Biodiversity Hotspots

• The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988. To be designated as a hotspot, a region must fulfill two critical criteria:
• Species Endemism – The area must be home to at least 1,500 species of vascular plants, representing more than 0.5% of the total global species, and these species must be endemic to the region.
• Degree of Threat – The region must have experienced a loss of at least 70% of its original habitat.

(i) Indian Biodiversity Hotspots

• The Eastern Himalayas 
• Indo-Burma and 
• The western Ghats & Sri Lanka

(ii) Eastern Himalayas HotSpot

• The region encompassing Bhutan, north-eastern India, and southern, central, and eastern Nepal. The region is geologically young and shows high altitudinal variation, has nearly 163 globally threatened species (both flora and fauna) including the One horned- Rhinoceros, the Wild Asian Water buffalo.
• A plant species Ermania Himalayans  was found at an altitude of 6300 meters in north-western Himalayas.
• A few threatened endemic bird species such as the Himalaya Quail, Cheer pheasant, Western tragopan are found here, along with some of Asia’s largest and most endangered birds such as the Himalayan vulture and White-bellied heron.
• Endemic Mammals like the Golden langur, The Himalayan tahr, the pygmy hog, Langurs, Asiatic wild dogs, sloth bears, Gaurs, Muntjac, Sambar, Snow leopard, Mack bear, Blue sheep, Takin, the gangetic dolphin, wild water buffalo, swamp deer call the Himalayan ranged their home.

(iii) Western Ghats and Sri Lanka

• Western Ghats, also known as the “Sahyadri Hills” encompasses the mountain forests in the South western parts of India and highlands of southwestern Sri Lanka.
• The important populations include Asian elephant, Niligiri tahr, Indian tigers, lion tailed macaque, Giant squirrel; etc.

Biodiversity Coldspots

• Characterized by low species diversity and high habitat loss, biodiversity coldspots are crucial for conservation. These areas, despite their limited species richness, may be the sole habitat for rare species. Notable examples include extreme environments with unique physical conditions, inhabited by specially adapted species. Conservation efforts are essential to preserve these biologically and physically interesting locations.

World Heritage Sites

• The sites are designated as having outstanding universal value under the Convention concerning the Protection of the World. Cultural and Natural “Heritage.
• Until the end of 2004, there were six criteria for cultural heritage and four criteria for natural heritage. In 2005 this was modified so that there is only one set of ten criteria. Nominated sites must be of “outstanding universal value” and meet at least one of the ten criteria.
• The United Nations proclaimed May 22 as The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.