Biodiversity and Conservation
From the endemic species of the Western Ghats to the global standards of the IUCN Red List, master the frameworks that protect our planet's biological heritage.
What are Biodiversity Hotspots?
A Biodiversity Hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from humans. The concept was developed by Norman Myers in 1988.
Qualification Criteria
Must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics found nowhere else.
It has to have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation.
India is home to 4 major hotspots: The Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma Region, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).
The IUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of biological species. It uses a set of quantitative criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species.
Threatened Categories
Conservation Strategies
Conservation can be broadly divided into two approaches based on whether the protection happens within or outside the natural habitat.
In-Situ (On-site)
Conservation within the natural habitat. It maintains evolutionary processes and ecosystem integrity.
- • National Parks
- • Wildlife Sanctuaries
- • Biosphere Reserves
- • Sacred Groves
Ex-Situ (Off-site)
Conservation outside natural habitats. Acts as a critical backup for species on the brink of extinction.
- • Zoological Parks
- • Botanical Gardens
- • Seed Banks
- • Gene Banks