Q.(a) Enlist two criteria that are used to identify a region for maximum protection as 'Biodiversity hotspots'.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Biodiversity hotspots are identified by two main criteria: a high degree of endemism (unique species) and significant habitat loss. Two such regions in India are the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.
Biodiversity hotspots are critical regions for conservation because they represent areas with exceptionally high biodiversity that are also under severe threat from human activities. The concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 to prioritize conservation efforts, focusing resources where they can have the most impact on preserving unique life forms. The underlying idea is to protect the most irreplaceable and threatened areas on Earth.
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Criteria for Identifying Biodiversity Hotspots
To be designated as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:
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High Degree of Endemism: The region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics. "Endemic" means these species are found exclusively in that particular region and nowhere else on Earth. This criterion ensures that the hotspot is a unique reservoir of life, meaning its loss would result in the global extinction of many species. It highlights the irreplaceable nature of the biodiversity present.
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Significant Habitat Loss: The region must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation. This criterion indicates that the area is under severe threat and has already experienced substantial destruction of its primary habitat. It signifies that the remaining biodiversity is highly vulnerable and requires urgent conservation intervention to prevent further loss.
ImportantBoth criteria must be met for a region to be classified as a biodiversity hotspot. It's not enough to just have many unique species; the area must also be significantly threatened.
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Biodiversity Hotspot Regions in India
India is home to a remarkable diversity of life and includes parts of four of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots. Two prominent ones entirely or partially within India are: …
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