Unit 3 Biodiversity PDF

BIODIVERSITY Dr. Dipakshi Sharma  What is Biodiversity The term biodiversity is made up of two words - bio and diversity (Variety/Variability). Variability among living organisms from all sources (including terrestrial, marine and other ecosystems) Walter G Rose...

BIODIVERSITY Dr. Dipakshi Sharma  What is Biodiversity The term biodiversity is made up of two words - bio and diversity (Variety/Variability). Variability among living organisms from all sources (including terrestrial, marine and other ecosystems) Walter G Rosen coined the term biodiversity in the year 1985 Which is a relatively new compound word of the longer version 'Biological Diversity', which was introduced by Lovejoy (1980) to express the number of species present in the community. Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) in Rio Earth Summit India with 2.4% of world land area accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 animal species. India ranks 10th among the plant rich countries of the world 11th in terms of number of endemic species of higher vertebrates 6th among the centers of diversity and origin of agricultural crops.  Country % Diversity Mega-biodiverse Brazil 1/10th of world species, 55,000 plants species, 103,870 animal species Columbia 45,000 plant species and 20% of the total global species. It also has 1,900 species of Countries birds, 2,000 species of fish and around 7,000 species of beetles United state 428 mammal species, 784 bird species, 311 reptile species, and 295 amphibian species. Till date, there are 91,000 insect species South Africa 22,000 different vascular plants which makes up about 9% of the known plant species Mega-biodiverse countries are a on Earth. group of nations that contains Philippines 100 mammal and 170 bird species found in the country are endemic Papua New Guinea 5% of the world‟s biodiversity spread over less than 1% of the Earth‟ land. more than 70% of the earth‟s bio- Malaysia 210 mammal species, 250 reptile species, 150 species of snakes, and 80 species of lizards, 150 species of frogs and thousands of insect species. diversity, identified in 1998 by The Democratic Republic of Congo Around 20% of the world‟s animal species. Conservation International (CI), to promote the awareness for Australia Greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species. Among the flora, many evergreen species, especially eucalyptus are dominant. In the animal kingdom, Kangaroo, Koala, and wombat are Australian specialty. biodiversity conservation among Indonesia 1,531 species of birds, 515 species of mammals the world nations. China Mexico 12% of the world‟s biodiversity with 200,000 different species. Venezuela More than 1,400 bird species out of which 48 are endemic, 3,900 species of fungi and over 25,000 species of Orchids. Ecuador 1,600 bird species, 16,000 species of plants and 6,000 species of butterfly Peru 21,000 species of plants and birds, out of which almost 6,000 are endemic. India 7-8% of the species of the world, 91,000 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants. Of these 12.6% of mammals, 4.5% of birds, 45.8% of reptiles, 55.8% of amphibians and 33% of Indian plants are endemic, being found nowhere else in the world. Madagascar 14000 Plant species, 90 % flora and fauna which are endemic or native and not found anywhere else on the Earth. Bio-geographic Regions of India (10)  Major biogeographic habitats of India S.No Biogeographic zone Biotic province 1 Trans-Himalayan Upper region 2 Himalayan North-west Himalayas, West Himalayas, Central Himalayas, East Himalayas 3 Desert Kutch, Thar, Ladakh 4 Semi-Arid Central India, Gujrat-Rajwara 5 Western Ghats Malabar coast, Western Ghat mountains 6 Deccan Peninsula Deccan plateau, Chhota Nagpur, Central highlands 7 Gangetic plain Upper Gangetic plain, Lower Gangetic plain 8 North-east India Brahmaputra Valley, North-eastern hills 9 Islands Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands 10 Coasts West coasts, East coasts  Phyto-Geographical regions of India On the type of flora, India has been divided into following geographical regions: 1. The Western Himalayas 2. The Eastern Himalayas 3. Western Deserts 4. Gangetic Plains 5. Central India 6. Western Coast 7. Deccan Plateau 8. North-East India 9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands  Zoo-geographical regions of India On the type of fauna, India has been divided into following zoogeographical regions: 1. Himalayan Region 2. Malabar Region 3. Nilgiri Region 4. Northern Plains 5. Desert Lands 6. Deccan Plateau Region  Levels of Biodiversity Genetic diversity – Variations among the genes of the same species are known as genetic diversity. It is this type of diversity that gives rise to the different varieties of rice, mangoes, and among members of same species. dogs etc.  Levels of Biodiversity Species Diversity – Diversity which arises due to variations among species present in specific areas is called as „species diversity‟. – Horses and donkeys are distinct species, as are lions and tigers.  Levels of Biodiversity Ecosystem Diversity – Ecosystem diversity is the diversity of habitats which include the different life forms within. – The term also refers to the variety of ecosystems found within a biogeographical political boundary. Productive Value Values of biodiversity  Different products are obtained from different organisms, like silk from silk- moth/worm, wool from sheep, fur of many animals, lac from lac insects etc. Ecological Services  Prevention of soil erosion  Prevention of floods  Maintenance of soil fertility  Cycling of nutrients,  Maintenance of gaseous cycles  Hydrological cycle  Carbon sinks  Pollutant absorption and reduction of the threat of global warming etc.  Biodiversity have enormous potential and a decline in biodiversity will lead to huge economic, ecological and socio-cultural losses.  Values of Biodiversity Survival  Food: A large number of wild plants are consumed by human beings as food.  Fuel: The fossil fuels coal, petroleum and natural gas are also products of fossilized biodiversity. Health and Healing  About 75% of the world population depends upon different plants or plant extracts for medicines. Ethical and Aesthetic Value  Many of the plants are considered holy and sacred in our country like Tulsi, Peepal etc.  The ethical value means that we may or may not use a species but knowing the very fact that this species exists in nature gives us pleasure.  People from far and wide spend a lot of time and money to visit wilderness areas where they can enjoy the aesthetic value of biodiversity and this type of tourism is now known as eco-tourism.  Hot spots of Biodiversity A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region/area with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans. Richest spot for biodiversity location are termed as „BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS‟. The concept of Biodiversity Hotspots was given by Sir Norman Myers in the year 1988. Estimated 8.7 million species of flora and fauna are currently in existence on the Planet Earth of which only 1.2 million species have been discovered so far. Hotspots of Biodiversity World-36 These have been identified based on three criteria: The number of species present. Endemism (The number of those species found exclusively in an ecosystem). The degree of threat they face.  Hot spots of Biodiversity- India Hot Spots of India – The Western Ghats – The Himalayas – Indo-Burma – Sundaland (Nicobar island) Red Data Book  Red data book is the document established by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for documenting the rare and endangered species of plants, animals, fungi and also a few local species that exist within a state or country.  The extensive research was carried out by the biologists in the Soviet Union for maintaining Red Data Book in the years between 1961 and 1964.  The endangered species of plants, fungi and animals, within the Russian territorial jurisdiction was known as the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (RDBRF).  The Red Data Book has been maintained by the IUCN since 1964. The specific meanings of the colour coding: Black: Extinct species Red: Critically Endangered Species Orange: Endangered species Amber: Vulnerable Species White: Rare species Green: Out of Danger species Grey: Species that are “endangered, vulnerable or rare but lacks in sufficient information to precisely categorize them”. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups specified through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. 1. Extinct (EX) 2. Extinct in the wild (EW) 3. Critically endangered (CR) 4. Endangered (EN) 5. Vulnerable (VU) 6. Near threatened (NT) 7. Conservation Dependent (CD) 8. Least concern (LC) 9. Data deficient (DD) 10. Not evaluated (NE) Threats to Biodiversity  Endangered species Plant or animal species which are at the verge of their extinction are called endangered species. OR Endangered species are those species whose numbers have declined to such an extent that they will become extinct in the near future Flying squirrel, Gir lion, Crocodile, Flamingo, Wild ass, Desert cat, desert fox, Asiatic elephant etc. are some endangered animal species of India.  Endangered black buck  The black buck is also known as kala hiran in India.  Earlier, it was found all over India except in the north-eastern regions of the country.  Due to large scale-poaching and destruction of habitat, its existence now restricted in some parts of Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal and Haryana.  The black buck does not require dense forests, even it is usually found in open plains in herds. So, open plains need to be conserved in order to enable the black buck to move freely.  Vulnerable species The species of animals or plants which are likely to become endangered unless something changes.  Vulnerable species are those species whose numbers are very low and continues to decline rapidly.  Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction.  A vulnerable species is one which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances that are threatening its survival and reproduction improve.  Vulnerable species in India: Sarus crane, Great Indian bustard, Common leopard, House sparrow etc.  Rare Species A rare species is a group of organisms that are very uncommon, scarce, or infrequently encountered (eg.: Mangroves; red panda; musk deer). Rare species are endemic to a region. Their numbers are rapidly declining and are extremely prone to extinction.  The plant or animal species confined to a Endemic Species particular region and having originated there or a species which occur continuously in that area are known as endemic species. Restriction of species or taxa in small region is known as endemism. Eletaria repens, Ficus religiosa, Butea monosperma, Ficus bengalensis, etc. are some of the endemic plants of India.  Edge Species Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species represent a disproportionate amount of unique evolutionary history. They have few close relatives, are often the only surviving member of their genus, and sometimes the last surviving genus of their evolutionary family. Some EDGE species, such as elephants and pandas, are well known.  Conservation of Biodiversity Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting animal species and their habitats. There are two approaches of biodiversity conservation: – In situ Conservation: Protection of species in their natural habitat. – Ex situ Conservation: Protection in a place away from their natural habitat.  In situ Conservation National Parks  A national park conserves the environment and natural objects and wildlife there in.  National parks are areas dedicated to conserve wild animals and natural scenery of the environment.  All private rights are non existent and all forestry operations and other activities such as grazing of domestic animals is prohibited. No human inhabitation is allowed in the park apart from on duty public servants and people allowed by chief wildlife warden.  There are 106 national parks in India.  It comprises the core zone. Eg. Kaziranga National park, Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park.  In situ Conservation Wildlife sanctuaries  A wildlife sanctuary is an area specially designated where it is illegal to interfere in anyway with the natural life there. Hunting, shooting and fishing would be prohibited.  Wildlife sanctuary is a place where killing or capturing of any animal is prohibited except under orders of the authorities concerned. They provide protection and optimum living conditions to wild animals.  A wildlife sanctuary is dedicated the wildlife but it considers the conservation of species only in addition , its boundary is not limited by state legislation.  In India there are about 573 wildlife sanctuaries. Examples: Harike Lake Wild Life Sanctuary (Punjab), Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Maharashtra.  In situ Conservation Biosphere reserves  Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.  They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. There are 18 biosphere reserves in India. Eg. Sundarban, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar.  In situ Conservation Zones of a biosphere reserve  Core zone In core or natural zone human activity is not allowed. This area is legally protected and undisturbed ecosystem.  Buffer zone The immediate surrounding area of core zone is buffer zone. Here limited human activities live like research, education and research strategy is permitted.  Transition zone transition zone is the outermost or peripheral area of biosphere reserve. With the cooperation of reserve management and local people several human activities like settlements, cropping, recreation, and forestry are carried out without disturbing the environment.  Restoration zone Through the restoration activities selected degraded area called restoration region is restored to natural form. This is a part of Buffer zone.  In situ Conservation Advantages – Ecological integrity is maintained and managed. – Better opportunity for conservation as well as evolution. – Cheaper way of conservation. – Potential of fast growth and reproduction rate. Disadvantages – Less protection against pollution. – Poachers and Eco tourists may cause damage. – Large area is required to protect entire habitat.  In situ Conservation Objectives Features Zone National Parks Conservation of species of a No person resides in the park other Core habitat with minimal or very than public servants on duty and low intensity of human persons permitted by the chief activities wildlife warden Wildlife Conservation of species and No person resides in the park other Core, Buffer and Sanctuary habitats by manipulative than public servants on duty and Restoration management persons permitted by the chief wildlife warden Biosphere Conservation of natural Both natural and human-influenced Core, Buffer, Reserves resources and the improvement ecosystems; substantial human Restoration and of the relationship between settlement Transition humans and the environment  Ex situ Conservation Botanical Gardens (122)  Botanical gardens are used for the conservation of rare and endangered plant species for study and research of specific plant characters and for disseminating scientific information and experiences to promote sustainable development. Aquaria (24)  The aquaria are mainly used for the threatened and endangered fresh water species. Zoo (155)  In the past, zoos were mainly display facilities for the purpose of public enjoyment and education. As large numbers of the species traditionally on display have become rarer in the wild, many zoos have taken on the additional role of building up numbers through captive breeding programmes.  Ex situ Conservation Tissue Culture Technique  Tissue culture refers to a special technique used for asexual propagation in plants a very small piece of shoot apex ,leaf section or even an individual cell is cut and placed in a sterile culture in a test tube, petri dish. DNA technology  DNA of plant or animal cell or a part of it to be conserved. DNA technology can provide an innovative and effective approach for biodiversity conservation  Ex situ Conservation Advantages  Organisms are completely protected from predation and poaching.  The species survive longer and may breed more offspring than usual.  The quality of offspring may be improved by genetic techniques.  Breeding of hybrid species is possible. Disadvantages  Animals may not behave as normal making reproduction difficult.  Animals may not survive reintroduction into the wild.  Overprotection may result in loss of natural occurrence.  Man-wildlife conflict Sometimes we come across conflicting situations when wildlife starts causing immense damage and danger to man and under such conditions it becomes very difficult for the forest department to pacify the affected villagers and gain local support for wild-life conservation.  Elephant is one of the holy animal in India, especially in Kerala but due to elephant attack some 500 people are killed by each year.  The Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand is famous for notable man-eaters leopard, responsible for at least 400 attacks on humans.  The largest Swamp and mangroves forest of India is also home to over 500 Bengal tigers, who killed from 50-250 people per year in India and Bangladesh.  Causes of Man-animal conflicts Shrinkage of habitat. Man-eating tendency. Food scarcity. Electric wiring. Lack of corridors. Inadequate compensation to the farmers.  India: A Mega-diversity nation Conservation International identified 18 mega-diverse countries in 1998. India is one of them. Few of the fields of diversity of India are:  Geographical diversity  Climatic diversity  Biodiversity  Habitat diversity  Cultural diversity