(i) What are the threats to Indian biodiversity ? (ii) How can Indian biodiversity be conserved ?

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Indian biodiversity, about 7-8% of recorded species, is threatened by habitat destruction, poaching and wildlife trade, pollution, climate change and invasive species. It can be conserved through protected areas like 18 biosphere reserves, ex situ seed banks and zoos, community Biodiversity Management Committees and flagship projects such as Project Tiger.

**Introduction**

India’s biodiversity, hosting about 7-8% of recorded global species, faces threats from habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change, necessitating integrated conservation strategies. Its varied ecosystems support ecological balance and livelihoods, making conservation essential.

**Threats to Indian Biodiversity**

1. **Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation**: Expansion of agriculture, mining, and urbanisation fragments habitats, notably in the Western Ghats, reducing forest cover and species viability. Infrastructure projects and mining exacerbate this loss, disrupting ecosystem integrity.  
2. **Overexploitation and Poaching**: Illegal trade threatens keystone species like tigers and elephants, undermining ecosystem stability. Demand for animal parts and medicinal plants fuels rampant poaching, endangering critical species.

**Conservation Strategies**

1. **In Situ Conservation and Protected Areas⟦1⟧**: India’s 18 biosphere reserves, over 100 national parks and over 570 sanctuaries, including ==Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve==, protect ecosystems; flagship projects like Project Tiger⟦2⟧ and Project Snow Leopard have increased tiger populations from 2,226 (2014) to 3,682 recently. These protected areas maintain natural habitats and support species recovery.  
2. **Community Participation and Governance**: The three-tier biodiversity governance⟦3⟧ model with 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees and People’s Biodiversity Registers empowers local communities; ==Andhra Pradesh’s community-led sacred groves and wetlands== exemplify this. Such involvement ensures sustainable resource use and local stewardship.  
3. **Way Forward**: Strengthen habitat connectivity via ecological corridors, especially in ==Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Ghats==; promote sustainable livelihoods for forest communities through eco-tourism and sustainable harvesting; and leverage GIS and AI for real-time biodiversity monitoring and threat assessment.

**Conclusion**

A multi-pronged approach combining habitat protection, community governance, and advanced technology is vital for conserving India’s biodiversity and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15. These efforts will secure ecological balance and sustain biodiversity for future generations.

(i) భారతీయ జీవవైవిధ్యానికి ముప్పులు ఏమిటి? (ii) భారతీయ జీవవైవిధ్యాన్ని ఎలా సంరక్షించవచ్చు?

Model answer

ఈ ప్రశ్నను ప్రాక్టీస్ చేయండి

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