Dr Rommila Chandra, Assistant Professor, SENR, Doon University
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is defined as:
“the variety and variability of all
animals, plants and micro-
organisms and the ecological
complexes of which they are a
part”.
The term biodiversity was coined
by W.G. Rosen (1985).
LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY
Genetic Diversity Species Diversity Ecological Diversity
1. Genetic diversity : It refers the presence of diverse genes in a particular
species.
2. Species Diversity: It refers to variety of species belonging to a genus or
different genera within a given region.
3. Ecological or ecosystem diversity: It refers to variation in ecosystems
within a geographical location of a given area.
Value of Biodiversity
Consumptive Use Value: These are direct use
values where the biodiversity product can be Penicillin used as an
01
harvested and consumed directly, e.g. fuel, food, antibiotic is derived from a
drugs, fibre etc. fungus called Penicillium.
Quinine, the cure for
Productive use values: These are the commercially malaria is obtained from
02 usable values where the product is marketed and the bark of Cinchona tree.
sold. E.g. silk from silk-worm, wool from sheep, Digitalin is obtained from
paper and pulp industry, etc.
foxglove (Digitalis) which
is an effective cure for
Social Value: These are the values associated with heart ailments.
the social life, customs, religion and psycho-
03
spiritual aspects of the people. E.g. Tulsi (holy
basil), peepul, cow, snake.
Value of Biodiversity
Ethical value: It is also sometimes known as
existence value. It involves ethical issues like all
04 life must be preserved. It is based on the 07
concept of Live and Let Live. Ecosystem service values
Oxygen
Water Security
Aesthetic value: People from far and wide spend
a lot of time and money to visit wilderness areas Food Security
05 where they can enjoy the aesthetic value of Maintenance of Soil Fertility
biodiversity (eco-tourism). Climate Regulation
Option values: These values include the potentials
of biodiversity that are presently unknown and
06
need to be explored.
Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is
both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is
threatened with destruction. The term was coined
Norman Myers in 1988.
There are major four biodiversity hotspots in India:
1. The Himalayas - comprises North-East India, Bhutan,
Central and Eastern parts of Nepal.
2. Indo-Burma Region - parts of northeastern India,
Bangladesh, and Malaysia
3. The Western Ghats
4. Sundaland - lies in South-East Asia and covers
Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia.
Threats to Biodiversity
1. Population Explosion
2. Over exploitation of resources
3. Pollution
4. Habitat loss, fragmentation and
destruction
5. Encroachment and poaching of wild
animals
6. Biological invasions
7. Climate change
8. Natural disasters
In situ Ex situ Conventions
Protecting the Protecting the International
endangered species endangered species collaborations,
of plants and of plants or animals meetings, and
animals in their by removing them summits.
natural habitat. from the unsafe or
threatened habitat
and placing under
human care.
IN SITU CONSERVATION APPROACH
1. Biosphere Reserves
2. National Park
3. Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Conservation Reserver
5. Community Reserve
6. Marine Protected Area
Questions:
1. How many protected areas
(biosphere reserve, national
park, wildlife sanctuary,
conservation reserve,
community reserve) are there
in Uttarakhand?
2. Name and location of all the
protected areas (biosphere
reserve, national park, wildlife
sanctuary, conservation
reserve, community reserve).
EX SITU CONSERVATION APPROACH
Botanical gardens, zoological parks and arboretum are the
conventional methods of ex situ conservation.
Cryopreservation is a method of conservation by storage of
live cells, tissues and other biological sample at ultra low
temperatures for a very long period; gametes of threatened
species can be preserved in viable and fertile condition for
long periods using this technique.
Plants are propagated using tissue culture method
(micropropagation).
Seeds of many different genetic strains of commercially
important plants are kept viable for long periods in seed
banks.
Conventions
related to
Biological Diversity
1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992
The objectives of the CBD are the conservation of biological diversity,
the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits arising from commercial and other utilization of genetic
resources.
2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1975
The CITES aims to ensure that international trade in
specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten
their survival.
3. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species of Wild Animals (CMS), 1979
The CMS, or the Bonn Convention aims to conserve
terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout
their range.
4. Convention on Wetlands (popularly known as the Ramsar
Convention), 1971
It provides the framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and
their resources.
5. World Heritage Convention (WHC), 1972
The primary mission of the WHC is to identify and conserve the
world's cultural and natural heritage, by drawing up a list of sites
whose outstanding values should be preserved for all humanity
and to ensure their protection through a closer co-operation
among nations.
