4 Biodiversity and Conservation part 2

1. Endemic Species of India
India has a very rich element of endemics in its flora. According to Chatterjee (1940)
Indian subcontinent has about 61.5 percent to endemic flora with about 7,000 endemic species
and 134 endemic genera. Of these the Himalayas and the Khasi Hills account for about 3,000

and Deccan peninsula for about 2,000 endemic species. These figures speak eloquently of the
great need for protecting the endemics. This can be done effectively by carefully analyzing the
floristic composition of the various phytogeographical units of Indian flora and by selecting
suitable natural forests in these units and preserving them as ‘Biosphere Reserves’.
Sapria himalayana, Uvaria Inroad, Alcimandra cathcartii Magnolia gustavii, M pealiana,
Pachylarnax pleiocarpa, Nepenthes khasiana, Dicentra royler several species of Primula and
Rhododendron and the Lady’s Slipperorchids. P. aphiopodilum insigne, P. hirsutissimum, P.
faireenum, P. spicerianum and P. venusturm, are some of the noteworthy endemics of the
Himalayas and Khasi Hills. Antiaris taxicaria, Campanual cytinoides, Pedicularis perroter
and the some species of the Podostemaceae are endemic to Western ghats/the Nilgiri Hills
in South India.
2. Endangered Flora and Fauna of India
Some plants and animals have already become extinct and there are many facing
danger of extinction. The basic reasons of extinction of wildlife are as follows:
(1) Destruction of their natural habitats due to expanding agriculture, urbanization
and industrialization.
(2) Overgrazing by domestic animals that convert the area into deserts.
(3) Poaching for meat, skin, fur, ivory, rhino horns etc.
(4) Export of some species.
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) could so far complete survey of plant resources. in
only about 3/5th of the country. As per the targets set, BSI should have complete survey
of the remaining 2/5th of the country by 1998. It is planned to publish National Flora of the
country in 24 volumes by 2000 A.D.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) could so far survey only about 1/3 of the country,
and is planned to complete the survey of the 75% of the remaining 2/3rd area of the country
by 2000 A.D. Sixty-two volumes of Fauna of India are to be brought out by 2000. Data
regarding all endangered plant and animal species of the country are also not complete. It
was set that data regarding all endangered plant species will be inventoried by 1992, for
which BSI had been restructured. In its Annual Report (1987-88); D.O. En. Has reported to
publish Vol. I of Red Data Book of Indian plants covering 235 species. Red Data Book of
Indian Plants Vol. II containing about 200 rare and endangered species is completed and
printed (D.O. En. Annual Report, I988-89). The status survey of Endangered animal species
is being done and is claimed to be completed and Red Data Book compiled by 1995.
According to the Red Data Book of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources), more than 1000 creatures are threatened with extinction,
some very soon, some within a decade or so. Among these facing most immediate danger
are, all species of rhinoceros particularly the Indian variety the Royal Bengal, and Siberian
Tigers, the Mexican grizzly bear, the red wolf, the mountain gorilla; the Arabian oryx and
the Asiatic lion.
Indian Endangered Flora
In India, nearly 450-plant species have been identified as endangered, threatened or
rare. A list of some such species in different parts of the country is given below (this may
not be a complete list).
Table 4.6. List of Some Endangered, Threatened or Rare Species
S.No. Species Family
Himalayas and Eastern India
1. Abies delavayi Pinaceae
2 Acanthephippium sylhetense Orchidaceae
3. Aconitum deinorrhzum Ranunculaceae
4. Adinandra griffithii Theaceae
5. Aglaia perviridis Meliaceae
6. Amblyanthus multiflorus Myrsinanceae
7. Anacolosa ilicoides Oleaceae
8. Anoectolchilus sikkimensis Orchidaceae
9. Angopteris eracta Angiopteridaceae
10. Aphyllorchis Montana Orchidaceae
11. Arachnanthe cathcartii Orchidaceae
12. A. clarkei Orchidaceae
13. Artemisia Asteraceae
14. Astragalus strobiliferus Papilionaceae
15. Camellia caduca Theaceae
16. Cyathea gigontean Cyatheaceae
17. C. elegans Orchidaceae
18. Dendrobium densiflorum Orchidaceae
19. Dioscorea deltoidea Dioscoreaceae
20. D. ruflesiana Asclepiadacea
21. Gentiana Kurroo Gentianaceae
22. Lespedeza elegans Papilionaceae
23. Nardostachys grandiflora Valerianaceae
24. Nepenthes khasiana Nepenthaceae
25. Osmynda regalis Osmundaceae
26. Picea brachytyla Pinaceae
27. Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae
28. Rhododendron arizelum Ericaceae
29. Saussurea bracteata Asteraceae
30. S. lappa Asteraceae
31. Zanthoxylum scandens Rutaceae

Rajasthan and Gujarat
32. Commiphora wightii Burseraceae
33. Helichrysum cutchicum Asteraceae
34. Hyphaene dichotoma Arecaceae
35. Meconopsis betonicifolia Papaveraceae
Gangetic plain
36. Aldrovanda vesiculosa Droseraceae
Peninsular India
37. Anemia tomentosa Schizaeaceae
38. Ceropegia fantastica Asclepiadaceae
39. Cycas beddomei Cycadaceae
40. Lobelia nicotionaefolia Lobeliaceae
41. Piper barberi Piperaceae
42. Pterospermum obtusifolium Sterculiaceae
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
43. Depterocarpus kerrii Dipterocarpaceae
44. Hippocratea nicobarica Hippocrateaceae
45. Lagerstroemia hypoleuca Lythraceae
46. Myristica andamanica Myristicaceae
47. Podocarpus neriifolius Podocarpaceae
48. Uvaria nicobarica Annonaceae
Indian Endangered Fauna
Some of the animal species listed below has been identified as endangered ones. This
may not be a complete list. The chici’s species are:
Table 4.7 : List of Animals Species
Mammals Four-horned antelope Bengal florican
Lion-tailed macaque Indian bison Nicobar pigeon
Nilgirilangur Wild yask Wreathed hornbill
Indian wolf Gangetic dophin Reptiles
Red fox Baleen whales Turtle
Himalayan Brown bear Marinedolphines Tortoise
Red panda Birds Terrapin
Indian Lion Geese Green sea turtle
Leopard Black eagle Tortoise shell turtle
One-horned rhinoceros Bamboo partridge Esturine crocodile
Indian wild ass Mountain quail Marsh crocodile
Andaman wild pig Chir pheasant Monitor lizards
Kashmir stag Peacock pheasant Indian python
Swamp deer Indian peafowl Amphibia
Alpine musk deer Blacknecked crane Viviparous toad
Blackbuck Masked finfoot Indian salamander
Chinkara Houbra bustard
CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
The hope for conservation of natural biodiversity however rests on preservation of
selected ecosystems and representative areas of different vegetation types in the country. as
well as on saving some of the extinction-prone species. The number of endangered species
of plants and animals is on the rise, which has prompted government and non-governmental
organizations to take certain steps in this direction. Forestry and wildlife were primarily
under the control of state governments but later on looking to the gravity of the situation
a separate Ministry of Environment and Forests was established.
The aims and objectives of wildlife management in India includes the following
(i) Protection of natural habitats
(ii) Maintenance of a viable number of species
(iii) Establishment of biosphere reserves
(iv) Protection through legislation
Some of the non-government organizations working in this direction are
(i) Bombay Natural History Society
(ii) Wildlife Preservation Society of India, Dehradun.
(iii) World Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF)
Laws Governing Biodiversity Conservation in India
(i) The Madras Wild Elephant Preservation Act, 1873.
(ii) All India Elephant Preservation Act, 1879.
(iii) The Indian Fisheries Act, 1897.
(iv) Wild Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1912.
(v) The Indian Forest Act, 1927.
(vi) Bengal Rhinoceros Act, 1932.
(vii) Haily National Park Act.. 1936.
(viii) Bombay Wild, Animals and Wild Birds Protection Act, 1951.
(ix) Assam Rhinoceros Protection Act, 1954.
(x) The Cruelty Against Animals Act, 1960.
(xi) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
(xii) The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
(xiii) Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act; 1991.
Conservation of Forests and National Ecosystems Act, 1994.
IN-SITU AND EX-SITU CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
The goal of biodiversity conservation can be attained in a number of ways. The concept
of gene banks regulates all these methods.
In-situ conservation
It can be defined as the conservation of plants and animals in their native ecosystem
(natural habitats) or even man made ecosystem, where they naturally occur.
This type of conservation is applicable to wild flora and fauna as conservation is achieved
through protection of populations in their natural ecosystems. The concept of protected
areas falls under this category e.g. National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere reserves
etc.
Ex-situ conservation
It can he defined as the conservation of plants and animals away from their natural
habitats, which includes collection of samples of genetic diversity and their treatment in the
laboratory, where they are cultured.
The concept of ‘gene banks’ has primarily become the talk for ex-situ conservation as
it is important for conservation of agricultural crops and forestry based afforestation
programmes. Genetic resource centres fall under this category and include botanical gardens,
zoos etc.
INSTITUTIONS FOR “EX-SITU” CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
(a) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
The set up was established in 1976 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) New Delhi for “Ex-Situ” conservation of plant genetic resources for agri-horticultural
and agri-silvicultural activities. Built- in long term cold storage (Gene Banks) have been
installed in New Delhi to conserve genetic resources at low temperature of 20°C. At present,
NBPGR holds about 48.5 thousand accessions of diverse species of economically important
plants (Khanna & Singh 1987). A number of scientific organizations dealing with storage of
genetic material of various crop plants have been established in India after independence.
They are “Rice Research Institute”, Cuttack, “Potato Research Institute”, Shimla & “Indian
Institute of Horticultural Research”, Bangalore.
(b) National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)
It was established in the 1980’s in Kamal, Punjab: for preservation of germless of
improved varieties of cattle’s-cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, camels and oxen and their various
breeds found in different parts of India. Other organizations for “ex-situ” conservation of
animal germplasm are “National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources”. Lucknow and Wildlife
Research Institute of India, Dehradun. At WRI a “gene bank” of all wild and domesticated
animals of India is coming up.
Protected areas of India for “In-Situ” Conservation of Biodiversity:
Three types of protected areas-
(i) Wildlife Sanctuaries;
(ii) National Park;
(iii) Biosphere Reserves were created in India for “In-Situ” conservation of biodiversity.
As on 31 March, 1994 there were 421 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 75 National Park, 14
Biosphere Reserved in India covering about 4% of total geographical area. In-situ conservation
of wildlife is a comprehensive system of protected areas. There are different categories of
protected areas, which are managed with different objectives for bringing benefits to the
society. The major protected areas include: (i) National Parks, (ii) Sanctuaries, (iii) Biosphere
Reserves etc. These areas vary considerably in size, design, purpose and effectiveness of
management.
Table 4.8. Distribution between National Park, Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve
S.No. National Park Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve
1. Associated to the habitat These are species oriented Takes into consideration
of wild animal species as pitcher plant, Great the entire ecosystem.
like rhino, tiger, lion etc. Indian Bustard.
2. The size range is Size range is Size range over
0.04-3162 sq.km. 0.61-7818 sq. km. 5670 sq. km.
3. Boundaries marked by Boundaries not sacrosanct Boundaries marked by
legislation legislation
4. Disturbance only limited Limited disturbance Disturbance only limited
to buffer zone to buffer zone.
5. Tourism allowed Tourism allowed Tourism generally not allowed
6. Scientific management Scientific management Scientifically managed
is lacking is lacking
7. No attention is paid to No attention is paid to Attention is paid
gene pool conservation gene pool conservation
(i) National Park
According to the Indian Board for Wild Life (IBWL), “a National Park is an area
dedicated by statute for all time to conserve the scenery, natural and historical objects, to
conserve the wild life there in and to provide for enjoyment of the same in such manner and
by such means, that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations
with such modification as local conditions may demand”.
The history of National parks in India begins in 1936 when the Hailey (now Corbett)
national parks of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) was created. The area is declared
for the protection and preservation for all time of wild animal life and wild vegetation for
the benefit and advantage and enjoyment of the general public. In this area hunting of
fauna or collection of flora is prohibited except under the direction of park authority.
Table 4.9. Wildlife Reserves in Different Status
State Wildlife Reserve
Andhra Pradesh Kawal, Pocharam, Neelapattu
Arunachal Pradesh Namidapha
Assam Kaziranga, Manas
Bihar Hazaribarh, Belta
Goa Mollen
Gujarat Gir, Wild Ass, Nal Sarovar
Haryana Sultanapur lake
Himachal Pradesh Gobin-sagar
Jammu & Kashmir Dachingam
Karanataka Bandipur, Nagarhole
Kerala Periyar, Neyyar
Madhya Pradesh Kanha
Maharashtra Pench, Nawegaon, Dhakna-Kolkaz
Manipur Keibul
Meghalaya Balapakrani
Mizoram Dampa
Nagaland Intangki
Orissa Simplipal, Chilka lake
Punjab Abohar
Rajasthan Ranthambore, Ghana
Sikkim Kanchenjunga
Tamil Nadu Guindy, Mundumalai, Annamalai
Uttar Pradesh Corbett, Dudwa
West Bengal Mahanandi, Jaldapara, Deer Parks, Sunderban
(ii) Sanctuary
The Indian Board for Wild Life has defined a sanctuary as, ‘An area where killing,
hunting, shooting or capturing of any species of bird or animal is prohibited except by or
under the control of highest authority in the department responsible for the management
of the sanctuary and whose boundaries and character should be sacrosanct as far as possible.
By June 1992 India had 416 sanctuaries. The Board has further clarified the position by
stating that while the management of sanctuaries does not involve suspension or restriction
of normal forest operation, it is desirable to aside a completely sacrosanct area within a
sanctuary to be known as ‘Abhyaranya’. It has also indicated that sanctuaries should be
made accessible to the public.

In India sanctuary is usually created by an order or gazette notification of State
government. So the weakness of a sanctuary is that it can be desanctuarized merely by
another order or gazette notification of a State government because it is not safeguarded by
any proper legislation. The idea behind a wild life sanctuary and a national park is same,
i.e., maximum protection, preservation and conservation of wild animals. But the fundamental
difference between the two is that a sanctuary is created by order of a competent authority,
who may be the chief conservator of forest: or minister of a State, while a national park can
be harmed, abolished or changed only by the legislation of a State. There are, title status
and degree of permanency and protection is much higher in a national park than in a
sanctuary. In a wild life sanctuary private ownership rights may continue and forestry
usages also may continue so long as wild life conservation is not adversely affected. However,
in a national park all private ownership rights are extinguished and all forestry and other
usages are prohibited. Every national park should have the minimum requisites of fauna,
flora and scenery etc. There should be sufficient means of management and protection in a
sanctuary to be upgraded as national park.
(iii) Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves have been described as undisturbed natural areas for scientific
study as well as areas in which conditions of disturbance are under control. These serve as
the centres for ecological research and habitat protection, The “Biosphere consists of two
main zones as:
Figure 4.1: Diagrammatic representation of a typical biosphere reserve.
UNESCO launched biosphere Reserve National Programme in 1971 under its Main and
Biosphere Programme (MAB). The main objectives of the programme are as follows:
• Conserve biological diversity
• Safeguard genetic diversity
• Provide areas for basic and applied research
• Opportunity for Environmental Science and training
• Promote international cooperation
• Promote management of biotic resources
In January 1989, 274 biosphere reserves had been established in 74 countries out of
which 14 proposed sites found place in India. These are as follows:
Table 4.10. Biosphere Reserves in India
S.No. Biosphere Reserve State
1. Nilgiris Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karanataka
2. Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh
3. Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh
4. (Valley of flowers) Uttar Pradesh
5. Andamans Andamans & Nicobar
6. Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu
7. Kaziranga Assam
8. Sunderbans West Bengal
9. Thar desert Rajasthan
10. Manas Assam
11. Kanha Madhya Padesh
12. Nokrek Meghalaya
13. Little Rann of Kutch Gujrat
14. Great Nicobar Island Andamans & Nicobar
The country falls under 2 realms and 12 biogeographical provinces as under:
Ladakh, Himalayas, Highlands, Malabar, Bengal, Indus-Ganga, Assam-Burma.
Coromondal Deccan, Thar Desert, Lakshdweep, Andaman, Nicobar Islands.
Position in India
India’s Department of Environment functions as the nodal agency for United National
Environment Programme (UNEP), the South Asia Cooperation Environment Programme
(SACEP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource
(IUCN). India has been actively participating in the various sessions of UNEP with a view
to ensure that programmes are more relevant to the developing countries.
The South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme has recently set up the intergovernmental organization with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and Iran as its members. At the 1981 ministerial level meeting, areas were
identified for implementation. India was assigned the focal point responsibilities in the
areas of Environment Education, Environmental Legislation and Wild Life Management. At
the 1983 Government Meeting of SACEP number of projects have been identified for
implementation in the area of Energy, Environmental Science, Legislation and Environmental
Impact Assessment. India has a number of on-going Bilateral Programmes with both developed
and developing countries.
The Constitutional directives (Art. 48 and 51-A) and development policy have provided
a strong base for enactment of legislative measures as required for environmental protection
There are several laws enacted from time to time, which are directly related to environmental
protection. Among them more recent ones are the Insecticides Act, 1968, Wildlife Protection
Act 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Water Pollution Act 1977,
Forest Conservation Act 1980 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
The Endangered Species Act
Passage of the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 1976 represented a powerful new approach
to wildlife protection. Endangered species are those considered in imminent danger of
extinction, while threatened species are those that have declined significantly in total numbers
and maybe on the verge of extinction in certain localities. Valuable species are naturally
rare or have been depleted by human activities to a level that puts them at risk. Bald eagles,
grey wolves, brown (or grizzly) bears, sea otters, and a number of native orchids and other
rare plants are considered either vulnerable or threatened.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The 1975 Conventional International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was a
significant step towards worldwide protection of endangered flora and fauna. It regulated
trade in living specimens and products derived from listed species. India is a signatory to
this convention. The signatory countries unanimously agreed upon:
(i) That wild flora and fauna in their natural habitat is irreplaceable.
(ii) That the nations are aware of the ever-growing value of wild flora and fauna from
aesthetic; scientific, cultural and recreational viewpoint.
(iii) That people of all nations hold a collective responsibility of the protection of flora
and fauna.
(iv) That international cooperation is a must to prevent trade in endangered species of
plants and animals.
Special Projects
Project Tiger
A fast decline of the tiger population lead to the set up of a special task force in 1970
by the Indian Board for Wildlife to prepare an action plan to conserve the tiger population
in India. As a result ‘Project Tiger’ was launched on 1 April 1973 with the following objectives:
• To maintain a viable population of tigers for scientific, cultural and ecological
values.
• To preserve areas rich in biodiversity as a national heritage for the education and
enjoyment.
In 1973-74 nine Tiger Reserves were established to promote elimination of all forms of
human exploitation and disturbance from the core zones.
Gir Lion Project
The Asiatic lion is now confined to the Gir Forest of Gujarat. The sanctuary harbored
nearly 200 of them. The great reduction in the number was due to the increased threat from
overgrazing, depletion of prey species, etc. The Asiatic lion was in danger of being wiped out
either due to starvation, epidemics or human interference. In 1972 the State government
prepared a scheme for the management of the Gir Lion Sanctuary with proper guidelinesfor conservation. The Centre provided assistance for the protection and improvement of thehabitat.Himalayan Musk Deer ProjectThe musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) which was once found throughout the Himalayantract has terribly suffered due to its musk been used in the preparation of perfumes andmedicine. Secondly the habitat destruction brought about a sharp decline in their population.
A conservation project was therefore launched at the Kedarnath sanctuary in U.P.
Crocodile Breeding Project
The three varieties of crocodile population viz., gharial (cavialis gangeticus), the mugger
(Crocodylus palusstris) and the salt-water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) witnessed a sharp
decline by the early 1970s. With the assistance of the UNDP, the Government of India
launched a crocodile breeding and management project. The project was initially launched
in Orissa in the year 1975. The project scheme was subsequently extended to U.P., Rajasthan,
W.B., T.N., A.P., Gujarat. Kerala, M.P., Maharashtra, Andamans, Assam, Bihar and Nagaland.
As a result the population of all the three species has considerably increased.
Project Elephant
The Project Elephant was launched with a view to protect and conserve the elephant
population of the country. Project Elephant aimed at restoring degraded habitats of elephants.
Creation of migration corridors, elimination of human interference and establishment of a
data base on the migration and population dynamics of elephants e.g. elephant habitat
restoration work was done in Rajaji National Park.
QUESTIONS
1. Write the Definition of the Biogeographically Classification of India in 300 words.
2. Write the Value of Biodiversity in the concept of Global.
3. What do you understand by the India as a Mega? Explain in your own words.
4. What is Diversity Nation?
5. Write short notes on Conservation of Biodiversity in India in 500 words


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