The document discusses biodiversity, which refers to the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. It notes that biodiversity exists at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. India is highlighted as one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with high numbers of endemic plant and animal species across its varied ecosystems. However, human activities like overhunting, habitat loss, and invasive species are threatening biodiversity.

3. As we know , Earth is the only planet
which is known to have life.

4. The life in the form of plants, animals over
the millions of years made the planet fit for
various forms of life we have today.
They maintain the balance of Nature &
stabilize the climate.

5. With the passage of time the processes of evolution produced
on amazingly large variety of micro-organism, plant and
animals - The Biological diversity or Biodiversity.
As we know that
life started with very few simple organism.

6. The term Biodiversity has been derived from
two words,
“Bio” meaning life and “diversity” indicating
variety.
But a symposium in 1986 and the follow up book
Biodiversity’ (Wilson 1988) made the world
biodiversity popular .
The term biodiversity was coined in a
Convention of biological diversity in 1985.

7. So, The term biodiversity refers to the variety of
various life forms that are found on this Earth.

8. Hence all plants, animals, micro-organisms as well as genetic material
(like seeds, spores, Rhizomes etc.) are components of biodiversity.

9. (3) Ecosystem Diversity
We can observe that
diversity exists at three different levels
(1) Genetic Diversity
(2) Species Diversity

10. (1) Genetic Diversity (At gene Level) :- This refers
to a variation in genes within a particular species.
For example difference in body shape, size, height
and colour of skin is because of Genetic variations
in Human beings.

11. 2. Species diversity (At species level) :- The difference
among various species found on earth is an example of
this diversity.
1. “Human beings” & chimpanzees are two different
species.
2. Pumpkin, bitter gourd, water melon etc. are
different species of the cucumber family.

12. 3. Diversity At Ecosystem level : Different Ecosystem
(aquatic & terrestrial) are formed due to different geological
and environmental conditions prevailing on earth. These
ecosystems are home to different types of plants & animals.
Some species are found in a specific ecosystem only. These
species are known as endemic.
Different Plants and animals found in a particular
ecosystem are known as a “community”.

13. We as a human being are also part of Biodiversity,
being one of the innumerable species of the life
form on Earth.

14. EARTH - A SINGLE UNIT
BIOSPHERE
On earth all living and their non living environment
are inseparably interconnected and interact with each
other.

15. For convenience we divided the giant biosphere into smaller unit
on certain basis including
3. Complete mechanism of recycling of material
1. Prominent visible biotic diversity and their interaction with their environment.
2. Their is a definite flow of energy with clearly
defined tropic structure and

16. These small units are
separated from each other
with time and space but
functionally they are linked
with each other.
Some of these visible units or
Ecosystems are
ther all, they formed single integrated wh

17. FRESHWATER WETLAND
This biome includes lakes, ponds, rivers and freshwater bodies.
Flora : Aquatic plants like water lilies, Lotus, Water
Hyacinth, Ipomoea, etc.
Fauna : Fresh Water fishes, Water Snakes, Molluscs and
Water birds like Ducks and Geese.
Flora Fauna

18. This biome includes open seas, coasts, coral reefs, etc.
Flora : Mangroves is the distinctive vegetation of this
biome.
Fauna : Octopus, Dolphin, Sea Horse, Giant Sea Turtles,
THE OCEANS OR COASTAL ZONE
FaunaFlora

19. This biome includes areas near the northern temperate zone
to the Arctic zone and remains covered by snow throughout
the year.
Flora : Lichens, Ephemerals
Fauna : Includes Snow Leopard, Polar bears, Penguins,
THE TUNDRA REGION
Flora Fauna

20. This biome includes forests in which trees shed their leaves in
winter or autumn, they are generally broad-leaved forests and
grow in regions with distinctive summer rainfall and severe winter.
Flora : Teak, Oak, etc.
Fauna : Tigers, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Lion, etc.
FORESTS
(DECIDUOUS)
Flora Fauna

21. This biome is found near the equator where the rainfall is high
and occurs throughout the year. It is one of the most biodiverse
biomes in the world and houses maximum species of flora and
fauna.
Flora : Evergreen trees, Orchids, Mosses, Ferns, etc.
Fauna : Bisons, Elephants, Hornbills etc.
FORESTS (TROPICAL RAIN)
Flora Fauna

22. This biome includes grasslands interspersed with dry and
thorny trees. The climates is extreme, ranging from semi-arid
to arid.
Flora : Dominated by Acacia trees, Grasses
Fauna : Frugivorous Birds, Lion, Deer, etc.
FOREST (SCRUB)
Flora Fauna

23. The biome is found at high altitudes where the temperature is low.
Flora : Cone shaped trees like Pine, Birch, Deodar, etc. and hence
the name “conifer”.
Fauna : Birds like the Himalayan Monal Pheasant, the Tragopans
and Animals include Wild Sheep, Himalayan Hog Deer, etc.
FORESTS
(CONIFEROUS)
Flora Fauna

24. This biome includes huge expanses of land covered with
grasses and sparsely interspersed with tree.
Flora : Different types of grasses, etc.
Fauna : Birds like the great Indian Bustard, Hubara
Bustard, Lesser Florican and ungulates like Blackbucks,
Rabbits, Squirrels etc.
GRASSLANDS
Flora Fauna

25. This biome receives less than 50mm of rains annually and is
prone to extreme climates. The land mass is covered mostly
with sand.
Flora : Cacti, Succulents and other Xerophytes.
Fauna : Desert Gerbils, Spiny Tailed Lizards, etc.
DESERTS
Flora Fauna

26. WHY BIODIVERSITY
IS IMPORTANT
FOR US ?

27. Besides life supportive water and air, it provides
Since time immemorial, biodiversity has
been in continuous service of humanity

28. GRAINS VEGETABLES
FRUITS
od like grains, vegetables, milk, fruits, meat et
Meat and

29. LOTHING like cotton, wool, silk, skins & hide

30. MATERIAL FOR SHELTER like Bamboo,
different grasses and timbers,
HOUSING BAMBOO
GRASSES TIMBER

31. EDICINES like Neem, Sarpgandha and Am
MEDICINES

32. MEANS OF RECREATION like forests and
wild life, birds etc.
RECREATION

33.  Purification of Air
and Water
(ie. nitrogen fixing)
 Detoxification of
Wastes
 Regeneration of Soil
Fertility
 Regulation of Climate
“Non-Economic” Benefits of
Biodiversity

34. These all are precious gifts of
biodiversity to us.
The importance of biodiversity for
food security is well established;
therefore, it is every individual’s
responsibility
to conserve it.

35. Interestingly life is not
distributed uniformly on Earth
Certain areas are rich in life form and other are poor.
On the basis of richness in life form certain countries of the
world has been designated as Mega Biodiversity Country
India is one of such country.

36. India has immense biological diversity which can be
attributed to the variety of physiographic & climatic
situations, resulting in a diversity of ecological habitats like
forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal, marine and desert
ecological systems. These ecological systems harbour a wide
variety of plants and animals.
India
A Country of Mega Biodiversity

37. India is one of the “Hotspots countries”. Two hotspots that
extend to India are: The Western Ghats/Sri Lanka and the
Indo-Burma region (covering the Eastern Himalayas),
which have been included amongst the top eight most
important hotspots.

38. As per the famous Russian Botanist, N.I. Vavilov,
India is one of the 12 centres of the origin of
cultivated plants known as the “Hindustan Center of
Origin of Crops and Plants Diversity”.

39. India has 26 recognized
endemic centres that are
home to nearly one third
of all the identified
flowering plants.

40. India has 2.4
percent of world’s
total area and
accounts for 7.31
percent of Earth’s
biodiversity.
ndia’s Share In World’s Biodiversity

41. About 18 percent
of the country’s
recorded plants and
animals are endemic
to the country.

42. Estimated Number of
Animal Species
Taxonomic
Group
World India Percentage
Chordata 48,451 4,952 10.22
Protochordata 2,106 119 11.80
Pisces 21,723 2546 12.00
Amphibia 5,150 219 17.80
Reptilia 5,817 456 08.46
Aves 9,026 1,166 08.53
Mammalia 4,629 397 07.00
Total (Animalia) 11,96,903 86,874 07.25
Protista 31,250 2,577 09.24
Total 12,28,15
3
89,457 07.29

43. Recorded Number of
Plant Species
in India
Taxonomic
Group
India World Percenta
ge
Algae 6,500 40,000 16.25
Fungi 14,500 72,000 11.80
Lichens 2,021 17,000 12.00
Bryophyta 2,850 16,000 17.80
Pteridophyta 1,135 13,000 08.46
Gymnosperms 64 750 08.53
Angiosperms 17,500 2,50,000 07.00

44. Endemic Species of
Plants
Group No. of
species
Pteridophyta 200
Angiosperms 4950

45. Endemic Species of
Animals
Group No. of
species
Mollusca 878
Land 89
Freshwater 110
Insects 16,214
Amphibia 214
Reptilia 69
Aves 69
Mammalla 38
Amongst fauna,
exceptional diversity is
found in amphibians
(62% species are
endemic), butterflies

46. Indian Land has been divided into different
zones according to physiographic and climatic
conditions having similar flora and fauna.

47. States included: Haryana, Punjab, parts of Gujarat and
Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh
Distinct Features: Deserts and Barren Lands.
SEMI ARID ZONE
Flora : Cacti and Shrubs.
Fauna : Black Buck, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Four
Horned Antelope, Caracal, Flamingo, etc.
Flora Fauna

48. Himalayan Zone
States Included : Parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal
Prades, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Distinct Features : Mountains ranges and Dense forests in
foothills.
Flora : Trees like Conifers, Rhododendrons, Pine, Fir, Birch
and Sal.
Flora Fauna

49. Trans Himalayan Zone
States Included: Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal
Pradesh
Distinct Features: Cold, dry deserts and Mountains
ranges.
Flora Fauna

50. COASTS
States Included: Coastal parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Distinct Features: Sandy shores, Rocky shores and Mangroves, Estuaries,
Swamps and in0shore lagoons.
Flora : Mangroves like Avicenna and Rhizophora Halophytes.
Fauna : Invertebrates, Fishes, Prawns, Dolphins, Whales, Crocodiles, etc.
Flora Fauna

51. States Included: Gujarat and Rajasthan
Distinct features: Deserts with rainfall of 250mm/annum.
Flora : Xerophytes.
Fauna : Desert Fox, Caracal, Desert Lizard, and Spiny Tailed
Lizard, Viper, Civet and Raptors.
Desert
Zone
Flora Fauna

52. Gangetic Plains
States Included: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.
Distinct features: Plains, Grasslands, Small lakes and Seasonal
Swamps, Important for migratory birds.
Flora : Grasses and trees like Sal and Teak.
Fauna : Hog deer, Nilgai, Black Buck, One-horned Rhinoceros, etc.
Flora Fauna

53. Islands
States Included: Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshwadeep
Distinct features: Dense evergreen forests and Coastal areas. Rainfall
ranges between 2750-4450mm per annum..
Flora : Dipletocarpus, Terminalia, Largerstomia.
Fauna : Dolphins, Whales, Macaques, Pythons, Fruits Pigeons and Salt water
Crocodiles..
FaunaFlora

54. The Western Ghats
States Included: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerela
Distinct features: Mountains ranges (a stretch of 1500km), dense tropical
forests, grasslands. Rainfall of 2000-4000mm/annum.
Flora : Trees like Sal, Nilgiri and several types of Grasses.
Fauna : Elephant, Leopard, Malabar Civet, Barking Deer, Lion Tailed
Macaque, Rusty Spotted Cart, Nilgiri Langur, Slender Loris, Slow Loris, etc.
Flora Fauna

55. Deccan Peninsula
States Included: Parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu.
Distinct features: Plains, Deciduous Forests, Plateaus and Hilly Regions. It covers
about 43% of the total land mass of India.
Flora : Trees like sal, Teak, Thorny Shrubby Plants, Savannah Grasses.
Fauna : Gaurs, Muntjak, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Swamp Deer, Wild Dog,
Leopard, etc.
Flora Fauna

56. States Included: Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and
Aruanachal Pradesh
Distinct features: Mountain ranges and Dense forests. Rainfall is between 2000-
4000mm annually.
Flora : Orchids, Mosses, Epiphytes, Fens, Pines and Herbs.
Fauna : Wild Elephants, Gaur, Giant Langur, Wolf, Hyena, Leopards, Assam
Macaque, Leaf Monkey etc.
Northeast India
Flora Fauna

57. Equally impressive is the range of domesticated
biodiversity.
At least 66 species of crops and 320 species of wild relatives of crops are known
to have originated in India.
Other crops with rich diversity include wheat sugarcane, legumes, sesame, egg
plant (brinjal), citrus fruits and cardamom, etc.
There are an estimated 50,000-60,000 varieties of rice grown in India.Crop No. of
wild
relatives
Millets 51
Fruits 104
Spices and condiments 27
Vegetables and pulses 55
Fibre crops 24
Oil seeds, tea coffee
Tobacco and sugarcane 12

58. Today due to human
actions, species and
ecosystems are threatened
with destruction to an
extent rarely seen in Earth
history. Probably only
during the handful of mass
extinction events have so
many species been
threatened, in so short a
time.
Dirty Yamuna

59. The human actions that
threaten biodiversity
Over-hunting
Over-hunting has been a significant cause of the
extinction of hundreds of species and the endangerment
of many more, such as whales and many.
Most extinctions over the past several hundred years
are mainly due to over-harvesting for food, fashion, and profit.
Commercial hunting, both legal and illegal (poaching), is the principal threat.
The snowy egret, passenger pigeon, and heath hen are US examples.
Passenger Pigeon
While over-hunting, particularly illegal poaching, remains a serious threat
to certain species which can be almost extinct in the near future.

60. Habitat loss, degradation,
fragmentation
Habitat loss, degradation, and
fragmentation are important causes of
known extinctions. As deforestation
proceeds in tropical forests, this promises
to become the main cause of mass
extinctions caused by human activity.
In the future, the only species that
survive are likely to be those whose
habitats are highly protected, or whose
habitat corresponds to the degraded state
associated with human activity
(human commensals).

61. Invasion of non-native species
Invasion of non-native species is
an important and often overlooked
cause of extinctions. The African
Great Lakes--Victoria, Malawi
and Tanganyika--are famous for
their great diversity of endemic
species, termed "species flocks," of
cichlid fishes. In Lake Victoria, a
single, exotic species, the Nile
Perch, has become established and
may cause the extinction of most
of the native species, by simply
eating them all.
Nile Perch
Congress Grass
Water lily
Argentine Ants
It was a purposeful introduction for subsistence and
sports fishing, and a great disaster.

62. Domino effects are especially likely when two or
more species are highly interdependent, or when the affected species is a
"keystone" species, meaning that it has strong connections to many other
species.
Domino effects
Domino effects occur when the removal of one species
(an extinction event) or the addition of one species
(an invasion event) affects the entire biological
system.
Oriental bittersweet
A keystone species is one whose presence or absence both directly and
indirectly influences other species through food web connectivity. (Like
a starfish in inter tidal zone , facilitated the coexistence of many other
invertebrates by selectively consuming mussels .

63. Pollution
Pollution from chemical contaminants
certainly poses a further threat to
species and ecosystems. While not
commonly a cause of extinction, it
likely can be for species whose range
is extremely small, and threatened
by contamination. Several species
of desert pupfish, occurring in small
isolated pools in the US Southwest,
are examples.
Desert Pupfish

64. Introduction of exotic species
The great majority of the exotic species do not become established in the
introduced new places. However, some of the species are able to establish in
new area. Such successful exotic species may kill or eat native species to the
point of extinction, or may so alter the habitat that many natives are no
longer able to persist.
The effect of exotic species is maximum on islands.
Disease causing microorganisms, if introduced to new virgin areas may cause
epidemics and native species are eliminated completely.

65. Diseases
Human activities may increase the
incidence of disease in wild species.
The extent of the disease increases
when animals are confined to a
nature reserve rather than being
able to disperse over a large area.
Also, animals are more prone
to infection when they are
under stress. Animals held in
captivity are also more prone
to higher level of disease.

66. Shifting or Jhum cultivation
In shifting cultivation, plots of natural tree vegetation
are burnt away and the cleared patches are formed for two or
three seasons, after which their fertility goes down to a point
where adequate crop production is no longer possible.
The farmers then abandons
this patch and cuts down
a new patch of forest trees
elsewhere for crop
production.
This system is also called
as Jhum Cultivation.

67. Climate change
A changing global climate threatens
species and ecosystems. The
distribution of species (biogeography)
is largely determined by climate, as is
the distribution of ecosystems and
plant vegetation zones (biomes).
Climate change may simply shift
these distributions but, for a number
of reasons, plants and animals may
not be able to adjust. The pace of
climate change almost certainly will
be more rapid than most plants are
able to migrate.

68. Why Should We Care for
Biodiversity?
• Human well-being rests on ecosystem function
– how does ecosystem function depend on biodiversity
• Biodiversity provides market goods and services
– agriculture (50% of yield increases from genes from native
plants)
– pharmaceuticals (25% from native plants)
– recreation and tourism
• Aesthetic value to humans (enjoyment, study)
• Intrinsic value (species? populations? individuals?)

69. Ecosystem Goods and Services
• Gas regulation
• Climate regulation
• Disturbance regulation
• Water regulation
• Water supply
• Erosion control and sediment
retention
• Soil formation
• Nutrient cycling
• Waste treatment
• Pollination
• Biological control
• Food production
• Raw materials
• Genetic resources
• Recreation
• Cultural
But only 20-50% of species are needed
to maintain ecosystem functions

70. International
Initiative to save
Biodiversity

71. International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources
Conservation Union (IUCN ) Red Data Books
IUCN, with headquarters at Gland, Switzerland, is the premier coordinating
body for international conservation efforts.
To highlight the legal status of rare species for the purpose of conservation,
(IUCN) has established the five main conservation categories. These are
extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare and insufficiently known species.
Using the IUCN categories, the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) has evaluated
and described threats to about 60,000 plant and 2,000 animal species in its series of Red Data
Books.
Threatened species include those which are endangered, vulnerable, and rare in IUCN
categories. The great majority of the species on these lists of Red Data Books are plants. However,
there are also species of fish (343), amphibians (50), reptiles (170), invertebrates (1355), birds
(1037) and mammals (497).
The IUCN system has been applied to specific geographical areas as a way to highlight
conservation priorities. Malaysia is an example.

72. Germplasm Bank
Germplasm Banks, also called gene banks are established for ex situ
conservation of the species. Such gene banks include botanical gardens, animal zoos,
genetic resource centres, culture collections etc.
In plant species seeds, pollen grains, vegetative propagative parts (corm, bulb, tuber etc.),
tissues etc. are collected and stored in such germplasm banks. Several international
organisations in different parts of the world are setting up the gene Bank
(International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) with it Headquarters at Rome.
A number of germplasm banks have also been established in Europe and North America.
A network of gene banks to conserve a variety of medicinal and aromatic plants has also
been established by the G-15 countries (Argentina, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, India,
Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela, ex-Yugoslavia and
Zimbabwe).
This network would ensure conservation of seeds, embryos, pollen and cultured tissues of
important plant species.

73. Ex situ conservation strategies
The Best strategy for the long-term protection of biodiversity is the preservation
of natural communities and population in the wild, known as in situ or on-
site preservation.
In EX Situ preservation is maintaining individual species in artificial condition
under supervision like captive breeding programme in research institutes.
Examples of ex situ facilities for animal preservation include zoos, game farms,
aquaria, and captive breeding programs, while plants are maintained in botanical
gardens, arboreta, and seed banks.
An intermediate strategy that contains elements of both ex situ and in situ
preservation is the monitoring and management of populations of rare and
endangered species in small, protected areas; such populations are still somewhat
wild, but human intervention may be necessary on occasion to
prevent population decline.

74. egal Protection of species and habitats
National resources can be legally protected at local, national as well
as international levels. In many countries, there are private
conservation organizations which acquire land for conservation
efforts. National governments and national organizations play a
leading role in conservation.
There are also international agreements for the protection of
habitats. Three of the most important conventions are the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1971)
especially as Waterfowl Habitat; the Convention Concerning the
Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1984) and
the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Programme (1971).
Convention on International Trade in
Endangered
Species (CITES).

75. Other International
Conventions
Convention on Migratory Species (1979)
list, prohibit taking, and take
measures to protect endangered species
crossing borders
UN Convention to Combat
Desertification (1994)

76. OUR TRADITION &
CULTURE
National Initiatives to Save Biodiversity
We have a very strong tradition &
culture of attaching reverence to plants
& animals. Cow, Pipal Tree and Tulsi
are considered sacred and worshipped
all over the country. The purpose has
always been to save these resources from
being plundered & destroyed.
The Bishnoi community
in Rajasthan does not
cut green trees and kill

77. Sacred groves (Dev
Vana)Similar to sacred groves,
there are ponds and
small lakes created with
Temples, Dargahs or
Gurudwaras. They
provide protection to a
wide variety of aquatic
life forms (mainly
fishes).

78. State Sacred Groves
Jharkand Sarnas
Maharashtra Devari
Madhya Pradesh Dev
Karnataka Sidharavana
Rajasthan Orance
Tamilnadu Sarppakavu
Kerala Kav
Sacred groves (Dev Vana) are certain identified areas of forest,
which are considered sacred in our country. All forms of life
(Plants & Animals) receive full protection in these groves. They
are known by different names in different parts of the country.

79. • CHIPKO MOVEMENT - 250 YEARS
AGO IN Garhwal (U.P.), 363 people including
men, women, and children gave their lives to save
trees. This movement was revived in March 1973
in Garhwal (Now Uttranchal) & spread to many
areas. Sunder Lal Bhuguna and Chandi Prasad
Bhatt were the prominent figures of this
movement.
• SAVE SEED CHAMPAIGN -
From
the past few years, rural women of
Uttrakhand have started this
movement to save traditional seed
varieties. This is an effort to conserve

80. CONSITUTIONAL, LEGISLATIVE
AND POLICY FRAME WORK
In wake of the 1972 Stockolm conference, the focused articulation of environment
concerns began to be seen in different legislations, policies & programme. In 1976,
the Indian Constitution was amended to include two articles relating to
environment.
Article 48-A of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that ‘The State shall
endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and
wildlife in the country’,
Article 51 (A) (G), states that it is the fundamental duty of each citizen ‘To protect
and improve the national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife’.
Since then, numerous and wide-ranging policies, programmes and projects have been
initiated which directly or indirectly serve to protect and conserve the country’s
biological resources.

81. FOREST POLICY AND LAW
India is one of the few countries which has a
forest policy since 1894. It was revised in 1952
and again in 1988. The main plank of the forest policy is
protection, conservation and development of forests.
Its aims are:
Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation
and restoration of ecological balance.
Conservation of natural heritage.
Check on soil erosion and denudation in catchments area of
rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Check on extension of sand dunes in desert areas of Rajasthan
and along coastal tracts.

82.  Substantial increase in forest tree cover through massive
afforestation and social forestry programmes.
 Steps to meet requirements of fuel wood, fodder, minor
forest produce and soil timber of rural and tribal
populations.
 Increase in productivity of forests to meet the national
needs.
 Encouragement to efficient utilization of forest produce
and optimum substitution of wood.
 Steps to create massive people’s movement with
involvement of women to achieve the objectives and
minimize pressure on existing forest.

83. Declaration of certain areas as
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves or
Ecologically Fragile and Sensitive Areas:
At present we have
92 national parks and
500 wildlife sanctuaries covering 15.67 million hectare area.
13 Biosphere Reserves
19 Wetlands (of international significance under Ramsar Convention) .
PROTECTED AREAS

84. BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems,
which are internationally recognized within the framework of
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. They are
representative of world’s major ecosystem types and landscapes and
are devoted to conserving biological diversity, promoting research
and monitoring, as well as seeking to provide models of sustainable
development in the service of humankind.

85. List of operational Biosphere Reserves in the
countryS. No. Name of Biosphere
Reserve
Date of
Notification
State
1 Nilgiri 01.08.1986 Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and
Kerala
2 Nanda Devi 18.01.1986 Uttranchal
3 Nokrek 01.09.1988 Meghalaya
4 Great Nicobar 06.01.1989 Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5 Gulf of Mannar 18.02.1989 Tamil Nadu
6 Manas 14.03.1989 Assam
7 Sunderbans 19.03.1989 West Bengal
8 Similipal 21.06.1994 Orissa
9 Dibru-Saikhowa 28.07.1997 Assam
10 Dehang Debang 02.09.1998 Arunachal Pradesh
11 Panchamrhi 07.02.1999 Madhya Pradesh
12 Kanchanjunga 07.02.2000 Sikkim
13 Agasthyamalai 12.11.2001 Tamil Nadu and Keral

86. SPECIAL ATTENTION TO
WETLANDS, MANGROVES AND
CORAL REEFS
WETLANDS
Wetlands are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic system,
where the soil permanently or most of the time remains water logged. They
are life support systems for people living around and are effective in flood
control, reducing sediments, recharging of aquifers and also act a winter
resorts for a variety of birds for shelter. They provide ideal habitats for fish
and other plants and animals.

87. MANGROVES
Mangrove plants survive high salinity, tidal extremes, strong wind
velocity, high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil-a combination of
conditions hostile for other plants. They also serve as a repository of a
wide range of salinity tolerant plants and animals. Mangroves not
only help in stabilizing the costal line but also reduce the devastating
impact of the tsunamis.

88. State-wise list of Mangroves areas
identified by the Ministry
State/UT Mangrove Area
West Bengal 1. Sunderbans
Orissa 2. Bhaitarkanika, 3. Mahanadi, 4. Subernarekha, 5. Devi, 6. Dhamra, 7.
MGRC, 8. Chilka
Andhra Pradesh 9. Coringa, 10. East Godavari, 11. Krishna
Tamil Nadu 12. Pichavram, 13. Muthupet, 14. Ramnad, 15. Pulicat, 16. Kazhuveli
Andaman & Nicobar 17. North Andamans, 18. Nicobar
Kerala 19. Vembanad
Karnataka 20. Coondapur, 21 Dakshin Kannada/Honnavar
Goa 22. Karwar
Maharashtra 24. Achra-Ratnagiri, 25. Devgarh Vijay Dur, 26. Veldur, 27. Kundalika
Ravdana, 28. Mumbra-Diva, 29. Vikroli, 30. Shreevardhan, 31. Vaitarna,
32. Vasassi-Manori, 33. Malvan
Gujarat 34. Gulf of Kutch 35.

89. Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are shallow-water tropical marine ecosystems,
characterized by High biomass production and rich floral and
faunal diversity. Large number of species of plants and animals
including beautiful and varied corals are found in these areas. To
conserve biodiversity, the preservation of these specialized
ecosystems is very important. Four coral reefs, namely, Gulf of
Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands

90. 1. The Indian Forest Act 1927
2. The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980
3. The Wildlife Act 1972 (Protection)
Amendment Act 1991
4. The Environment (Protection) Act 1986
5. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
6. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):- India ratified the international
convention on 18 February and became party to the convention in May 1994.
It recognized in clear terms the importance of Biodiversity and its role in human
welfare. It suggests suitable measures to be adopted for conservation of sustainable
utilization of the same. So, apart from our own benefit, we also have an
international obligation to protect the biodiversity in our country.
Central Acts having relevance to Biodiversity

91. BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT
2002
The main intent of the legislation is to protect India’s rich
biodiversity and associated knowledge against their use by
foreign individuals and organizations without sharing the

92. The prudence dictates that we must
maintain as much variety of biodiversity as
possible.
Conclusion…..
Plants and animals evolving over millions of years have
made the planet fit for the various forms of life we
have today. They help maintain the balance of mature
and stabilize the climate. They protect watersheds and
renew soil. High diversity in an area is an indicator of
good ecosystem health.

93. So, we must make every
effort to preserve,
conserve, and manage
biodiversity.

94. Reports and Publications Of Ministry Of Environment And Forest.
Reference
Prepared By
Shri. B.K Tyagi
Miss. Rashmi Bala
Mr. Navneet Kumar Gupta

95. End of Slide Show
Back to Index Page Back to Home Page