Phyto-geographical Regions of India

What is Biodiversity

• Biodiversity combines "bio" (life) and "diversity," representing the variety of living organisms across ecosystems.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity was established in 1992 during the Rio Earth Summit.
• India ranks 10th globally in plant richness, 11th in endemic higher vertebrates, and 6th in agricultural crop diversity.

Levels of Biodiversity

• Genetic Diversity: Variations within the genes of the same species, leading to different varieties (e.g., rice, mangoes).
• Species Diversity: Variation among species within a specific area (e.g., horses distinct from donkeys).
• Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of habitats and life forms within them, encompassing different ecosystems within geographical boundaries.

Values of Biodiversity

• Productive Value: Various products are sourced from organisms, including silk from silkworms and wool from sheep.

Hot Spots of Biodiversity

• Major biodiversity hotspots in India include:
  • Western Ghats
  • Eastern Himalayas
  • Indo-Burma region
  • Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)

Endangered Species

• Species close to extinction are classified as endangered (e.g., red panda, Gir lion, Gharial, Great Indian bustard).

Vulnerable Species

• Vulnerable species are likely to become endangered without improved circumstances (e.g., Sarus crane, Nilgiri Langur, Barasingha).

Rare Species

• Rare species are uncommon or infrequently encountered and not classified as endangered but are "at risk."

Red Data Book

• A document by IUCN that catalogs rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including local species.

Endangered Black Buck

• Also known as kala hiran, previously widespread in India but now limited to parts of Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan due to poaching and habitat loss.

Endemic Species

• Species native to a particular region, with limited distribution (e.g., True Cardamom, One-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger).

EDGE Species

• Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species have unique evolutionary histories and few close relatives (e.g., Asian elephants, red pandas).

Ex-situ Conservation

• Botanical Gardens: Preserve rare and endangered plant species and promote research and sustainable development.
• Tissue Culture Technique: Asexual propagation method using plant cells in sterile conditions to conserve genetic material.
• DNA Technology: Uses DNA conservation methods for biodiversity preservation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ex-situ Conservation

• Advantages:
  • Complete protection from predation and poaching.
  • Extended survival rates and possible hybrid breeding.
  • Improved offspring quality through genetic techniques.
• Disadvantages:
  • Abnormal behavior in animals can complicate reproduction.

Man-Wildlife Conflict

• Conflicts arise when wildlife threatens human safety and damages property, complicating conservation efforts.

Phyto-geographical Regions of India

• India categorized into regions based on flora:
  • Western Himalayas
  • Eastern Himalayas
  • Western Deserts
  • Gangetic Plains
  • Central India
  • Western Coast
  • Deccan Plateau
  • North-East India
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Zoo-geographical Regions of India

• India divided into regions based on fauna:
  • Himalayan Region
  • Malabar Region
  • Nilgiri Region
  • Northern Plains
  • Desert Lands
  • Deccan Plateau Region

India: A Mega-diversity Nation

• Recognized as one of 18 mega-diverse countries by Conservation International in 1998.
• Key fields of diversity in India include geographical, climatic, habitat, cultural, and biodiversity.

This quiz explores the various phyto-geographical regions of India, highlighting their unique flora. Participants will learn about regions such as the Western and Eastern Himalayas, Western Deserts, Gangetic Plains, and more. Understanding these regions is essential for biodiversity study and environmental science.