Biodiversity & Its

Conservation

By
Dr. Swati Dixit
Biodiversity ???
Bio= living
Thus, variability among living organisms from all
sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine &
other aquatic ecosystems and ecological
complexes of which they are part of.
Diversity = variety
Levels of Biodiversity….

Genetic Species Ecosystem

• Genes within • Represents • Diversity in
same species species complex
show variation richness & systems in
• E.g. Colour & abundance in physical,
sizes of Rose a community ecological,
• No. of plants, food web,
animals, birds nutrient
in an area. cycling
• Diversity in
forest
Values of Biodiversity…
It is in terms of commercial utility, ecological
services, social & aesthetic Values
Given by McNeely et al. 1990.
Consumptive use Value
In the form of food, drugs, fibre pulp, fuel, wood fall
under this group
Food: 80,000 edible plants species are there.
About 90% of present day food crops have been
domesticated from wild plants
A large number of wild animals are also source of food.
Drugs & Medicines:75% world’s population is
dependent on plants or plant extracts for medicines
Isabgol- cure for bowel disorder obtained from husk of
Plantago.
Penicillin- A wonder drug – used as Antibiotic – Fungus
Penicillium
Tetracyclin- from bacterium ,Quinine – from Cinchona
Tree- medicine for Malaria, Digitalin- from foxglove- for
Heart Ailments ,vinblastin & vincristine – Anti-Cancer
Alkaloids
Fuel: big source of fuel wood. Firewood collected by
individuals are direct consumptive value
Productive Use Values
These are commercially usable values where the product is
marketed & sold
Musk Deer- production of Musk , Silk Worm- Silk, wool
from sheep, lac from insects.
Many industries are dependent on these products, e.g.
pulp & paper industry, silk industry, ivory work, pearl
industry, leather industry.
Problems--- trading of products from endangered species.
E.g smuggling of fur, horns, tusk, Snake Skin, cat skins.
Rich biodiversity are exploited.

Social Values
Values associated with social life, customs, religion and pyscho-
spiritual aspects of the people
Many plants are considered holy & sacred. Eg. Tulsi, mango,
peepal etc.
Social life, songs, dances, customs are woven with rounding
wildlife
Cow, snake, owl, bull have special value in biodiversity
Ethical Value
“All Life must be preserved” based on “Live and let live”.
This means we don’t use the species directly or indirectly,
but we feel sorry about the loss of a species.
E.g. Passenger Pigeon or Dodo
They have a existence value

Aesthetic Value
It is related to the beauty of Biodiversity
The pleasure, excitement and visual peace of any area
Concept of Eco-tourism and willingness to pay are
gaining grounds, leading to monetary estimate for
aesthetic value of biodiversity
Option Value
This includes the potentials of biodiversity that
are presently unknown and need to be explored.
This biological resources will be of importance in
future if not today
Eg. Marine animals – anti cancer drugs

Ecosystem Value
It refers to ecosystem services, it is a non-consumptive
value.
Functions of ecosystems- nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation,
cycling of water. Etc.
India – as a Mega-Diversity
Nation
Endemism- species which are restricted only to a
particular area. Eg. 50% Lizards are endemic to
India. Western Ghats are the site of maximum
endemism.
Centre of origin: Nearly 5000 species of
flowering plants, 166 species of cropping plants
and 320 species of wild relatives of cultivated
crops have their origin in India.
Marine Diversity: India has 7500 Km long
coastline having (mangroves, estuaries, coral
reefs, black waters) rich biodiversity.
More than 340 species of corals are found in India
Rich in Mollusks, crustaceans, polychaetes, corals
93 major wetlands, Large Forest Cover.
Endemism
Global Biodiversity….
Currently about 1.9 million species are known,
Thought to be a significant underestimate of the
total number of species (as of 2010).
0-30 million insects;
5-10 million bacteria;
1.5 million fungi;
1 million mites
3,21,212 – Plants
1,367,555 animals, including: 1,305,250
invertebrates ,62305 vertebrates
Did u know this..?????

50 to 80% of Biodiversity is in rain

forests.
Deserts show minimum biodiversity
Many species are identified
everyday…
List goes on increasing
Marine biodiversity is extremely
high.
1,25,000 flowering plant species are
in Tropical forests
Roughly 1.5 million species are
Biodiversity at National Level
(Indian)
• India is one of the 12 mega diversity countries of the
world.
• 2.4% of the land area, accounting for 7-8% of the species of the
world.
• 10th among plant rich countries
• 11th in number of endemic species of higher vertebrates
• 6th in terms of centres of diversity

Ministry of Environment and Forests records (as of 2000)

• 47000 plants: 7% of global.

• 91000 species of mammals: 6.5% of global.
• Large numbers have ENDEMIC - ORIGINATED in India
• 5000 flowering plants..
• 340 corals
Biogeographical Regions
of India
Biodiversity at Regional
or Local
This type of biodiversity can be characterized in
richness of four types based on their spatial distribution
Point Richness- species that are found at one single point
Alpha (α)- richness) – number of species found in small
homogeneous area. Here Physical factor is strongly
corelated.
• Eg 100 species of tunicates in Arctic region, 400 species in
temperate waters & 600 species in tropical seas
Beta (β )– richness) - refers to rate of change in species
composition across different habitats. Cumulative no. of
species increases in heterogeneous habitats.
• The No. of Ant species in local area will be 10 but it will be
more than 200 no of species in equatorial area, due to
increase in habitats.
Gamma (γ )- Richness – refers to the rate of change across
large composition gradients.
Hotspots of Biodiversity
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region
with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is
under threat from humans.
Areas which exhibit high species richness as well as
endemism are termed as Hotspots of Biodiversity.
Myers introduced this term, at that time 25 Hotspots
were identified out of which 2 were in India. Later 9
were added more bringing a total to 34.
About 40% terrestrial & 25 % vertebrate are endemic
found in this hotspots
After tropical rain forests the second highest number
endemic species are found in Mediterranean
These hotspots are threatened by human activities.
More than 1 billion people most whom are desperately
poor people, live in these areas.
Measures protecting these areas should be planned.
Biodiversity Hotspots
 List of Hotspots
Sr. Name of Hotspots Sr. Name of Hotspots
No No
1 Tropical Andes 19 Indo-Burma
2 Mesoamerican Forests 20 South Central China
3 Caribbean 21 Western Ghats
4 Brazil’s Atlantic Forest 22 South-Western Australia
5 Choc/Darien of Panama Western 23 New Caledonia
Ecuador
6 Brazil’s Cerrado 24 New Zealand
7 Central Chile 25 Polynesia/Micronesia
8 California Floristic Province 26 The Madrean Pine-Oak
woodlands
9 Madagascar 27 Maputaland-Pondoland Albany
10 Eastern Arc & Coastal forest of 28 The eastern Afromontane
Tanzania/ Kenya
11 Western African Forest 29 The Horn Africa
12 Cape Floristic Province 30 The Irano-Anatolian
13 Succulent Karoo 31 The Muntains of Central Asia
14 Mediterranean Basin 32 Eastern Himalaya
15 Caucasus 33 Japan
16 Sundaland 34 East Melanesiaan Islands
Eastern Himalayas
Many deep and isolated valleys in Sikkim.
35,000 recorded flora endemic to Himalayas
4250 species in Sikkim of which 60%
endemic
Sapria himalayana: a parasitic angiosperm
seen only twice in last 70 years
Western Ghats
17000 km2 strip of forests
20% forest Evergreen and semi-
evergreen
4 states: Maharashtra, Kerala,
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
40% endemic plants
62% amphibians
50% lizards
Agastyamalai hills, Silent Valley,
New Ambamalam Reserve basin
UNDER ALARMING THREAT
INDO-BURMA
East of Ganges – Brahmaputra lowland
Indian states of Manipur, Mizoram,
Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, South
Assam.
One of the most densely forested regions
of the country
13,500 species of plants out
of which 7000 endemic
1260 species of birds
430 mammals
Threats to biodiversity

• Anthropogenic • Natural
causes causes
 Loss of habitat  Narrow
 Poaching geographical area
 Low population
 Man- Animal conflict
 Low breeding rate
 Introduction of exotic  Natural disasters
varieties
 Pollution
 Global warming and
Climate change
Loss of habitat
Continuous increase in human population and escalating
demand for our natural resources
Conversion of forested land to agriculture.
Loss of habitat to grazing land, industries, roads and
cities.
Habitat loss leads to the formation of isolated, small,
scattered populations.
These small populations are increasingly vulnerable to
inbreeding, which causes loss of gene pool, high infant
mortality and susceptible to environmental changes,
which all may lead to extinction of the species.
Poaching
Hunting for various body parts.
Illegal trade of skins, tusks, hair, horns
Many animals fall prey to various traps
International market very active
Tibet, China
Tiger skins, elephant tusks etc
Cost is very less.
Man Animal conflict
When animal enters human territory and kills
From fear
Pollution
Oil Spills
Biomagnification
Plastic accumulation
Noise
Algal Blooms
Heat
Introduction of Exotic / Invasive
species
Introduced from outside.
Harm the growth of local species.
Entire population wiped out
Competition for resources
Eg:Congress grass in Sanjay Gandhi
National Park.
Some exotic species like Eucalyptus,
Australian Acacia and Gliricidia have
been introduced in India for
afforestation.
Global Warming and
Climate Change
As temperatures increased in recent decades,
certain species began breeding and migrating
earlier than expected.
Other studies found that the geographical range
of numerous species had shifted pole ward or
moved to a higher elevation -- indicating that
some plants and animals are occupying areas
that were previously too cold for survival.
Decline in breeding
populations
Coral Bleaching
Increase in temperature causes bleaching.
The Great Barrier Reef along the coast
of Australia experienced bleaching events in
1980, 1982, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.
While most areas recovered with relatively low levels
of coral death, some locations suffered severe
damage, with up to 90% mortality
Categories…..
World Conservation Union (formerly IUCN)
There are 9 clearly defined categories into which
every taxon in the world (excluding :micro-
organisms) can be classified as given in RED
DATA BOOK
Categories
EXTINCT (EX)
A taxon is Extinct when there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has
died. No reasonable record for last 50 years.
e.g Indian Cheetah
EXTINCT IN THE WILD (EW)
A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is
known only to survive in cultivation, in
captivity or as a naturalized population (or
populations) well outside the past range.
e.g Mulberry Silk moth
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR)
This includes species, which are facing an
extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the
immediate future. The population of such species is
very low and the threats to its habitats are very
high. E.g. Asiatic Lion.
ENDANGERED (EN)
It includes species that are not critically
endangered but are in danger of extinction if the
threats to its survival continue operating. Also,
species whose numbers have been reduced to a
critical level or whose habitats have been so
drastically reduced are deemed to be in immediate
danger of extinction. E.g. Tiger.
VULNERABLE (VU)
It includes species that are not endangered but are
likely to move into the endangered category in the
near future if the threats to its survival continue
operating. It also includes species whose populations
are still abundant but are under threat from severe
adverse factors throughout their range. E.g. Giant
Clam.
NEAR THREATENED (NT)
Species is Near Threatened when it has been
evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for
Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now,
but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for
one of these categories in the near future. E.g.
Nicobar pigeon.
Rare
This includes species with small populations
in the world that are not at present
endangered or vulnerable, but are at risk.
These species are usually restricted within
specific geographical areas or habitats or are
thinly scattered over a more extensive range.
E.g. Himalayan rafflesia.
NOT EVALUATED (NE)
A taxon is Not Evaluated when it is has not
yet been evaluated
against the criteria.
LEAST CONCERN (LC)
A taxon is Least Concern when it has been
evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify
for Critically Endangered, Endangered,
Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category.
DATA DEFICIENT (DD)
A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate
information to make a direct, or indirect,
assessment of its risk of extinction based on its
distribution and/or population status.
Endangered species of India

According to the Red Data Book of International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are
47 critically endangered species in India (As of 5
Sept 2011)
The number of endangered species in India accounts for
around 8.86 % of the world`s mammals. The mammals
are extended over 186 genera, 45 families and 13 orders
out of which around 89 species are listed as threatened in
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 2006).
Case Study of Dodo
Extinct Species…..
 Asiatic Cheetah

(Acinonyx jubatus ssp. venaticus)

Extinct in India since 1949.
It lives in open semi-arid grassland, savannah, scrub or isolated
low hillocks amidst plains
Fastest animal on land and can achieve terrific speeds of 115-120 km/h
Drier parts of southwestern and central Asia to India. In the past,
the species used to occur in northern and central India.
Presently extinct in India; now found in USSR and in northeastern
Iran as scattered survivor.
Main cause of extinction of this magnificent
cat was destruction of habitat due to
increase in human habitation and
overgrazing by domestic stock
Pink Headed Duck

(Rhodonessa caryophyllacea)
Size of a domestic duck. 60 cm in length.
Its bill was reddish pink, eyes red orange and its feet dark
with a red tint. It was not only unique in having a pink head
and neck, but was also the only duck to lay perfectly
spherical eggs which looked like unpolished billiard balls.
Its habitat was tall grassland, floodplains and small lakes and
ponds.
This bird was shy and secretive, and was rarely seen.
Resident of northern and northeastern India (Orissa, Bihar,
Bengal, Assam and Manipur) in the forested foothills of the
Himalayas and the adjoining plains. Some were also recorded
as winter visitors to Punjab, Uttaranchal, Maharashtra, A P
and T N.
Status: Probably extinct, but until the last known area of
its former range is surveyed, this cannot be confirmed.
Its population started declining as early as 1878, obviously
due to the shrinkage of its habitat and hunting.
The last authentic sight record was in June 1935
(Darbhanga, Bihar).
From 1984-1990, under the
Project Endangered Birds, BNHS
carried out intensive surveys to
rediscover the bird,
but were unsuccessful.
Endangered Flora...
Western Flytrap
(Ceropegia fantastica)

“Critically Endangered”
A slender twiner that grows in open semi-evergreen
forests among bushes on latertic soil
Distribution: Endemic to Western Ghats.
Status: Critically endangered as it has been threatened by
habitat loss and absence of any conservation measures
undertaken.
Dalzell’s Frerea
(Frerea indica)
“Endangered”
Introduction: A rare, endangered and endemic plant,
originally found by Nicole Alexander Dalzell on a hill near
Junnar where now it survives in very limited numbers.
It has not been seen in other similar habitats in the
adjoining hilly areas, which are being denuded and eroded.
The species grows on exposed bare rocks of hill slopes and
cliffs.
Distribution: Being locally endemic, it is found in Junnar
and Purandhare Hills, Pune District, Maharashtra.
Status: Besides being endemic and rare, it has also
been declared as one of the world’s 12 endangered
species listed by the IUCN.
Collection and export of this species is banned.
Endangered Fauna….
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
“Endangered”

Our national animal, graceful, royal, elegant.

It lives in varied habitat like dry open jungles, humid
evergreen forests and mangrove swamps.
Distribution: Found practically throughout India except
the deserts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and higher
reaches of Himalayas. The number of tigers is negligible in
Goa, Haryana, Tripura and Manipur.
Status: At present 1706.
Illegal poaching and loss of
habitat have endangered the tiger.
Project Tiger in 1973.
Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo)

“Critically Endangered”
A large powerfully built cat.
Distribution: A little over 100 years ago, the Asiatic
Lion ranged from western Iran to eastern India. During
the 19th century, it was reported in India from
Gujarat to Bihar.
However, by the second half of the 20th century it had
been wiped out of its entire range except Sasan Gir
in Gujarat.
There are just 359 individuals left alive in India.
The main threats are poaching, loss of habitat
to agriculture, decline in number
of prey species, overgrazing by
domestic stock and others.
Asian Elephant
(Elephas maximus)
“Endangered”

Elephants are forest animals requiring a shady environment but

having free access to grasses, an important part of their diet and
water.
Distribution: In India, they are found in northern Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, northeastern India, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Kerala.
26,390-30,770 are found in India
The major threat to elephant populations in India is the
degradation and fragmentation of its habitat because of the
human population explosion and consequent development.
Poaching of elephants for ivory is still a serious problem in India.
As only male Asian elephants have tusks, males are heavily
poached.
Elephant Project was started in 1992 by the Government of India
4. Indian Wild Ass
(Equus hemionus khur)

“Endangered”
It is an inhabitant of salt encrusted flats (on which almost
nothing grows) dotted with a few scattered islands or bets,
which are the only source of vegetation.
It is restricted to a small area in the Little Rann and other
places in Gujarat (Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat)
3,900 individuals in 2004.
One of the threats is the Surra disease,
which is spread by domestic animals
5. Lion-tailed Macaque
(Macaca silenus)
“Endangered”
Distribution: Endemic to India and is known to occur in the
Western Ghats from North Kanara southwards to Kerala and
Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.
Status: Today, less than 2500 mature individuals are
surviving
The shrinkage of habitat has brought about a considerable
decrease in the population of this macaque. Diversion of
forests for large irrigation, power and mining projects and
extension of roads are not only responsible for the loss of habitat
but have even opened up inaccessible areas to human beings.
Modified land use for agriculture, extension of coffee and tea
plantations and replacement of endemic forest trees by exotic
species like eucalyptus and wattle are the major factors for the
reduction in its numbers.
Some locals are also killing it for fur trade and the supposed
aphrodisiac and medicinal properties of its flesh.
Biodiversity Conservation
Considering the rich diversity and the threats
conservation of this vast biodiversity is very important
2 major approaches
In-situ conservation (at the place)
Ex-situ conservation (out of the place)
Conservation Measures
Protected Areas

Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of

their recognized natural, ecological and/or cultural values.
There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of
protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the
regulations of the international organizations involved.
"protected area" also includes Marine Protected Areas, the
boundaries of which will include some area of ocean,
and Transboundary Protected Areas that overlap multiple countries
which remove the borders inside the area for conservation and
economic purposes.
Protected areas are essential for biodiversity
conservation.

India has 668 PA’s with a total area of 1,61,221.57 sq.km i.e 4.9% of
total geographical area
List…..

Sr.No Category of PA Total Number In

in India Maharashtra
1 National Park 102 6
2 Wildlife Sanctuaries 515 35
3 Conservation Reserves 47 1
4 Community Reserves 4 0
5 Tiger Reserves 39 6
6 Elephant Reserves 28-32 0
7 Biosphere Reserves 17 0
National Park
A National Park is an area where the natural or
historical objects of national significance are
protected along with the wildlife therein, in such
manner and by such means, as will leave them
unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
Such protected areas are created by Central
Legislation and enjoy highest level of legal protection.
They usually form the focal area of the Project Tiger
Reserves.
The human activity is confined to management duties
and controlled tourism, strictly enforced by law.
Wildlife Sanctuary

A Wildlife Sanctuary is a place where some rare, wild,

indigenous mammals, birds, reptiles and any other
form of wildlife are found in good numbers and represents
a region that needs protection together with the natural
environment.
The State Forest Department creates such protected
areas.
The Chief Wildlife Warden monitors human activities such
as livestock grazing, collection of forest produce and
tourism, within the sanctuary’s precincts.
BIOSPHERE AND TIGER RESERVES

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal

ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the
conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
They are internationally recognized, nominated by
national governments and remain under sovereign
jurisdiction of the states where they are located.

Tiger reserves are operated by state forestry

departments “to ensure maintenance of viable
populations of the conservation dependent Bengal
tigers in India.
The tigers are maintained for their scientific,
economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values
and to preserve for all time areas of biological
importance as a national heritage for the benefit,
education and enjoyment of the people”.
Important National parks , Sanctuaries

National Parks: Sanctuaries:

Jim Corbett National park • Bharatpur bird Sanctuary
Kanha • Karnala
Ranthambore • Ranganthittoo
Bandhavgarh • Wild Ass
Periyar • Jaldapara
Tadoba • Nagzira
Sariska • Radhanagari
Gir • Great Indian Bustard
Kaziranga
Practiced Conservation Measures

Gir Sanctuary Project

Project Tiger
Himalayan Musk Deer Project
Project Hangul
Crocodile Breeding Project
Protection by law and
Work by Organizations, NGO’s

Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Biological Diversity Act, 2002
CITES : The Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna
and flora.
World Conservation Union (formerly
IUCN)
The International Union for the Conservation
of Nature
Indian Wildlife Board (IBWL)
WWF: Worldwide Fund for Nature
BNHS: Bombay Natural History Society
Ex situ conservation Institutes

196 zoos, 34 botanical gardens

Gene bank/ seed bank Facilities:
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Research
(NBPGR)
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Research
(NBAGR)
National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture
Repository(NFPTCR)
THANK YOU