Biodiversity Hotspots: Nature’s Jewels

A Biodiversity Hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from human habitation. The concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988.

Criteria for Hotspots

• Species Endemism: Must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
• Degree of Threat: Must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation.

Hotspots in India

• The Himalayas: Includes the entire Indian Himalayan region.
• The Western Ghats: Known for high levels of endemism in amphibians and reptiles.
• Indo-Burma Region: Includes North-Eastern India (south of the Brahmaputra River).
• Sundaland: Includes the Nicobar group of Islands.

Important Terms

• Endemic Species: Species found only in a specific geographical area and nowhere else.
• Ex-situ Conservation: Protection of species outside their natural habitat (e.g., Botanical Gardens, Zoos).
• In-situ Conservation: Protection within the natural habitat (e.g., National Parks, Biosphere Reserves).

Question for you: Which organization publishes the ‘Red List’ of threatened species worldwide?

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