write essay on hot spots in india
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Answer:
Biodiversity is integral to the direct benefits that humans receive from nature besides ecosystem services. However, human activities and the negative consequences of climate change are accelerating the loss of biodiversity. There are multiple indications of continuing decline in biodiversity in all three of its components – ecosystems, species and genes. In order to receive continuous ecosystem services and protect the species from extinction 35 global biodiversity hotspots have been identified for conservation. It is nothing but a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened with destruction. The tropical island of Andaman and Nicobar is part of the global biodiversity hotspot having large flora and fauna besides exhibiting great endemism. The recent assessment showed that the plant diversity of these islands comprises 3219 species under 1251 genera belonging to Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Pteridophytes, Bryophytes, Lichens and Algae. Similarly it is recorded 1463 species of fishes, 300 species of corals, 120 species of sponges, 215 species of butterflies, 68 species of birds, 34 species of mangroves. They are imperative for the livelihood of local people, a treasure for the human kind therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen the conservation efforts and preservation of threatened floral and faunal diversity of these islands
Answer:
Tropical areas of the world that have rich biodiversity and high levels of endemism and are under immediate threat of species extinction and habitat destruction, called ‘hot spots’ for preservation the Western Ghats and Assam, two of the 25-mega biodiversity hot spots of the world.
The Northeastern region of India is classified as a mega-diversity area. Unfortunately, this region has also become a ‘hot-spot’ area with reference to threats to biodiversity. The region is characterized by the continued prevalence of shifting cultivation leading to the depletion of forest resources.
Alien invasive species like Eupatorium, Mekenia and Lantana have spread fast in the post-shifting cultivation areas. Unique mammals like Mithun are now finding it difficult to get adequate food, since the alien species are non-edible. This is one of the causes for the dwindling population of Mithun.