what is biodiversity hotspot? why is india considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot? answer in 150 words
Hi Aspirant,
Biodiversity is a biogeographical area with a large reservoir of biodiversity that is threatened with destruction. An area is known as a hotspot if it contains at least 0.5 per cent of endemic plant species.
India is considered a mega-diversity hotspot due to the great diversity of organisms found here, ranging from eastern to western ghats to northern and southern India as well. Mainly Western ghats are now at high risk.
India is known for its rich heritage of biological diversity, having already documented more than 91,000 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants in its 10 biogeographical regions. Almost 6,500 native plants are still widely used in indigenous health care systems. To be a mega diverse country it needs to have 5000 vascular plants species as endemic to the country.
India has 4 Biodiversity Hotspots ~ Vulnerable Region of very high Biodiversity. These hotspots have numerous endemic species. They are-
- Himalayas
- Western Ghats
- Indo Burma Region
- Sundaland (includes Nicobar group of Islands)
Thank you
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