* Definition: Biodiversity was first defined in 1987.

It refers to the variety,

heterogeneity, and ecological complexity found among living organisms on Earth.
Biodiversity is the result of the continuous biological process of evolution that
has been active for billions of years. Biodiversity is the foundation of life.

Levels of Biodiversity
* Biodiversity is three-tiered.
* The three levels at which it is classified are:
* Genetic Diversity
* Species Diversity
* Ecosystem Diversity

The following methods are used for measurement:

* Alpha Diversity: The total number of species present in a community or ecosystem
within a specific area is referred to as alpha diversity. This diversity indicates
the total number of species in a community within an ecosystem and the biodiversity
in different regions.

* Beta Diversity: After knowing the number of species, their structural

identification is done. The structural diversity of species present in a particular
region is termed Beta Diversity.
* Gamma Diversity: The interrelationship between diverse species present in a
particular geographical area is called Gamma Diversity.

Global Biodiversity

Biodiversity is generally higher in lower latitudes than in higher latitudes. In

mountainous areas, biodiversity is generally higher in lower altitudes (valleys)
than in higher altitudes (peaks).
* Biodiversity is richest in tropical rainforests because, due to favorable
conditions, animals, living beings, and plants have developed so much that it is
called a storehouse of biodiversity.

Tropical rainforest areas are spread over 13 percent of the world's land area. But
more than 50 percent of the world's known species are present here.

* Coral Reefs: Coral reefs have a huge amount of biodiversity. Coral reefs are
referred to by the epithet 'Rain Forest of the Oceans'. The world's largest coral
reef is in Australia. Coral reefs create an ideal ecosystem for organisms. It is
known as a coral colony.

* Wetlands: The transitional area between water and land is called a wetland The
Gulf of Kutch and tidal mangroves are major examples of freshwater wetlands, in
which more biodiversity is found.
The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove, which has an abundance of Sundari
trees. In fact, a mangrove refers to a tree that lives submerged and nourishes and
grows in a saline environment.
* The Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean is famous for a special species of
seaweed called Sargassum.

Services of Biodiversity
* These services can be divided into three categories:
(i) Productive Services: Clean water, food and fodder, medicinal plants and
herbs and medicines, timber products, and sources of future resources, etc., come
under the productive services of biodiversity.
(ii) Ecological or Regulatory Services: These types of services include -
controlling climate change, conserving water sources, nutrient storage and cycling,
soil formation and conservation, controlling pollution, and maintaining ecological
balance, etc.
 (iii) Social or Cultural Services: The following services are included in this
category; namely, research and teaching work, recreation and tourism, spiritual
values, etc.
Causes of Biodiversity Loss
* Biodiversity is the foundation of human life. Due to the increasing population
and the blind race of development, the biotic and abiotic pressures on our
ecosystem are continuously increasing, due to which biodiversity is being lost. The
most serious form of biodiversity loss is the extinction of species.

Sensitive Biodiversity Sites (Hot Spots)

* India's Eastern Himalayan region and Western Ghats fall under hotspots. The
Eastern Himalayan region extends to Northeast India, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
* Western Ghats - The Western Ghats, identified as a hotspot, are spread over
approximately 1600 sq km parallel to the Indian peninsula. It extends to Sri Lanka.
It includes the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In
Kerala, the Agasthyamalai hills, Silent Valley, and Amambalam Reserve are major
biodiversity areas.

Red Data Book

* At the global level, the "International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources" (IUCN) is an organization that works towards biodiversity
conservation, rare species conservation, and natural resource protection. Its
headquarters are in Switzerland. The organization has been publishing Red Data
Books on animals and plants since 1969. The book publishes information about
animals and plants whose existence is currently endangered or may be endangered in
the future. Critically Threatened organisms are shown on pink pages in the book,
and as soon as an organism sufficiently increases in number, it is transferred to
green pages.
* The "International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources" has
established the following conservation categories:

* Extinct (EX): For example, the Dodo bird, which was once found in Mauritius,
and the African Quagga are extinct.

* Extinct in Wild (EW): species whose some members are available in botanical
gardens and zoos, but they have completely disappeared from their natural habitats.
The black soft-shelled turtle falls into this category.

* Critically Endangered (CR): may become extinct rapidly in the coming days.

* Endangered (EN): may become extinct in the coming days, but the threat of their
extinction is not as high.

* Vulnerable (VU): those that are not currently in danger, but if appropriate
conservation measures are not taken in time, they may become extinct after a long
period.

* Lower Risk
* Data Deficient
* Not Evaluated

Biodiversity Conservation
* Biodiversity conservation can be classified into two categories:
(1) In-situ conservation
(2) Ex-situ conservation
* In-situ Conservation: When animal and plant species are protected in their
habitat, it is called in-situ conservation.
* This includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community and Conservation
Reserves, Sacred Groves, Marine Protected Areas, and Biosphere Reserves. Here,
plants and animals are conserved in their natural habitats. Botanical gardens are
not included under the in-situ method.
* National Park:
* Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), established in 1936, is India's first National Park.
It was previously known as Hailey.
* India's largest National Park is Hemis (Jammu & Kashmir-Leh).
* The smallest National Park is South Button Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
* Keibul Lamjao (Manipur) is the world's only floating National Park.
* Gir Forest (Gujarat) is famous for Asiatic lions.
* Jaldapara (West Bengal) and Kaziranga (Assam) are known for the one-horned
rhinoceros.
* The highest number of tigers are found in Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh).
* Dachigam (Jammu & Kashmir) is the only area where the Kashmiri Stag (Hangul) is
found.
* Keoladeo (Rajasthan) is the wintering ground for the migratory Siberian Crane.
* As of December 2021, there were a total of 106 National Parks in India.

Wildlife Sanctuaries
* They are specific species-based protected areas. Hunting is prohibited in
sanctuaries without permission, but grazing and animal movement are regular. Human
activities (tourism, etc.) are allowed in sanctuaries. The declaration of Wildlife
Sanctuaries, like National Parks, is also done by the state government. As of
December 2021, there are a total of 564 "Wildlife Sanctuaries" in India.
* The highest number of Wildlife Sanctuaries are in the Union Territory of Andaman
and Nicobar Islands (96) and the state of Maharashtra (48).
* In India, based on area, the largest Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kutch Desert
(7506.22 sq km) in Gujarat, and the smallest is Pitti and Goose Island (0.01 sq km)
in Lakshadweep.

In 2002, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was amended to include "Conservation
Reserves" and "Community Reserves." This ensures the conservation of wildlife
without diminishing the rights of communities. The declaration of Community
Reserves is done by the state government. Its purpose is to conserve traditions and
cultural values along with animals and plants.
India's first Conservation Reserve was opened in the "Tirunelveli" area of Tamil
Nadu through the efforts of the village community. Currently, the total number of
Conservation Reserve areas in India is 99 (as of December 2021).
Indian Biosphere Reserves
//CHART BOOK //

Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

*
* Its objective is to conserve the natural marine ecosystem in its original form.
* India has a total of 131 national parks and sanctuaries, which are included
under Marine Protected Areas (MPA). The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, located
in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is India's first marine national park.
* Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha (Kendrapara) is famous for the
breeding and migration of Olive Ridley turtles. It is India's second largest marine
protected area in terms of area.
* the establishment of India's first 'Dugong Conservation Reserve' in the Gulf of
Mannar and Palk Bay. The dugong is an endangered marine mammal, also known as the
Sea Cow.

Biosphere Reserve
* Biosphere Reserve areas are representative areas of natural and cultural
landscapes, spread over marine and terrestrial areas. This area includes all
ecosystems, aquatic, terrestrial, and coastal.
* The United Nations (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme has four main
mottos:
* (a) Conservation
* (b) Research
* (c) Education
* (d) Involvement of local people
* The main objectives of biosphere reserves are as follows:
* To conserve various components of the ecosystem.
* To conserve genetic diversity in situ.
* To promote theoretical and practical research.
* To expand education and training.
* To strengthen international cooperation.
* The 'Man and Biosphere' (MAB) program by UNESCO as an intergovernmental
scientific program. Its objective is to provide a scientific basis for improving
the relationship between humans and the environment.

* Currently, out of India's total 18 biosphere reserves, 12 biosphere reserves

have been included in the UNESCO list. The Panna Biosphere Reserve is the latest
(12th) biosphere reserve to be included in this list.

Structure of Biosphere Reserve

* The area reserved for a biosphere reserve is divided into three zones:
* Core Zone: This is the most important internal part of the biosphere reserve.
It contains suitable habitats for endemic and biodiversity-rich plant and animal
species. No human activities are permitted in this zone.

* Buffer Zone: Research, environmental education, training, tourism, or

management-related activities can be carried out in this zone.

* Transition Zone: The boundary of this zone is not secure. The main function of
this zone is related to development work and plans.

Biosphere Reserves of India

As of December 2020, this includes a total of 104 national parks, 566 wildlife
sanctuaries, 18 biosphere reserves, 51 tiger reserves, and 32 elephant reserves in
India.
* The first such biosphere reserve in India was established in the Nilgiri region
in 1986.
* So far, a total of 18 biosphere reserves have been declared in the country. The
latest biosphere reserve in India is Panna (Madhya Pradesh), which was established
in 2011.
* The largest biosphere reserve in the country in terms of area (12,454 sq km) is
the 'Rann of Kutch' (Gujarat). The second largest is the 'Gulf of Mannar' (10,500
sq km).
* Out of India's 18 biosphere reserves, 12 have been included in the World Network
of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.
//chart//

Biodiversity Park
* A Biodiversity Park is a unique land area developed for the conservation of the
ecological, cultural, and educational interests of urban society, which has the
following characteristics:
* Center for the conservation of urban natural heritage.
* Center for enhancing the quality of the urban environment.
* Promoting ecotourism by connecting the urban population with biodiversity.
* Providing livelihood opportunities to local communities while conserving rare
species of the region.
* India's first biodiversity park is the 'Aravali Biodiversity Park' (OECM)
located in 'Gurugram', Haryana.
Ex-situ Conservation
* When living organisms and plant species are conserved in places other than their
natural habitats, it is called ex-situ conservation.
Methods of Ex-situ Conservation

* The following methods are used under this:

* (A) Seed Bank: Important agricultural species and improved seeds are conserved
under this.
* (B) Gene Bank: Genetic materials of various plant and animal species are
collected and conserved under this. In India, the 'National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources (NBPGR)' located in New Delhi, conserves the genetic materials of crops
and plants.
* The 'National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources' in Karnal (Haryana)
conserves the genetic materials of domestic animals.
* The 'National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources' in Lucknow conserves the
genetic materials of fish.
* (C) Cryopreservation: Cells, tissues, organs, seeds, and genetic materials are
stored at extremely low temperatures (-196°C) in liquid nitrogen, which inhibits
metabolic activity. This technique is used for seed conservation and maintaining
the functionality of other genetic materials for a long period.
* (D) Botanical Garden: A botanical garden is a type of artificial garden where
endangered and unique species of native and exotic plants, which are important from
the perspective of biodiversity and the environment, are collected.
* (E) Zoo (Chidiaghar): Large and biodiversity-important animals are protected
here. The 'Central Zoo Authority (CZA)' is responsible for its maintenance, which
was established under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. India's largest
zoo is the Zoological Garden Alipore, located in Kolkata.

Wildlife Conservation Projects

Project Tiger
* The Tiger Project was launched on April 1, 1973, from Jim Corbett National Park
in Uttarakhand, India, under the leadership of Tiger Man of India, the late Kailash
Sankhala (Jodhpur, Rajasthan). It is the world's largest project in terms of
wildlife conservation. The aim of this project is to stop the declining tiger
population and increase their numbers to maintain ecological balance.
* Recently, 'Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary' located in Rajasthan has been declared
as India's 52nd 'Tiger Reserve'.
* The country's largest tiger reserve is 'Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Sanctuary'
(3,296 sq km, Andhra Pradesh).
* Currently, there are 53 tiger reserve areas in India, where the Project Tiger
scheme is being implemented.
* Madhya Pradesh in India is known as the Tiger State because it has about one-
third of the country's total tiger population and 8 tiger reserves.
* Nandan Kanan in Odisha is famous for rare white tigers.

Action Tigers Scheme

* Keeping in mind the continuously decreasing number of tigers, wildlife
organizations from 12 countries have launched a scheme called 'Action Tigers', in
which 12 ways have been suggested to save this endangered animal. This scheme,
which started from Sariska Sanctuary, has been implemented in all 12 countries
where tigers are found. Sariska was chosen for its launch because this wildlife
sanctuary came into the limelight due to the complete disappearance of tigers. As a
result, this matter also reached the winter session of Parliament (2007).

Vulture Conservation Project

* In view of the sharp decline in the number of vultures, the Vulture Conservation
Project has been started with the help of the Haryana Forest Department and the
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for their conservation and breeding. Most
vultures die due to the use of 'Diclofenac' (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
given to animals.

Gir Lion Project

* The 'Gir Sanctuary', famous with the epithet 'Home of Asiatic Lion', has started
the Gir Lion Project with the help of the Central Government. It was declared a
national park in 1973. This park, located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat over
an area of 1412 sq km, is now the only park where Asiatic lions are found.

Elephant Project
* The elephant is the largest mammal in the entire Asian continent. The white
substance-like part of an elephant's tusk is called ivory.
Its objective is to increase the number of elephants and relocate them to their
natural habitat.
* The state with the highest number of elephants in the country is Karnataka,
followed by Assam and then Kerala. Currently, the total number of elephant reserve
areas in the country is 32.
* the Central Government declared the elephant as the National Heritage Animal to
protect them.
* An organization working for animal rights, 'PETA' (People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals) and Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka) are collaborating
to build the country's first elephant sanctuary near Bengaluru over an area of 49.5
hectares.
* The IUCN Red List has categorized African elephants as Vulnerable and Asian
elephants as Endangered.

Project Godawan (Great Indian Bustard)

* To save the "Great Indian Bustard" bird, which is on the verge of extinction,
the Rajasthan government launched a campaign called "Project Godawan" in Jaisalmer.
Rajasthan is the first state in the country to launch such a campaign. In
Rajasthan, this bird is called "Godawan".
* The Great Indian Bustard is an indicator species of grassland habitats, and its
extinction indicates that grassland habitats are declining in India.

Crocodile Breeding Project

* Seeing the declining population of crocodiles, the Government of India, with the
help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), started the Crocodile
Breeding Scheme from Tikarpada in Odisha in 1975. Its objective was to increase the
number of saltwater crocodiles.
Major Crocodile Protected Areas of India:
* Guindy National Park - Tamil Nadu
* Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary - Rajasthan
* Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary - Odisha
* Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary - Odisha
* Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary - Odisha

World Heritage Treaty

* This treaty was implemented in 1972 with the aim of conserving environmental
sites of global importance. India signed this treaty on October 18, 1976, and gave
its approval in 1977. According to this treaty, 7 natural sites in India have been
identified as sites of special global importance.
* Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1985)
* Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan, 1985)
* Manas National Park (Assam, 1985)
* Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, 1987)
* Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand, 1988)
* Western Ghats (2012)
* Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2014)
 * Kanchenjunga National Park (Sikkim, 2016)
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
* It is an autonomous organization established in 1883 that is engaged in
conservation and biodiversity research in India.
National Animals:
* National Animal: Tiger
* National Heritage Animal: Elephant
* National Bird: Peacock
* National Aquatic Animal: Ganges River Dolphin
* National Fruit: Mango
* National Tree: Banyan
* National Flower: Lotus