This chapter explores India’s rich biodiversity, one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries. It covers types of natural vegetation, wildlife, medicinal plants, threats to biodiversity, and conservation efforts, highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of flora and fauna.
Overview: India ranks 10th globally and 4th in Asia for plant diversity, with 47,000 plant species, including 15,000 flowering plants (6% of world’s total). It has 90,000 animal species, 2,000 bird species (13% of global), 2,546 fish species (12%), and 5–8% of global amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Natural Vegetation: Plant communities growing without human intervention, undisturbed for a long time (virgin vegetation).
Flora and Fauna: Flora refers to plant species; fauna refers to animal species. Endemic species are native (e.g., Indian plants); exotic species are introduced (e.g., from outside India).
Five Major Types: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Tropical Deciduous Forests, Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs, Montane Forests, Mangrove Forests.
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests):
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs:
Montane Forests:
Mangrove Forests:
Diversity: India hosts lions (Gir Forest, Gujarat), tigers (Madhya Pradesh, Sundarbans, Himalayas), leopards, elephants (Assam, Karnataka, Kerala), one-horned rhinoceros (Assam, West Bengal), wild ass/camels (Rann of Kachchh, Thar Desert), Indian bison, nilgai, chousingha, gazelle, deer, monkeys.
Himalayan Fauna: Yak, Tibetan antelope, bharal, kiang, ibex, bear, snow leopard, red panda (Ladakh, high altitudes).
Aquatic Fauna: Turtles, crocodiles, gharials (rivers, lakes, coasts).
Birds: Peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes, pigeons, migratory birds (e.g., Siberian Crane, flamingos in Rann of Kachchh).
Ecological Role: Animals provide milk, draught power, meat, eggs, fish; insects aid pollination and pest control.
Overview: India has ~2,000 medicinal plants (Ayurveda); 352 on IUCN Red List (52 critically threatened, 49 endangered).
Examples:
Endangered Species: ~1,300 plant species endangered; 20 extinct. Many animal species endangered/extinct.
Causes:
Impact: Ecosystem imbalance; human survival depends on biodiversity for food, medicine, and ecological stability.
Initiatives:
Migratory Birds: Wetlands (e.g., Rann of Kachchh) attract Siberian Crane, flamingos, highlighting conservation needs.
Factors: Diverse climate, topography, and ecosystems support varied flora/fauna. Historical use of plants/animals for food, medicine, and culture enhances biodiversity.
Forest Cover: States like Assam, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have more forest due to high rainfall, favorable climate, and less deforestation compared to arid Rajasthan or urbanized areas.
| Vegetation Type | Location | Key Plants | Key Animals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Evergreen | Western Ghats, Andaman, Assam | Ebony, mahogany, rubber | Elephant, rhino, lemur |
| Tropical Deciduous | Eastern India, Peninsular plateau | Teak, sal, bamboo | Lion, tiger, deer |
| Thorn Forests | Northwest (Rajasthan, Gujarat) | Acacias, cacti | Wild ass, camel, fox |
| Montane | Himalayas, high-altitude south | Pine, deodar, silver fir | Yak, snow leopard, red panda |
| Mangrove | Eastern/Western coastal deltas | Sundari, palm, agar | Royal Bengal Tiger, gharial |
Biodiversity: India’s mega biodiversity supports diverse flora and fauna, vital for ecosystems and human survival.
Vegetation Types: Five types reflect climatic and topographic diversity.
Wildlife: Rich fauna, from tigers to migratory birds, enhances ecological balance.
Conservation: Biosphere reserves, projects, and laws protect endangered species, urging sustainable practices.