Name: Stable Community and Biodiversity Conservation
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 9 min 44 s
Description: Our planet has millions of species of plants, animals, and other living organisms. What happens if one of them becomes extinct? Learn more about a stable com...

Question

What is a hotspot? Describe the hotspot in India.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity hotspot:

The regions which are known for their high species richness and endemism are known as a biodiversity hotspot. According to Conservation International, the biodiversity hotspot region should have at least 1500 species of vascular plants, and It must contain 30% or less of its original habitat and in India mainly there are four biodiversity hotspots they are the Himalayas, Indo-Burma Region, the Western Ghats, Sundaland.

1. The Himalayas:
It is considered the highest in the world, the Himalayas includes North-East India, Bhutan, Central and Eastern parts of Nepal. This region holds a record of containing 163 endangered species which includes the One-horned Rhino; the Wild Asian Water Buffalo and as many as 10,000 plant species, of which 3160 are endemic.
2. Indo — Burma Region:
The Indo-Burma Region is extended over a distance of 2,373,000 km². In the last 12 years, 6 large mammal species have been identified in this region and the Annamite Striped Rabbit, Large-antlered Muntjac, the Grey-shanked Douc, the Annamite Muntjac, the Leaf Deer, and the Saola. This hotspot is known for the endemic freshwater tortoise species, most of which are risked with extinction, due to over-harvesting and great habitat loss.

3.The Western Ghats :
This hotspot covers most of the rain forests and deciduous forests. According to the UNESCO statement, it is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species, and it also mentions that “Of the total 325 globally threatened species in the Western Ghats, 129 are categorised as Vulnerable, 145 as Endangered and 51 as Critically Endangered.
4. Sundaland:
This hotspot presents in South-East Asia and comprises Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. This region is well-known for its rich terrestrial and marine ecosystem. Sundaland is one of biologically the richest hotspots in the world which contains 25,000 species of vascular plants, of which 15,000 are found in this region only. In the year 2013, the Sundaland was stated as a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

What is a hotspot? Describe the hotspot in India.

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