Evs exam notes

Unit 2- Biodiversity and conservation

UNIT: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

Introduction
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety and
variability of life on Earth. It encompasses diversity within species
(genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and among
ecosystems (ecosystem diversity). First coined by Walter G. Rosen and
popularized by E.O. Wilson, biodiversity forms the backbone of
ecosystem functioning. It ensures stability, resilience to environmental
changes, and provides vital ecosystem services that support human
survival. Understanding and conserving biodiversity is essential in the
face of increasing anthropogenic pressures, habitat destruction,
pollution, and climate change.

Levels of Biological Diversity

Biodiversity exists at three primary levels. Each level plays a crucial
role in the functioning, stability, and sustainability of ecosystems.
1. Genetic Diversity

This refers to the variety of genetic information contained in the genes

of all the organisms on Earth. It exists within individuals of the same
species and enables populations to adapt and survive environmental
changes.

Importance:

●​ Provides resilience to diseases, pests, and climatic changes.​

●​ Foundation for crop improvement and livestock breeding.​

Examples:

●​ Traditional rice varieties like Pokkali (salt-tolerant) and

Basmati (aromatic).​

●​ Variants of mangoes (Alphonso, Langra, Dasheri) in India.​

●​ Different breeds of cows (Gir, Sahiwal, Vechur) adapted to

regional conditions.​

●​ Genetic strains of wild relatives of wheat used to develop

disease-resistant crops.​

2. Species Diversity

Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a given

ecosystem. It includes species richness (number of species) and species
evenness (relative abundance).
Importance:

●​ Ensures ecological stability and productivity.​

●​ Higher species diversity increases resistance to ecosystem

disturbances.​

Examples:

●​ Coral reefs hosting over 2,000 species of fish and thousands of

invertebrates.​

●​ Rainforests of the Amazon and Western Ghats with high species

richness.​

●​ Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur with over 370 species of

resident and migratory birds.​

●​ Gir Forest, home to the only population of Asiatic lions and

numerous other species.​

3. Ecosystem Diversity

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems found in a

region or across the planet. It includes variations in physical
environment, biological communities, and ecological processes.

Importance:

●​ Maintains ecological balance.​

 ●​ Supports services like water purification, nutrient cycling, and
climate regulation.​

Examples:

●​ Forests (tropical, temperate, dry deciduous) like the Nilgiri

forests.​

●​ Wetlands like Chilika Lake and Loktak Lake.​

●​ Coastal ecosystems like mangroves in the Sundarbans.​

●​ Desert ecosystems of the Thar with specialized flora and fauna.​

Summary Table:

Level Description Examples

Genetic Variation of genes within Rice varieties, Cow

Diversity species breeds

Species Variety of species within an Coral reefs, Gir

Diversity ecosystem Forest

Ecosystem Variety of habitats and Mangroves, Deserts

Diversity ecological processes
India as a Mega-Diversity Nation
India is recognized as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the
world due to its vast variety of flora and fauna, diverse ecosystems,
and high endemism. This status reflects India’s commitment to global
biodiversity.

Key Features:

●​ Home to over 91,000 animal species and 45,000 plant species.

●​ 2 biodiversity hotspots entirely in India and 2 shared with
neighboring countries.
●​ Represents nearly 7.6% of the world’s mammalian species, 6.2%
of reptiles, 6% of flowering plants.
●​ 12 bio-reserves recognized by UNESCO.

Reasons for High Biodiversity:

●​ Varied climate zones: tropical, temperate, alpine, desert.

●​ Geographical features: Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic plains,
peninsular plateau, coastal belts.
●​ Presence of different soil types, rainfall patterns, and altitudinal
variations.

Biogeographic Zones of India

India is divided into 10 biogeographic zones based on climate,
geography, vegetation, and species composition.
 1.​ Trans-Himalaya – Cold, arid; species: Tibetan antelope, snow
leopard.
2.​ Himalaya – Alpine, subalpine zones; species: red panda,
Himalayan musk deer.
3.​ Desert – Thar Desert; species: desert fox, great Indian bustard.
4.​ Semi-Arid – Transitional zone; species: blackbuck, Indian fox.
5.​ Western Ghats – Tropical rainforest; species: lion-tailed
macaque, Nilgiri tahr.
6.​ Deccan Plateau – Deciduous forests; species: sloth bear,
leopard.
7.​ Gangetic Plains – Fertile, highly cultivated; species: Gangetic
dolphin.
8.​ North-East India – High rainfall, dense forests; species: hoolock
gibbon, hornbill.
9.​ Islands – Andaman & Nicobar; species: Nicobar megapode,
saltwater crocodile.
10.​Coastal Zones – Mangroves, estuaries; species: mudskipper,
olive ridley turtle.

Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels
of biodiversity that is threatened with habitat loss.

Criteria (as per Conservation International):

●​ Must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.

●​ Must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.
India’s Biodiversity Hotspots:

1.​ Himalaya – Includes entire Indian Himalayan region and hills

of northeast.
2.​ Indo-Burma – Includes northeast India and Andaman Islands.
3.​ Western Ghats and Sri Lanka – High endemism and species
richness.
4.​ Sundaland – Includes Nicobar Islands; known for tropical
rainforests.

Significance:

●​ These hotspots cover 2.3% of India’s land area but house a huge
percentage of its biodiversity.
●​ Endangered and endemic species are concentrated here.

Endemic and Endangered Species

Endemic: Found only in a specific region. Examples:

●​ Lion-tailed macaque (Western Ghats)

●​ Nicobar pigeon (Nicobar Islands)

Endangered: Facing extinction risk. Examples:

●​ Hangul (Kashmir stag)

●​ Gharial (Ganges river system)

IUCN Red List and Threat Categories

The IUCN Red List is a critical tool for assessing the extinction risk of
species globally.

Main Categories:

●​ LC (Least Concern): Common species (e.g., House Sparrow)​

●​ NT (Near Threatened): Close to qualifying as threatened​

●​ VU (Vulnerable): High risk of extinction in the medium term​

●​ EN (Endangered): Very high risk in the near future​

●​ CR (Critically Endangered): Extremely high risk of extinction​

●​ EW (Extinct in the Wild): Survive only in captivity​

●​ EX (Extinct): No known individuals remaining​

Examples by Category:

●​ CR: Great Indian Bustard, Jerdon’s Courser, Indian Vulture​

●​ EN: Ganges River Dolphin, Red Panda​

●​ VU: Snow Leopard, Sloth Bear​

●​ EW: Sumatran Rhino (India)​

●​ EX: Pink-headed Duck, Asiatic Cheetah (India)

Values of Biodiversity
Biodiversity holds immense value—ecological, economic, social,
aesthetic, and ethical. These values highlight the importance of
preserving life forms not only for survival but also for maintaining the
planet’s health and human well-being.

1. Ecological Value

Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and

supporting ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, soil
formation, water purification, and climate regulation.

Examples:

●​ Forests act as carbon sinks and help regulate global

temperatures.
●​ Bees and butterflies aid in pollination which is critical for crop
reproduction.
●​ Mangroves protect coastal regions from storm surges and
erosion.
●​ Earthworms improve soil fertility through aeration and organic
matter breakdown.

2. Economic Value

Biodiversity provides raw materials for food, shelter, clothing, fuel,

and medicine. A large part of the global economy depends on biological
resources.
Examples:

●​ Timber from forests used in construction and furniture.

●​ Medicinal plants like neem (Azadirachta indica), turmeric, and
ashwagandha.
●​ Vinblastine and vincristine, anti-cancer drugs derived from
periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).
●​ Edible species such as fish, fruits, pulses, and cereals.

3. Social and Cultural Value

Many communities have strong cultural, spiritual, and religious

associations with biodiversity. Species are embedded in rituals,
traditions, and folklore.

Examples:

●​ Sacred groves in Meghalaya and Kodagu serve as conservation

zones.
●​ Cows, tulsi, and peepal trees are worshipped in Hindu traditions.
●​ Tribal festivals often center around seasonal wildlife patterns.
●​ Use of medicinal herbs in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems.

4. Ethical and Moral Value

All species have an inherent right to exist, independent of their

usefulness to humans. Protecting biodiversity is a moral responsibility.

Examples:

●​ Conservation of endangered species like tigers and rhinos.

●​ Avoiding activities that lead to species extinction.
●​ Respecting animal welfare and natural rights.
5. Aesthetic and Recreational Value

Biodiversity adds beauty to the environment, enhances mental health,

and offers opportunities for ecotourism, bird watching, nature
photography, etc.

Examples:

●​ Scenic beauty of the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand.

●​ Ecotourism in Ranthambhore and Sundarbans.
●​ Butterfly parks and botanical gardens attracting tourists and
researchers.

6. Informational and Scientific Value

Biodiversity serves as a repository of knowledge for scientific research

and innovation. Study of species leads to new discoveries and
technologies.

Examples:

●​ Research on bat echolocation has influenced sonar technology.

●​ Observation of termite mounds helps in designing
energy-efficient buildings.
●​ Bioinformatics and biotechnology use DNA from different species
for research.

Sacred Groves and Indigenous

Conservation Practices
●​ Sacred groves are forest patches conserved due to religious or
cultural beliefs.
 ●​ Serve as gene banks and microhabitats. Examples:
●​ Mawphlang Sacred Grove (Meghalaya)
●​ Kodagu groves (Karnataka)
●​ Than Singh groves (Rajasthan)

Threats to Biodiversity

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

This is the most serious threat to biodiversity. As forests, wetlands,

coral reefs, and grasslands are cleared for agriculture, urbanization,
and infrastructure, natural habitats are lost. Fragmentation divides
populations, preventing gene flow and reducing species’ ability to
adapt.​
Examples:

●​ Deforestation for coffee plantations in the Western Ghats.​

●​ Fragmentation of tiger corridors in Central India.​

2. Over-exploitation

Unsustainable use of species for food, medicine, pet trade, and timber
causes population decline and ecological imbalance.​
Examples:

●​ Overfishing leading to collapse of fish stocks.​

 ●​ Excessive harvesting of medicinal plants like Rauvolfia
serpentina.​

3. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade

Poaching for body parts or exotic pets leads to species extinction.

Illegal trafficking undermines conservation efforts.​
Examples:

●​ Poaching of rhinos for horns.​

●​ Trade in star tortoises and parakeets.​

4. Invasive Alien Species

Non-native species often lack predators and outcompete native

organisms, changing ecosystem structure.​
Examples:

●​ Prosopis juliflora in Indian drylands.​

●​ African catfish threatening native freshwater fauna.​

5. Pollution

Chemical, plastic, and noise pollution negatively impact biodiversity.​

Examples:

●​ Industrial waste in rivers like Yamuna.​

 ●​ Noise pollution affecting bird nesting behavior.​

6. Climate Change

Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather

threaten habitats and species.​
Examples:

●​ Coral bleaching in Lakshadweep.​

●​ Migration shift in Himalayan birds.​

7. Man-Animal Conflict

Expansion of human settlements into natural habitats increases

conflict.​
Examples:

●​ Elephant deaths due to railway collisions in Assam.​

●​ Tiger attacks in Sundarbans.​

Mass Extinction and Biodiversity Crisis

●​ We are currently in the 6th mass extinction event.
●​ Caused by human activity, not natural events.
●​ Species are disappearing 100 to 1,000 times faster than natural
rate.
Conservation of Biodiversity

In-situ Conservation

●​ Conservation in natural habitats.

●​ Preserves complex interactions and evolution.

Methods:

●​ Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri, Nanda Devi

●​ National Parks: Kanha, Kaziranga
●​ Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bharatpur, Periyar
●​ Sacred groves

Ex-situ Conservation

●​ Outside natural habitat.

Methods:

●​ Zoological Parks (Delhi Zoo)

●​ Botanical Gardens (Indian Botanical Garden)
●​ Seed Banks (NBPGR)
●​ Gene Banks, Tissue Culture, Cryopreservation

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Objective:
 ●​ Conservation, sustainable use, fair benefit sharing.

Key Institutions:

●​ National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

●​ State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
●​ Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

Provisions:

●​ Restricts bioresource use by foreigners.

●​ Ensures local communities benefit from resource use.
●​ Penalizes unauthorized patents and exploitation.

Conservation of Traditional Cultivars and

Livestock Breeds
●​ Traditional varieties are adapted to local climate, diseases.

Examples:

●​ Pokkali rice (saline resistant)

●​ Hallikar cattle (draught power)
●​ Vechur cow (low maintenance, high resilience)

Importance:

●​ Maintains genetic diversity.

●​ Ensures food security under climate stress.
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and
Biosphere Reserves

National Parks

●​ Areas set aside for wildlife protection and ecosystem

conservation.
●​ No human activity is allowed (except tourism in specified zones).
●​ Declared under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Examples:

●​ Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) – First national park

in India.
●​ Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Home to one-horned
rhinoceros.
●​ Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) – Tiger reserve.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

●​ Allow limited human activity such as grazing and firewood

collection.
●​ Focus on protection of particular species or habitats.

Examples:

●​ Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana) Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan).

●​ Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) – Elephants and tigers.
●​ Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) – Migratory birds.

Biosphere Reserves
 ●​ Large areas protecting both biodiversity and traditional lifestyle
of local communities.
●​ Includes core, buffer, and transition zones.
●​ Part of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Examples:

●​ Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

●​ Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
●​ Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

Types of Species in Conservation Biology

1. Endemic Species

Found only in a particular region.​

Examples:

●​ Malabar civet (Western Ghats)​

●​ Nicobar tree shrew (Nicobar Islands)​

2. Exotic (Alien) Species

Introduced from other regions, may be invasive.​

Examples:

●​ Eucalyptus in India​

●​ Lantana in forest undergrowth​

3. Keystone Species

Crucial to maintaining ecosystem structure.​

Examples:

●​ Tiger in Indian forests​

●​ Fig tree supporting multiple frugivores​

4. Indicator Species

Sensitive to environmental changes, indicate ecosystem health.​

Examples:

●​ Amphibians (air/water pollution)​

●​ Lichens (air quality)​

5. Flagship Species

Charismatic, promote public awareness.​

Examples:

●​ Bengal Tiger​

●​ Asiatic Elephant​

6. Umbrella Species
Protecting them helps conserve other species sharing the same habitat.​
Examples:

●​ Snow Leopard​

●​ Lion-tailed Macaque​

Species Reintroduction and Translocation

Species reintroduction involves moving individuals of a species from
captivity or other regions back into their natural habitat to restore
populations.

Key Projects in India:

●​ Asiatic Lion Relocation: Plans to move lions from Gir (Gujarat)

to Kuno (Madhya Pradesh) to reduce risk of extinction from
epidemics or natural disasters.
●​ Cheetah Reintroduction Project (2022): African cheetahs
introduced in Kuno NP (Madhya Pradesh), reviving the species
that went extinct in India.
●​ Sarus Crane Reintroduction: Successful rearing and release of
sarus cranes in agricultural fields with community participation.

Importance:

●​ Restores ecological balance.

●​ Increases population of endangered species.
●​ Enhances genetic diversity.
Expanded Conservation Projects and
Movements

1. Project Tiger (1973)

●​ Objective: Ensure viable tiger population and conserve habitats.​

●​ Started with 9 reserves, now 51.​

●​ Core-buffer strategy: Core protected from human activity; buffer

promotes coexistence.​

●​ Tools: M-STrIPES (GPS-based monitoring), CaTRAT (camera

trap analysis).​

●​ India holds 75% of global tiger population.​

2. Project Elephant (1992)

●​ Aims: Elephant conservation, habitat protection, and conflict

mitigation.​

●​ Establish elephant corridors and awareness campaigns.​

●​ Welfare of captive elephants ensured.​

●​ Supported by central funds to states.​

3. Vulture Conservation Programme (2006)

●​ Objective: Breed and reintroduce critically endangered vultures.​

●​ Target species: White-rumped, Long-billed, and Slender-billed

vultures.​

●​ Centers: Pinjore (Haryana), Assam.​

●​ Measures: Diclofenac ban, awareness drives.​

4. Crocodile Conservation Project (1975)

●​ Focus: Gharial, Mugger, Saltwater crocodile.​

●​ ‘Grow and release’ technique in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.​

●​ Nandankanan Zoological Park as a breeding hub.​

●​ Support: UNDP, FAO.​

5. Great Indian Bustard Project (2013)

●​ Grassland bird conservation in Rajasthan.​

●​ Address poaching, powerline deaths, and habitat loss.​

●​ Breeding center at Sam, Jaisalmer.​

 ●​ Involves local community participation.​

6. Save Western Ghats Movement (1986–88)

●​ Grassroots movement for forest and biodiversity protection.​

●​ Massive foot marches and education campaigns.​

●​ Over 150 organizations involved.​

●​ Objectives: Awareness, research, afforestation, local action.​

7. Silent Valley Movement (1978–1985)

●​ Location: Kerala.
●​ Objective: Prevent construction of a hydroelectric project in
Silent Valley, a pristine tropical evergreen forest.
●​ Result: Project cancelled; Silent Valley declared a National Park
in 1985.
●​ Importance: One of the earliest environmental movements in
India; highlighted importance of undisturbed ecosystems.

Conclusion
Biodiversity is a cornerstone of life and sustainability. It offers
ecological, economic, cultural, and spiritual benefits. India, as a
mega-diverse country, holds global responsibility. Conservation efforts
must be multidimensional—blending science, policy, and local
traditions. Strengthening legal frameworks, empowering local
communities, protecting keystone species, and enforcing habitat
conservation are key to ensuring the long-term survival of our
biological wealth.

***************************