Biodiversity Conservation in India
India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, hosting 8% of global biodiversity. Conservation efforts are crucial for ecological balance and sustainable development.
Biodiversity Hotspots
India has four biodiversity hotspots: Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland. These areas are rich in endemic species but face threats from human activities.
Protected Areas
India has 106 National Parks, 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and 18 Biosphere Reserves covering about 5% of geographical area, protecting diverse ecosystems and species.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Comprehensive legislation for wildlife conservation, providing legal framework for protection of endangered species and their habitats.
Project Tiger
Launched in 1973, it has been successful in increasing tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to over 3,000 in 2022 through habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.
Conservation Challenges
Major threats include habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and invasive species. Balancing development with conservation remains a key challenge.
Community Participation
Involving local communities in conservation through eco-tourism, joint forest management, and benefit-sharing mechanisms ensures sustainable conservation.