by humans.
byHumans
Fig. 4.5: Extinct Species due to Over-exploitation
 Biological
Biological such Strategies and .Finally, the sfars
exploitation il egaHul ntinPoachi
Huntg ingandg
Ommunity entionalaous Invasions variety the the Prime the
n shifting rertil ser inre s for 2-3 Osneuch
Control
Human-wilconfdlifelict the Ihum or or
Cultivation Difer nort Cul.Shifhutminvgation
totaEl astercultivation
AO VERSIY,
dams,
nrect include Decoming activity humanspecies A
A It The
The management
e at species preservation
as
conflict
impacts
conflict rres. must globe.
of reason
and hosts ejjects: as numan behaviour to | is and Crospeasons.
the medicinal deer: few A kil ing, the
cNortultivahtio-eastn ern WesterpnrosldasuhCtion ptrraactdAs
iciet onal CONSERVATIAOND N C
invasions of it
Prevention and
parasitism,
effects: structure. ecosystem and very is is conflict results resources wi ld
of and the by
These accidental activities;
consideredconsidered
abundant of
also occurs interaction animals
of Corals poaching
examplesextinction legal is
parasites. These
These
modification
are endangeredmanagement
degradation
in leads bi0diversity
when plants; and trapping and a in and this jhum
oultivation
e
predation, engineers"; are considered negatively, regulated North-east fertility,
loses
natch
of include invasive as to and are is Ghat s, burn Due or
biological theeffects spreads such and introduced injury/loss growing betWeen suchshells to of regiprevalent
on is shifting
effects and
their bones make many or are in jhum to
causing
as species. and as are capturing the
the or earlier ofincreaseshuman habitat. practice India
practicehil practices
can agriculture, of when one reducing Rauvolfia, other
competition
effects causing species protected wild commonly from profit plants cultivation
invasions on be harm it when of habitat of is mostly Himalayas, cultivation,
the of the comprised
Recent lipopulations
fe tigers,
through and of of shifting by examples
shifting such of
itfollowed
on is competition animals
The
habitat, changes
tw o breaking dispersed to itmost interaction. which of areas. animals.
pursuing in is
interaction Nuxvomica,
available ivory animals. abandoned
are with types.aquaculture, the spreads management humans, mitigation cultivationon
tropical
and the in
the the since in
ecosystem, serious lethal has and certain
from
cultivation. ecosystems
'rab farmerswhichthe in
th e the widely, directlyor its encroach
for
animals
Both countries. Indiaare
main native control, own and people Datura, for practices. by by
between environment it natural threats resources of elephants,
sale wild hunting
factors can its approaches animals. human-wildlife the
species. recreation colonising goods consequences. and life for lopping
farmers also
atfect indirectly translocation, which etc., and food, slopes. India, In are
for other barriers for overlap products and
and and are horns
export losing clear onethe of
the the global recreation
poaching of
that and attempt gradually with causes regularly About the tree then
who
conservation species entire can of
services.
and outside
invading biodiversity. conflict on
from
people branchestheir patch of a
which reasons of
ecosystem. dispersion.transport;
have
regulation to established negative Indianrhinos are or
85%
gradually.
richness
species clear a
in naturalits causes exploited. have
the the use is thetrade, of of produce
forestto
strong an and and great to biodiversity.
of
ecosystem, natural scientific of their important impact main new loss of
the
Other Invasive can population wildlife world the while act
environment. effects range demand reasons as patch
help
ecosystem,
reduction. on perfume a
examples approach, territory. issue beaches. poaching
sharing species
on in for people,
across tor wood-ash of
the the any size
in
from the forest croP 4.15
A is
 4.16 ENVIRONMENTALLSTU R
Co-extinction
Extinction of a species automaticallv leads to loss or threat to the existence of species associatod with it. This iy

called co-extinction. bird Be

passenger pigeon and its parasitic

extinctuS and Campanulotes

Where extinction of one
defectus.
the extinct
The most often cited example is that ofAnother example is the case of a coevolved
invariably leads to the extinction of
the other.
plant--pollinatorComulumtubailciss
Mass Extinction Crisis the Earth.
widespread and rapid decrease inthe biodiversity on
Mass extinction is a experienced five major and
believed that multicellular animal life has many minor
The scientists
extinctions.
1. Ordovician-Silurian extinction events: 450-440 Ma (million years ago) when 27% of all families, S1%

all speciesMawere
to 70% of375-360 killed.
2. allgenera
Late and 60%
Devonian extinction: when a prolonged series of extinctions eliminated about 19%

families, 50% of all genera and least 70% of allspecies.

at
3. all
Permian-Triassic extinction event: 252 Ma. This is considered Earth'slargest extinction killing 57% of a

genera and 90% to 96%

83% of allextinction of all species.
4. families,
Triassic-Jurassic event: 201.3 Ma. About 23% of all families, 48% of all genera and 700%-75%

allspecies became extinct.

5. Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event: 66 Ma. About 17% of all families, 50% of all genera and 75%

allspecies became extinct.

Sadly, our planet is nowin the midst of its sixth mass extinction of organisms experiencing the worst spate of
species at up to 1,000 times the background rate llsta
species die-offs. Scientists estimate were now losing
strikes, volcanic eruptions, and natural climate shif.
past mass extinctions, caused by events like asteroid
fact, 99% of currently threatened species are t
current crisis is almost entirely due to human activities. In
loss and introduction of exotic species. As in
result of human activities leading to global warming, habitat
species potentially leads to the extinti
ecosystem, different species interact with each other; extinction of a
mount in the coming decades.
of others. As a result, numbers of extinctions are likely to
LET US DO
the various reasons and tabulate them
All over the world, animals are hunted for various purposes. Find out
Animal Hunted for Country
S. No.
1.

2.

5.

6
7

WHY SHOULD WE CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY-VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity has enormous value for us. We not only obtain benefits from different plants and animals formsthe
t
ways; but we are also dependent on it for our cultural, economic, and environmental well-being.
backbone of our ecosystems and we depend on it for basic necessities, security, and health.
We can categorise value of biodiversity into two types.
" Direct value
" Indirect Value
ALOWERSITYAND
CONSERVATION
categorised as 4.17
can
be further represented in flow chart below. Let us
These
understand these values.
Value of Biodiversity

DirectValue
Indirect Value

Consumptive Productive
Use Social Ethical
Use Aesthetic Environment
Option Service

Valueof Biodiversity
Direct
Directvalueoff biodiversity is of two types - Consumptive use and Productive use values
Consumptiveuse
Thesearedirectuse values when the product of biodiversitycan be consumed I directly without passingthrough
include fuel, food, drugs, etc.
market. Examples
a
: Tribal people and villagers have been procuring firewood fromthe forests. The fossil fuels; such as
Fuel:
petroleum and natural gas; are also products of
coal, fossilised organisms.
Food: Human heings consume alarge number of wild plants as food; for example, asparagus, amaranth,
octard. etc. Most of the food crops cultivated today have been domesticated from
wild plants. Alarge
number of wild animals are als0 our sources of food. Fisherfolk are highly dependent on fish and other
edible aquatic animals and plants.
ene and medicines: You are aware about the medicinal value of plants. Since long,
different parts of the
lonte have been used for treatment of various diseases. Apart from that, we obtain
various antibiotics
from bacteria and fungi. Common examples are penicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, etc.
High consumptive use values of resources may lead to the following problems.
"Over-exploitation of wildlife,
"Loss of traditional controls on hunting, and
Loss of wildlifepopulations at productive levels.
Find out about the various drugs and medicines obtained from plants, bacteria and fungi. Enlist them, and write
their source and their use in our lives.

Productive use
Diodlversity can be useful to yieldproducts that are commercially sold in a market. For example,
"timber and
construction materials.
atables, such as fish, mushrooms,fruits, medicinal plants and game meat, etc.
amalproducts, ]ike elenhant tusks. musk from musk deer, silk, wool, lac, honey, etc., all of which are traded
in the market.
Scientists employ various techniques to develop resources with high productivity. Gene resources and
biProductive
otechnologyuse value is often the only value of biologicalresource reflectedin national income accounts and may
are being used for introduction of desirable traits in the crops and
domesticated animals.

have a major impact on the national economy.

4.18
ENVIRONMENTAL
Avariety of industries such as pharmaceuticals are dependent on exploration of wild plant species
industry, silk
compounds of great medicinal value. Many industries, such as paper and pulp
industry, leather industry, pearl industry, etc., are dependent upon the productive
use values
ofindustry,
Bioprospecting
Process of discovery and commercialisation of new products based on
biological resources is knoun
biodiversity.
bioprospecting or biological prospecting.
Advantages
" can generate income for developing countries.
resources and biodiversity.
" can provide incentives for the conservation of biological
medicines.
" can lead to the development of new products, such as new
Disadvantages
" environmental problems due to over-exploitation of resources.
benefit sharing.
" social and economic problems due to unfair or absence of
" disrespect for the rights, knowledge and dignity of local communities.

Indirect Value of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is enormously valuable to us in various indirect ways. Some of these are discussed hal.

Social Values
Apart from the consumption and productive use, biodiversity is used by societies in different ways, such
their social life, customs, religion and psycho-spiritual aspects of the people. You know that
" Many plants are considered holy and sacred in our country such as Tulsi (holy basil), Peepal.,
marigold, Bael, etc.
Mango, Lotus,
. We use leaves, fruits or flowers of these plants in worship and various religious ceremonies,.
" Women offer water to Tulsi,tie sacred threads around Peepal and Banyan trees for welfare of their famih
" Many animals such as cow, snake, bull, peacock, owl, etc, have significant place in our psycho-spiritual aren.
The lifestyle of the ancient people was closely interwoven with their surroundings. In many parts of the woik
communities still depend on the forests for their daily needs. Therefore, they preserve and protect the
forests for reaping different benefits.
Ethical and Moral Values
Itis based on the principle that 'all life forms have right to exist on the Earth' and the concept of Live and
let others live". Morality and ethics teach us to preserve all forms of life. Biodiversity is invaluable to us and
we should not harm any organism. Instead, we should protect all forms of life. You are aware that some people
take pleasure in the hunting of animals. Through proper education and awareness, the people's conscience
against such practices must be raised. It feels sad when we learn about disappearance of certain animals and
plants from the Earth. Can you find out about life forms which have been preserved in India over generation by
traditional practices?
Aesthetic Value
Biodiversity adds beauty to our planet providing some of the most complex and fascinating landscapes.
" It is important for tourist attraction as people go far off places to enjoy the natural surroundings and wildl.
Eco-tourism has become a major source of income in many countries nowadays by designing z00l03a
parks, botanical gardens, national parks and wild life conservation, etc.
" In addition, diverse flora and fauna are an integral part of our traditions andculture adding to the aesthe
value of the place. For example, wildlife symbols of lion as vehicle for Goddess Durga; elephant for Lord Gaite
andmouse as Lord's vehicle are in use since long. Tulsi is a common sacred plant in India.
" Some species also have heritage values and also as national symbols; such as lotus.
Biodiversity is important in spiritual development of humans too. It helps humans to get closer to i
which has brought development of civilisation, arts and aesthetics.
AODIVERSITYAND,
CONSERVATION 4.19

Dption
Value
includethe
possible use of biodiversity in future. These include the properties which may be
valuesneed future
Ontion and Ato be explored. Further, we may not know which organism will have more demandin
ynknown
tobe
an effective option. Thus, option value keeps future possibilities open for use of biodiversity.
prove
Fnvironmental
and Value
environmentalvalue of biodiversity can be recognised in terms of the ecosystem services;
fixation,
The examples of ecosystem serViCes are control of soil erosion, prevention of floods, nitrogen
threat
few soil
maintenanceof
A fertility, cycling of water and nutrients, pollutant absorption and reduction of the
warming,etc.
ofglobal by-product
thatforests regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by releasing OxYgen as a
know
You photosynthesis,and control rainfall and soil erosion.
during nutrients
.Wetlands
purify water by catching hold of water-carriedsediments and breaking down arange of
andpollutants.
animals in
Wetlands also
act as spawning and nursery grounds for some fish and provide a refuge for
timesofdrought.

Conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles

serious threats due to human activities across their migratory route, habitat and nesting
beaches.
Olive-ridleystace
turtle unfriendly fishing practices, development and exploitation of nesting beaches for
practices include
Such banned in India,
tourist centres. Though international trade in these turtles and their products is
ports,and market around
stillextensively poached for their meat, shell, leather and eggs have asignificantly large
they are turtles through
coastal regions. However, the most severe threat they face is the accidental killing of adult
the around nesting
entanglement in trawl nets and gill nets due to uncontrolled fishing during their mating season
beaches.
mandatory for trawls to use
In order reduce accidental killing in India, the Odisha government has made it
cover which allows the turtles to escape while
Tortle Fxcluder Devices (TEDS), a net specially designed with an exit
this measure as they believe TEDS result in loss
rataining the catch. The fishing Communities have strongly opposed
WWE-India, along with its partners, disproved this theory
of ronsiderable amount of the catch along with the turtle.
revealing the loss to be a very small percentage
conducting a study to measure the loss of catch through TEDS,
the fishing communities, is slowly helping to change
of the total catch. This result, along with regular meetings with
the conservation of Olive ridley turtles.
their mindset and encourage use of TEDS, thereby aiding
https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/lesser_ known_species/olive_ridley_turtle/?
Source:
CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
forests and
loss of biodiversity. To deal with the crisis, the
There are many other activities that cause immense
wildlife must be maintained, preserved and conserved.
resources in their natural environment, without
Conservation of forests and wildlife means to protect these
disturbing them in any way.
rules or regulations for the conservation? What are
How can this be done? Has our government implemented any
disappearing species? We will study about all these aspects
the various steps that have been taken to protect the
as we proceed.
extinction of species. Some plants and animals have already
YOuare now familiar with the basicreasons for the
danger of extinction. The species that are particularly
Decome extinct and there are many others facing the
Susceptible to extinction haye certain characteristics.
These are:
large body size,
Smallpopulation size, and
" low
reproductive rate.
4.20

Interest in protectingthe world's plant and animal species has intensified

during the last
FNVIRONMENTAL STUN
twenty-five
studied that both scientists and general public have realised that we are living in times
mass extinction.
years.Yo
of unprecedente

KEYSTONE, INDICATOR, UMBRELLA AND FLAGSHIP SPECIES

In conservation biology, a variety of different species, such as keystone, indicator, umbrella arnd
species, are important because they help in regulating the ecosystem.
agsi,
Keystone species
Species that have a strong influence in the ecosystem despite not being the most dominant in
" Play essential role in the structure, functioning or productivity of ahabitat or ecosystem at a defined abundanc.
Disappearance of such species may lead to significant ecosystem change or dysfunction.
Examples include the elephant's role in maintaining habitat structure, and role of bats and
pollination. insects in
Indicator species
" Species that react quickly to changes in the ecosystem.
" Can be used by scientists to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
" Examples include crayfish as indicators of freshwater quality; corals as indicators of marine processes surt
as siltation, seawater rise and sea temperature fluctuation; peregrine falcons as indicators of pesticide Joad.
or native plants as indicators for the presence and impact of alien species.

Umbrella species
" Species that have large territories.
Selected for making conservation-related decisions.
" By protecting these species, many other species that make up the
ecological community of its habitat, can
be protected indirectly.

Flagship species
" An ambassador, icon or symbol for an
environmental concern.
Focusing on the conservation of this species, the status of many other species
which share its habitat- or
are vulnerable to the same threats may also be
inproved.
" For example, polar bears being the
flagship species for climate change.

ECOLOGICAL FOCUS

Keystone Indicator
Influences between
surrogate groups
Level of Importance of charisma.
from naught to essential
Ublella4 Flagship
CONSERVATION FOCUS

Flg. 4.6: Relatlonship between Four Types of

Species in Conservation Biology
 tstatsr.ateThgiese svdatIena-Sliotu n basic. preventThe aim istoactivties gen ral,n Thus, edtosuch ass
ens,. Ei-situvatEr-Siotun ReservehsabiConser
gardConser conserving. ING CBODNERSITEYRVATIOAND
akortuBnioatdelvyersEitAyRMARKin
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cLeaarAreas
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Sared Sacred
ianaged
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us Terrestrial

standThese s,hiodiversity trategies ther , saneisrious

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study

Examplesthrough about
consersveedation Reserves. Foreinclude that
are
Protected
Network
Area banks of
Sanctuaries
Biodiversity
hotspots Biosphere
Reserves
National
Wildlife Parks

conservation
strategY
In-situ legal
areas
few
a Biosphere
reserves
In-situ and
implies
an
biodiversity
with
endangered is
causing
of neednollution,
PROTECTED
measure
of of of geneStrategies extensiveStrategiesthe to biodiversity
decline warming,such
of
protected means land these the conservation prevent for asbiological
banks. conservation.
in globalbiodiversity
toxiC AREAS
and seaor in
Fig. Marine Sanctuaries
Wildlife conservation conservation
biodiversity.
species
National
Parks system
areas specially
have detail. 4.7: further rerersto Wastes diversIty
Basic of FOR
been Conservation
Biodiversity of from
are protected living destruction of
Strategies human and our
ofCONSERVATION
Nationaldedicated
set
up
outside
organisms extinction. our0zone planet
Industrial has
species
of
within of biodiversity.
efforts
the areas layer
Parks, to Biodiversity or
the the gardens
HomeSacred degradation The to on
Plants natural through
such expansion, Thideclined
s the
Number protection
legal correct, depletion
Wildlife Conservation as most Earth, OF
framework habitats. National their
available reverse, BIODIVERSITY
markedlv.
and effective and and
4 543 104 18 maintenance of
maintenance Cryopreservationbanks
gene
Field natural their
banks
Seed
These
Parks, prevent natural rapid
in of Ex-situ and mainly
interactions
India Indian
decline
and include Sanctuaries, habitats.
efficient or resource due
Wildlife of within put
Biosphere
biodiversity. in to
Zoological
gardensBotanical
gardens an biodiversityhuman
zoos, natural
their mechanism
There endexhaustion. and
(Protection) Aquaria Arborata Biosphere
botanical to behaviour
Reserves. are those practices
These two tor 4.21
nas
 4.22

National Parks
ENVIRONMENTAL STUOIES
ANational Park is alarge area dedicated to conserve the environment, natural resources and
therein. In a national park, the
" private rights are non-existent.
wildlife
forestry operations, grazing of animals, fishing and hunting of animals are prohibited.
" the visitors are allowed to enter only for study, cultural and recreative purposes.
" the exploitation of habitat or wildlife is banned.
India has 104 national parks. Some of the more important National Parks, their locations and
are given in Table below. animals Conserved
Table 4.8: A Few National Parks of India

S. No. National park City, State Animals conserved

1. Kanha Mandla, Madhya Pradesh Tiger, chital, sambar, sloth bear, barasingha.
2 Corbett Nainital, Uttarakhand Tiger, panther, elephant, deer, python antelope
3. Simlipal
Tiger, leopard, sambar, bison, elephant, chital. wil
Mayurbhanj, Odisha boar.
4 Gir Junagarh, Gujarat Asiatic lion, panther, hyena, chinkara.
5. Bandipur Mysore, Karnataka Elephant, tiger, jackal, gaur.
6 Ranthambore Tiger, leopard, hyena, nilgai, green pigeon, macaque.
Sawai-Madhopur, Rajasthan
7 Kaziranga Jorhat, Assam Rhinoceros, wild buffalo, elephant, tiger.
8. Dachigam Srinagar, J&K Ibex goat, black bear, golden eagle, hangul
9 Sariska Alwar, Rajasthan Tiger, jungle cat, hyena, chital, chinkara
10. Manas Barpeta, Assam Elephants, tiger, gaur, golden langur, rhinoceros.
11. Periyar Idukki, Kerala Elephant, barking deer, gaur, sambar.

The earliest national parks in the world are:

" Yellowstone National Park in the US.
" Royal National Park in Australia.
In India, the Jim Corbett National Park was the first one to be
established. At present India has 647 protected areas
(104 national parks and 543 wildlife sanctuaries).

Wildlife Sanctuaries
A Wildlife Sanctuary is similar to a National Park.
However, it aims only at conservation of the species. The
Wildlife Sanctuaries have the following features:
" The boundaries of the sanctuaries are not
limited by state legislation.
" It is a protected area for the protection of wild
animals in their natural habitat.
" No human activity is allowed which disturbs the
wildlife or their habitat.
" Cultivation of land and building houses is not allowed.
" Awildlife sanctuary is not for recreation and enjoyment of the public. It does not allow easy access to u
visitors.

The killing, hunting or capturing of any species is prohibited except by or under the
authority in the department which is responsible for the management of the control of the highes
sanctuary.
BIODVERSIY,
ANDCONSERVATION 4.23
ownershipmaybe allowed tocontinue in a
,Private
or
Forestry other1cages
and
sanctuary.
can also be permitted but to the
extent that they do not affect wildlife adversely.
wildlif
543 canctuaries spread over different types of terrain and conditions. Some of the
majorhas
India ones arelistedin Table below along with their locations and the animalsclimatic
conserved.

Table 4.9: AFew Wildlite

Sanctuaries of India
Wildlife State Animals conserved
SNo. sanctuary

Chinnar
Kerala Panther, spotted Deer, Indian elephant, tiger and nilgiri tahr.
1
Dandeli Karnataka Black panther, flying squirrel, tiger, elephant and leopard.
2.
Bhagwan Goa Gdur, sambar, leopard, spotted deer, slender toris, jungle cat, Malayan
3 Mahavir giant squirrel, python and cobra.
Debrigarh Odisha Leopard, sambar, bison, hyena and chital.
4
Karnataka
5
Bhadra Buffalo, gaur, leopard, elephant, tiger, sambar, boar, chital and deer.
Mudumalai Tamil Nadu Elephant, gaur, flying squirrel and sambar.
6

Jaldapara West Bengal Rhinoceros, elephant, Indian bison and a variety of birds.
7

BiosphereReserves
Biosphere reserves are areas dedicated for preservation of
olture and traditional lifestyle of the tribal people of the area,
biodiversity of the region,
genetic resources of plants and animals, and
" natural ecosystems in the area.
that consists of
It may contain other protected areas in it too, such as the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
one national park and two wildlife sanctuaries. Till date, there are 18 biosphere reserves in India. In a
biosphere reserve,cultivation of land and building houses is permitted in the peripheral areas. In all of them the
economic activity of the people and protection of biodiversity region are managed. Commercial exploitation of
natural resources is not permitted. However, tourism is allowed in the peripheral areas of the reserves.
More important Biosphere Reserves are:
1. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal.
3. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
Karnataka.
t. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve at the Junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and
5. Kaziranga Biosphere Reserve in Assam.
0. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve in Andaman and Nicobar.
7. Kanha Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
8. Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Have a talk with the Managing
YISIt any National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary along with your teacher or parents.
covered or under protection, names of different
Omicer and tryto get the following information: the total area
animals that are under protection, total population of each protected animal and various protective measures
taken to conserve the animals.
 4.24

Sacred Groves ENVIRONMENTAL

These are tracts of forest around place of worships that carry religious importance for specific
set aside, where all the trees and wildlife within the tract are recognised, respected and given
Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
cultottualres. They are
Sacred groves exhibit rich diversity, which has been protected by the local people for centuries
and religious beliefs and taboos that the deities reside in them and protect the villagers from for
protection
their cultura
Every sacred grove carries its own legends, lore, and myths which form the integral part of thedif erent
inextricable link between present society and past in terms of biodiversity, culture, religious and
exists in sacred groves.
sacred calamities
ethnicgrove. An
Such sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of
Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of RajMadhya
asthan,
heritage
In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for alarge number of rare and threatened plant
" Sacred groves act as an ideal centre for biodiversity conservation. PrWeadestsehrn
" Several plants and animals that arethreatened the forest are still well conserved in Some of the
" Several medicinal plants that are not to be found in the forest are abundant in the sacred groves sacred groves
" Further, rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species are often concentrated in sacred groues
" The sacredness, religious beliefs and taboos play a significant role in promoting sustainable utilisat:
conservation of flora and fauna of the region.
(Source:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228506780_The_sacred_groves_and_their
conserving_biodiversity_an_overview). significance in
EX-SITU CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
Zoological Gardens
Zoological gardens or parks and zoos are places where the wild animals are kept in a protected
environrm.
under human care for public display. As far as possible, all the animals in a zoo are provided with the
similar to their natural habitats. The aim is to enable us to learn about their behaviour and food condite
habits
In India, there are 169 zoos. The Central Zoo Authority of India
provides financial
approves donations of animals, both domestic and foreign, for breeding programmes.assistance to zoos and also
6AcTIVITY
Visit a zoological park in your city. You will find various animals kept under
boards throughout the zoo providing information about each animal, its protection. You will also find display
food, habitat, etc. Note down this
information and make a report. Paste a photograph of each animal. Find out more
animals and prepare a Comprehensive booklet. information about these

BotanicalGardens
Botanical gardens have collections of living plants for reference. Plant
purposes and each of these plants is labelled to indicate its scientific name, species
common
are grown for identiicaton
Afamous botanical garden of India is the Indian name and vernacular name.
Botanical Garden situated at Howrah (Kolkata).
National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) located at Lucknow (U.P.) also has a
large collection of plants.
Botanícal Survey of India (BSI) publishes the Green Book that enlists rare, endangered and
species growing in the botanical gardens of the country. endemic pla.
Gene Banks
Gene banks are created to conserve plants by preserving its germplasm so that it can be
Afew important gene bank facilities established in India are as
used if needed in utu
follows.
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) is located in New Delhi. It
preserves the seeds, po
etc., of agricultural crops, horticultural crops and their wild relatives; in liquid nitrogen at a
as-196°C (cryopreservation). The technique maintains the viability of seeds tobe used in temperaturefuture.
as
National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR) conserves the varieties of crop planty*
by tissue culture.
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) located at Karnal, Haryana; preserves thesemeno
domesticated bovine animals.
BODIVERSIIYA
AND CONSERVATION
4.25
SpeciesReintroduction

reintroductionic the
deliberate release of captive species into the wild or other areas where the organism
Soecies survival
capableof
s reintroducedspecies are typically threatened or endangered in the wild.
I
,establisha healthv geneticaly diverse and self-sustaining population inThean process helpsthese
area where to species
The
or eradicated
beendestroyed (reestablishment), or
anexisting population.
have
augment
Sometimes species are
reintroduced in area for control of certain pests. For example, wolves are
reintroduced
However, ina wild area to control the overpopulation of deer. Humans have been reintroducing species
and food for thousands of years but practice of
forpest
control
century.
reintroducing for conservation has started only
20th
inthe
SpeciesTranslocation

Translocationis the capture and transport ot specis from one location to another: followed by its release and
introduction,

Translocationis an effective management strategy. It decreases the risk of extinction by increasing the range
augmenting the numbers in a critical population, or establishing new populations thus reducing
the species,
ofarisk of extinction. This improves the level of biodiversity in the ecosystem.
Translocation may be expensive and is often subject to public scrutiny, particularly when the species involved
is
perceived.as dangerous (for example wolf). Translocation as a tool is used to reduce the risk of
charismaticor
catastropheto a species with asingle population,toimprove genetic heterogeneity of separated
populations
a barriers might prevent it
species, to | the natural recovery of a species or re-establish a species where
aid
of a doing so naturally. It is also used to move ecological features out of the way of development.
from
raral critically endangered plant species in the South-western and Western Australia have either been
Considered for translocation or trialled. Grevillea scapigera is one such case, threatened by rabbits, dieback
and degraded habitat.
Table 4.10: Difference between In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation

In-situ Conservation Ex-situ Conservation

S. No.
Conservation and protection of biodiversity in Conservation and protection of biodiversity outside
1 their natural habitat.
natural habitat.
Helps in recovering populations and develop their Helps in recovering populations to prevent their
2. distinctive features. extinction.
Examples: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Examples: Botanical gardens, Zoological gardens,
3 Gene banks, etc.
Biosphere Reserves

Convention on Biological Diversity

was opened for
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), commonly known as the Biodiversity Convention
1992. It came into force on 29 December 1993. The
signature at 'the Earth Summit' in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June
the conservation and sustainable use of
prime objective of the convention is to develop national strategies for
sustainable development. Three main goals of
biological diversity. It is often seen as the key document regarding
the convention were:
"the conservation of biological diversity;
" the sustainable use of its components; and
he tair andequitable sharingof benefits arising from genetic resources.
South Africa. A total of
ne World Summit on Sustainable Development was held In 2002 In Johannesburg,biodiversity loss at global,.
U COuntries pledged their commitment to significantly reduce the current rate of
Biological
egional and local levels by 2010, At the 10th Conference of Partles (COP) to the Convention on sharing of
Protocol was adopted for the fair and equitable
esity in October, 2010 in Nagoya, Japan,the Nagoya conservation and sustainable
veneits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources, thereby contributing to the
use of biodiversity.