Biodiversity of India

India is one of the world’s richest nations in terms of biological diversity, harbouring a vast range of ecosystems and species across its varied landscapes. Its unique geographical location, climatic diversity, and ecological range make it one of the seventeen megadiverse countries recognised globally. From the Himalayan glaciers in the north to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats and the coral reefs of the Andaman Islands, India’s natural wealth supports an extraordinary array of flora and fauna that plays a vital role in maintaining global ecological balance.

Overview and Significance

The biodiversity of India is remarkable for its richness and endemism. The country occupies only about 2.4% of the world’s land area but supports over 7–8% of all recorded species, including nearly 47,000 plant species and over 100,000 animal species. The diversity extends across various ecological regions—mountain systems, plateaus, deserts, grasslands, coastal areas, wetlands and islands—each providing distinct habitats for different species.
India’s biodiversity underpins agriculture, forestry, fisheries and traditional medicine, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. It is also central to India’s cultural and spiritual life, as many communities maintain a deep reverence for nature, reflected in religious practices, sacred groves, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Biogeographic Zones

India’s biological richness can be categorised into ten biogeographic zones, each with distinctive species assemblages and ecological features:

1. Trans-Himalayan Region – Includes high-altitude cold deserts such as Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh, home to snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.
2. Himalayan Region – Characterised by alpine meadows, temperate forests and glaciers, supporting species like the red panda, Himalayan tahr and musk deer.
3. Desert Region – The Thar Desert in Rajasthan harbours hardy species such as the Indian gazelle (chinkara), desert fox and great Indian bustard.
4. Semi-Arid Region – Found in parts of Gujarat, Punjab and central India, featuring grasslands and dry forests.
5. Western Ghats – A biodiversity hotspot with high endemism; home to lion-tailed macaques, Malabar civets and over 5,000 species of flowering plants.
6. Deccan Plateau – Dominated by dry deciduous forests and scrublands; includes species like sloth bears, leopards and various reptiles.
7. Gangetic Plain – Supports fertile alluvial habitats and wetlands important for migratory birds.
8. North-East Region – A second biodiversity hotspot rich in orchids, bamboos and unique fauna such as hoolock gibbons and clouded leopards.
9. Coastal Region – Extending along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, encompassing mangroves, lagoons and estuaries vital for marine life.
10. Islands (Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep) – Notable for coral reefs, sea turtles, and endemic bird species.

Flora and Fauna Diversity

India’s flora includes an enormous range of tropical, temperate and alpine species. The Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are especially rich in endemic plants. Notable plant families include orchids, ferns, grasses, and bamboos. The country also has an extensive variety of medicinal plants, many of which are used in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani.
The fauna of India is equally diverse:

• Mammals: Over 400 species, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards, and several species of deer and primates.
• Birds: More than 1,200 species have been recorded, making India a major centre for avian diversity.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: High endemism, particularly in the Western Ghats and Andaman Islands.
• Insects: An estimated 60,000 species of insects, including numerous butterflies, beetles and bees, play crucial ecological roles.
• Marine Life: The Indian coastline and surrounding seas host over 2,000 species of fish, numerous crustaceans and extensive coral ecosystems.

Biodiversity Hotspots

India has four globally recognised biodiversity hotspots:

1. Himalaya – Covering north and north-eastern mountain regions.
2. Indo-Burma – Including north-eastern India and adjoining areas.
3. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka – Renowned for endemic flora and fauna.
4. Sundaland (Nicobar Islands) – Known for its tropical rainforests and marine species.

These hotspots occupy a small portion of the country’s land but harbour the majority of its endemic species, making them priority areas for conservation.

Conservation Efforts

India has undertaken extensive measures to protect and sustain its biodiversity through legislation, protected areas, and community initiatives.

• Protected Area Network: India has over 1,000 protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and community reserves.
• Flagship Programmes: The Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), and various marine and wetland conservation projects have been instrumental in species recovery.
• Legislation: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provide legal frameworks for biodiversity protection.
• Institutional Support: Bodies such as the National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards oversee the sustainable use and documentation of biological resources.

Traditional conservation methods also play a significant role. Many rural and tribal communities protect sacred groves—patches of forest preserved due to cultural or spiritual beliefs—acting as reservoirs of biodiversity.

Threats to Biodiversity

Despite these efforts, India’s biodiversity faces significant threats due to human activity and environmental change:

• Deforestation and Habitat Loss from agriculture, mining and urban expansion.
• Climate Change leading to habitat shifts, altered rainfall patterns and species migration.
• Pollution affecting soil, air, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
• Overexploitation through unsustainable hunting, fishing and trade in wildlife.
• Invasive Species displacing native flora and fauna.

The combined impact of these factors has led to the decline of several species, including the Great Indian Bustard, gharial, and certain freshwater fish species.

Significance of Biodiversity

India’s biodiversity is crucial not only for ecological stability but also for human welfare. It ensures ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. It sustains agriculture and medicine and contributes to cultural and spiritual identity. Furthermore, biodiversity is central to climate resilience, providing natural buffers against floods, droughts and erosion.

Future Outlook

Sustaining India’s biodiversity requires an integrated approach combining scientific conservation with community participation. Strengthening ecological education, enforcing environmental laws, promoting sustainable resource use, and integrating biodiversity concerns into development planning are essential steps.
India’s biodiversity stands as a living testament to the country’s natural wealth and cultural reverence for life in all its forms. Preserving this diversity is not only a national responsibility but a global imperative, vital for the health of the planet and the generations to come.