Biodiversity Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility - Science Express
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Biodiversity
Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility
Text of the Exhibition Panels
a
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Environment & Forests
Government of India
New Delhi
Jayanthi Natarajan
Preface
Land, Water, Air and life are intricately woven. The prosperity of a nation is dependent on maintaining a fine
balance between development and the health of ecosystems. With growing global population, forests and associated
ecosystems play an increasingly important role in meeting the demand for food, fodder, fuel and sustain the
livelihoods of the millions through myriad ecosystem services. At the local level, the link between people and the
ecosystem is vital, especially in times of stress.
The Science Express - Biodiversity Special (SEBS) train is a special gift to the people of the country. It is
through this train that the rich biodiversity heritage of the country can be shared widely, reaching school students,
the youth and the general masses alike. It is estimated that the SEBS will reach out to over three million people as it
travels to the far reaches of the country, halting at more than 100 stations over two years, starting from 5th June 2012.
The SEBS is truly 'Biodiversity on Wheels'. I invite each of you to experience the rich natural heritage, and
pledge to take affirmative action to cherish, nurture and protect our rich biodiversity heritage.
It is with great pride and optimism; I dedicate this exhibition to the people, especially the children of India.
'Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita” - Nature protects if she is protected.
Jayanthi Natarajan
b c
Contents
1 Biodiversity 1
2 Trans-Himalaya and Himalaya 21
3 The Gangetic Plain 39
4 North East India 52
5 The Indian Desert and The Semi-arid Zone 71
6 Western Ghats 91
7 The Deccan Peninsula 117
8 The Coasts and Islands 139
9 Acknowledgments 156
10 Note and Schedule on 166
Science Express Biodiversity Special
d e
Biodiversity ki rail gaadi
Rail gaadi Rail gaadi Wander with shepherds and their woolly flocks Biodiversity Biodiversity Buffaloes, cows, goats, and sheep galore.
Up snowy mountains, down valleys, and over rocks. Appreciate it, exchange it, use it! Celebrate the seeds and cereals upon which we feast
Let's take a trip on a very special train All this and more you experience and savour With Gonds, Bhils and Warli, and their dancing feet.
Experience a journey you may not take again. As the mighty Himalaya you explore and discover. Discover that deserts are dry but alive
Travel across a magical land Their dwellers have special tricks to survive Biodiversity Biodiversity
Of mountains and valleys, plateaus and sand. Biodiversity Biodiversity Store water, shed leaves or burrow in the sand. Plant it, grow it, cook it, eat it!
Experience it, share it, enjoy it! Why, even tigers and lions roar in this land
Biodiversity Biodiversity To the lakes come birds, many more than you think Take a walk along a sandy shore
It’s all about Life and Variety. Cranes, pelicans, geese and flamingos pink. Dive into the sea to further explore.
Where the mighty Ganga flows
In forests and fields deserts and seas Meet clown fish and anemone in a coral jungle
River dolphins swim and gharials are found
Animals and crops, microbes and trees. Biodiversity Biodiversity Crabs, crocs and tigers in the mangrove tangle.
Proud tigers prowl and deer abound.
Treasure it, enjoy it, study it! Sail to the islands, in waters blue and green
The fertile plains with bounteous yields
Here on the wonderful Biodiversity Express See a megapode, a monitor, a nicobar pigeon preen.
From forests and farmlands and fields.
Explore and discover and experience afresh. Walk through the Western Ghats, and do it all
A plentitude of plants for food and health
Colours and patterns, functions and form Climb hills, sail rivers, gasp at a thundering waterfall. Biodiversity Biodiversity
And multitude of people add to the wealth.
To survive and thrive, adapt and transform. Meet a Tahr, a Toda, and a Tiger too Track it, live with it, delight in it!
Some gone forever, while some lost and found Jumbos in jungles, and a hornbill or two!
Enter a wonderful world where discoveries abound. Biodiversity Biodiversity Colourful frogs that croak and call
See it, smell it, taste it, feel it! Snakes and snails that slither and crawl. Biodiversity Biodiversity
Biodiversity Biodiversity It's all about Life and Variety.
Its all about Life and Variety. The North East is truly a garden of Eden Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity
Full of priceless treasures, many still hidden. Learn from it, weave with it, heal with it. Celebrate it, protect it, conserve it!
Snow leopard, yak and double-humped camels Feathery ferns, bright orchids, bamboos tall
The Himalayan cold desert is home to these mammals. Where rhinos roam and Hoolock Gibbons call. The Deccan has on offer all of the best
Shining blue lakes in the rugged landscape Vibrant mosaic of languages and faces Highlands and grasslands, plateau and forest. - Mamata Pandya
Welcome winged visitors many coloured and shaped. Music, dance and feasts of many races. Trees, flowers, bamboo and grasses many more CEE
f g
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity
Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility
“It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and
improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers
and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.”
Article 51 A
The Constitution of India
1
h
BIODIVERSITY India is home to over 7% of the world's Animal Diversity
BIO = LIFE More than 91, 200 animal species
DIVERSITY = VARIETY
What Exactly is Biodiversity?
l the variety among life forms
l describes not only the number but also types and variety of l i v i n g
things
Biodiversity is usually described at 3 levels: genetic, species,
communities and ecosystems.
1. genetic (the variety of genetic information within a species), e.g.
India: One of the richest countries in the world! Why?
all humans are one species but no two humans are genetically
identical. The country
2. species (the variety of species), e.g. horses, tigers, rice, mango, l harbours 8% of the world's biodiversity on just 2% of the Earth's
are all different species. surface.
3. communities and ecosystems (complexes of species and their l includes wettest to driest regions of earth, cold to hot extremes.
physical environments); a small area may hold more diversity l has 16 major forest types. The total forest cover of the country is
than a large one. over 23% of its geographical area.
Think ! Without Variety There Would Be No Life l is one of the 17 mega-diversity countries in the world.
l has two global biodiversity hotspots (Eastern Himalaya, Western
Ghats).
l is one of the eight centres of origin and diversity of crop plants.
l represents two realms, five biomes, ten biogeographic zones.
2 3
India harbours 11% of the world's plant diversity. Spiny-tailed Lizard Nilgiri Laughing Thrush Asiatic Lion
Malabar Whistling Thrush Konkan Pinda
India has over 45,500 plant species.
They are all Endemic to India!
These include:
Endemic species are species occurring in only specific areas or
l Angiosperms 17,527 species
regions and found nowhere else in the world.
l Gymnosperms 67 species
Look at the amazing endemism in India
l Pteridophytes 1200 species
l Bryophytes 2500 species 9% of India's fish species, 61% of amphibians, 47% of reptiles, 14%
of birds, and 9% of mammals are endemic.
l Algae 7175 species
11, 058 species of plants are endemic to India.
Rice: 50,000 varieties
In addition, there are 14500 species of fungi and 2233 species of
lichens. Mango: 1,000 varieties
Sorghum: 5,000 varieties
There is a great variety among domesticated animals, too! Pepper: 500 varieties!!
l All the world's buffalo breeds are found in India.
Mango
l All poultry breeds of India have descended from one wild l India is one of the 8 centres of origin of cultivated plants in the
ancestor–Red Junglefowl. world. Over 166 species of crops originated here.
l All cow breeds of India have descended from one Indian l Home to 320 species of wild relatives of cultivated crops.
Cow: 30 breeds
ancestor–Zebu. The Zebu motif is found on seals of the Indus l 8000 species of medicinal plants find use in 50,000 herbal
Valley civilization. formulations – a major source of livelihood for millions.
l Special Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have been
What Do these have in Common? established in several states.
Law’s Balsam Gharial
Wild Ass Blackbuck
Andaman Day Gecko Balloon Frog Black Paper
Camel: 8 breeds
4 5
In Which Biogeographic Zones are these found? As you go through this book you will learn more about these
zones.
India has ten biogeographic zones. Some species are found in only one of these, and that too in a specific
location. Others are more widely spread. Do you know where these are found? Press the button to find out! Why are we cutting the branch we are sitting on?
Need, greed and ignorance
l Degradation and loss of habitats due to some development
Trans-Himalaya
compulsions.
Himalaya
Gangetic Plains
l Over-exploitation, over-consumption, unregulated trade, poaching.
Deserts
l Introduction of exotic and invasive species like Lantana, Parthenium,
Prosopis.
l Pollution.
North-East
Semi-Arid l Effects of climate change.
A3
Deccan Peninsula l Some unsound agricultural and forestry practices like excessive use
Western Ghats of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, hybrid crops and monoculture.
l Implementation difficulties with regard to legal provisions and
Islands
Islands conservation programmes.
Coasts l Systems and policies dictated by need for rapid economic
development.
l Unsustainable use of natural resources.
l Lack of awareness and loss of traditional knowledge.
6 7Why Are We Losing Biodiversity? Crises!!
l Pollinator decline due to pesticides and habitat loss has been
affecting crop production worldwide!
Disappearing Species
l Poisoning by the veterinary drug Diclofenac has caused a 92%
One species becomes extinct from this planet every 20
decline in vulture populations across India!
minutes.
l Interbreeding of wild varieties of crops or native cattle breeds with
The rate of extinction before the arrival of humans was no
hybrids leads to genetic loss
more than approximately one species per year.
“51 per cent of known reptiles, 52 per cent of known insects, and 73
Why is Biodiversity Important?
per cent of known flowering plants are in danger along with many
mammals, birds and amphibians. It is likely that some species will l Ecosystem and ecological values: Biodiversity provides us
become extinct before they are even discovered, before any food security, water recharge, climate regulation, and many other
medicinal use or other important features can be assessed.” services for human survival.
World Conservation Union l Economic and scientific values: food, medicine, fibre, energy,
etc. For example, over 25% of all drugs come from p l a n t s ; the
Indian Systems of Medicine use nearly 8000 wild species.
Species Under Threat l Scientific: huge potential for scientific study. A very small fraction
Going… Going…Gone….!! of diversity mapped or studied, or even known. A number of species
are being lost even before they are known to science.
Vulnerable: a species which is likely to become Endangered in the near
l Cultural and aesthetic values: deeply ingrained in our culture,
future, unless the circumstances threatening its survival improve.
rituals, festivals, music and arts. Communities across the country
Endangered: a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming have traditional practices linked to the conservation and
extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing sustainable use of biodiversity, and reflecting respect for nature.
environmental or predation parameters.
l Basis for recreation, education: We enjoy being out in nature;
Critically Endangered: means that a species has declined or will humans have learned a lot from other species and natural
Lion-tailed Macaque
decline, by 80% in numbers within three generations. This is the phenomena, and biodiversity is still providing us with answers to
(Endangered) highest risk category assigned for a wild species. many of our unsolved questions.
8 9Protected Areas (for In-situ conservation) India has some more specially designated conservation areas:
A Protected Area is a clearly defined geographic space, Tiger Reserves: 41 sanctuaries and national parks are specially
recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other protected under National Tiger Conservation Authority (previously
effective means, to achieve long-term conservation of nature Project Tiger).
with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
Elephant Reserves: 25 Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant.
Several categories of Protected Areas exist in India.
Ramsar Sites: Under the Ramsar Convention (an international treaty
National Park (NP): A tract of land declared the nation's property for protecting wetland habitats) 25 areas have been identified.
by the Central Government, with a view to preservation of natural
Important Bird Areas: There are 465 sites of importance as crucial
and cultural heritage, and where human pressures (hunting,
bird habitats, identified in collaboration with Bird Life International.
fishing, extraction, residences, commercial activities) are not
allowed. UNESCO-Designated Sites:
Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS): An area designated usually by a State UNESCO Natural Heritage Site: these are clearly defined natural
Government, where like in a National Park, it is illegal to interfere in sites of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science,
anyway with the natural life there. Hunting and fishing are prohibited; conservation (of threatened species) or natural beauty. India has 5
some activities allowed with special permits. such sites: Kaziranga NP, Keoladeo NP, Manas WLS, Nanda Devi and
Valley of Flowers NP, and Sundarbans NP.
Community Reserves: These areas are being protected through
the joint efforts of local communities and State Governments. Biosphere Reserves: Special sites for natural and cultural
landscapes extending over large area of land or water/sea
Protected Area Network ecosystems, or a combination of these. India currently has 17 BRs.
Categories Number Area (sq. km) % coverage
Species Conservation Initiatives of Government of India
National Parks 102 39888.11 1.21
Wildlife Sanctuaries 515 119930.50 3.65 Project Tiger
Conservation Reserves 47 1160 0.04 Project Tiger Scheme has been under implementation since 1973.
Community Reserves 4 20.69 < 0.01 The main objective of Project Tiger is to ensure a viable population of
tiger in India. 41 Tiger Reserves are specially protected under the
Total Protected Areas 665 160999.3 4.9
National Tiger Conservation Authority.
10 11Project Snow Leopard Animals
Project Snow Leopard is designed for all biologically important l Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to secure better management of zoos
habitats within the snow leopard's range. The project is operational in
five Himalayan States viz. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, l National facility “Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Species – LaCONES” for conservation of e n d a n g e r e d a n i m a l
species like tiger, lion, blackbuck, vulture, etc.
Project Elephant
Project Elephant was launched in 1992. The objectives are to protect l Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres
elephants, their habitat and corridors, to address issues of man- l Conservation of traditional farming practices, wisdom, rites,
animal conflict, and welfare of domesticated elephants. There are 25 rituals.
Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant.
There are also several other programmes for the conservation of
different species. These include: One Horned Rhinoceros Conservation
programme, Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Plan, Pygmy Hog Policy and Legal Framework
Conservation Programme, Gharial Recovery Action Plan, Action Plan for
Vulture Conservation. In addition, the zoos and botanical gardens play “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the
an important role in ex-situ species conservation. environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country.”
Article 48 A The Constitution of India
ex-situ Conservation Orchidarium
Some National Laws and Regulations:
Includes maintaining genetic germplasm in seed banks, zoos,
captive breeding sites, gene banks, primarily outside the l Indian Forest Act 1927
natural habitats of a species. l Wild Life Protection Act 1972
Plants l Forest Conservation Act 1980
l Green channel projects in Botanic Garden of Indian Republic l Maritime Zones Acts
(BGIR) for endangered plant species l Environmental Protection Act 1986
l Lead Garden project for ex-situ conservation of endemic plants in l Fisheries Act 1897 & 1984
each phyto-geographic zone l Biodiversity Act 2002
Red Panda conservation
12 13International Conventions and Treaties Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
A number of countries reach multi-party agreements to work The CBD is an international treaty to sustain the rich diversity of life
together, to implement rules, to address common issues. on Earth. There is a growing recognition that biodiversity is a global
They all stand to benefit from such cooperation, as quite often asset of tremendous value to present and future generations, and
answers to local problems may lie in resources elsewhere, essential for economic and social development. At the same time, the
often trans-boundary. India is party to several Conventions threat to species and ecosystems has never been so great as it is
and Treaties. today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an
alarming rate.
l Ramsar Convention (on Wetlands of International Importance)
–signed 1971 The Convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the UN
Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio "Earth
l World Heritage Convention – since 1972: Biodiversity needs to be
Summit"). It entered into force on 29 December 1993, and has 193
seen as global heritage-India ratified it in 1977
Parties including 168 signatory countries.
l Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The CBD was inspired by the world community's growing commitment
of Wild Flora & Fauna – India ratified it in 1976
to sustainable development. It represents a step forward in the
l Bonn Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)- conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, the
India ratified it in 1979 fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic
l Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - signed during 1992 Rio resources, and support to innovation by local people. A number of
UNCED Protocols, Goals and Targets have been adopted and named after the
cities where the different meetings were held.
l UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The Cartagena Protocol aims at reducing the potential adverse effects
l UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) of biotechnology on biodiversity.
The Nagoya Protocol provides a framework for the fair and equitable
Other international agreements include: sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
- UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its following Aichi
Targets represent the world's commitment to reduce biodiversity
- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGR)
loss:
- UN Convention on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS)
A. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by
mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society
14 15B. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
sustainable use
Forest Survey of India (FSI)
C. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems,
Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and
species and genetic diversity
Development (GBPIHED)
D. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
services
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)
E. Enhance implementation through participatory planning,
knowledge management and capacity building National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB)
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Protecting Biodiversity National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
Challenges
l How to ensure sustainable use of biological resources (using National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW)
biodiversity without leading to its long-term decline)? National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
l How to ensure equity in conservation and use, specially for the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
underprivileged?
National Zoological Park (NZP)
Meeting the Challenges
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
Government of India is doing this through a number of strategies,
both in situ (within the natural habitats) and ex situ (in special sites Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
such as zoos, seed banks, even labs). The Ministry of Environment & Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Forests, and a number of organizations and bodies are engaged in
biodiversity conservation, research, education and awareness. India is perhaps as rich in its initiatives to conserve biodiversity as its
biodiversity itself. Local, state, national initiatives by Government,
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) NGOs, and communities themselves are all working towards
Botanical Survey of India (BSI) conserving this magnificent heritage. Only a few examples are
mentioned for each of the biogeographic zones.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
Centres of Excellence (COEs)
16 17Bacteriophage T4 (Captain Phago)
Microbes
We may be 100 times smaller than a bacterium but we give the power
to the Ganga. We are the magicians with a wand that injects toxins into
Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus)
bad bugs and make them vanish to restore rivers to pristinity.
Do you know who makes yummy dahi and paneer, who keeps your
gut healthy and drives away nasty bugs? It's me, it's me!! Longy
Lacto, say all doctors .
Spirogyra (Spirogyra hyalina)
I am the cheerful green hero who floats happily by in fresh water lakes
and ponds. I love to hog sunlight, trap carbon and drive away climate
Rhizobium (Rhizobium leguminosarum) change blues. I am the Sunny Spiro, the 21st century hero. Without
Although I live in a rented house – root nodules of leguminous plants, I me there'll be great harm since earth will become very very warm.
pay substantial rent by fixing nitrogen, the building blocks of proteins
for the landlord and all the land. I'm Ready Rhizo.
E-coli (Escherichia coli K-12)
I am the king of the gut. I grow so fast that I make all nasty bugs out-
Blue mold (Penicillium notatum) cast. I am not 'all mass and no substance', I make a very important
They say I spoil food, I say I'm the great composter. I also vitamin - K2 without which you feel weak and have no resistance. I'm
manufacture antibiotic Penicillin which is used as an important the great King Coli.
medicine in many diseases. I'm the Bold Blue Mold.
Mucor (Rhizomucor pusillus)
Wild Yeast (Saccharomyces paradoxus) Although I look fluffy, I am not a 'delicate darling'. I can break down
I get under the urad dal's skin and secretly make the idli batter rise. hard stuff like wood and cardboard. With waste mountains eclipsing
People think I am pungent but I give plenty of B vitamins. I am the our towns and cities you just can't do without me, what a pity! I am
Wily Wild Yeast. the Mighty Mucor, your source of the new fuel 'ethanol' in cars. You'll
have a rough ride without me.
18 19TRANS-HIMALAYA
AND HIMALAYA
Abode of Snow
Unique Vital Fragile
The Trans-Himalaya and the Himalaya together occupy nearly 11 per
cent of India's total land surface.
The high altitude landscape comprises varied ecosystems and
harbours rich biodiversity.
This region is also one of the most important, fragile and threatened
life-support systems on the earth.
The areas set aside for protection and conservation in the Region Trans-Himalaya
include: Himalaya
l 20 National Parks
l 74 Wildlife Sanctuaries
Did You Know?
l 5 Biosphere Reserves
Where the Himalaya stands today was
l 36 Conservation Reserves once the Tethys Sea 70 million years
ago. The collision of the Indo-
l 5 Snow Leopard Conservation Landscapes Australian and Eurasian tectonic
plates led to a rise of land mass,
converting the sea into high
mountains. The tectonic plates are
still moving, making this region
vulnerable to natural hazards
21
20Trans-Himalaya l These regions are marked by severe, arid climatic conditions.
Trans-Himalaya is the northern-most area of India. l The annual precipitation is between 500 and 1000 mm, mainly in
winter. The main source of water is snow melt.
It falls in the rain shadow regions immediately north of the Himalaya.
l Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir is the largest cold desert in India
This includes the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir and Lahaul-
covering 80 per cent of the trans-Himalayan tract.
Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, some parts of Garhwal,
Uttarakhand, and a small part of Sikkim. l Other cold deserts include Lahaul Spiti, parts of Kinnaur and Pangi
area in Himachal Pradesh, very small pockets of Niti, Malari, Mana
Double-humped Camel It is the only region in the world where both desert and arctic
and the Nelang regions in Garhwal, Uttarakhand and the Tso
conditions are found, marked by scanty rainfall, high radiation and
Lhamu Gurudogmar plateau of Sikkim.
intense cold. The temperature drops to as low as −50 degree C in
some places. l Seasonal migration by Bakarwal, Gujjar and Gaddi herdsmen and
nomadism followed by the Changpa tribe are important practices
Snow-clad peaks, seasonal marshlands and high-altitude lakes are in cold deserts.
characteristic features.
l The Snow Leopard is the top predator found in cold deserts.
The seemingly inhospitable terrain has given rise to a variety of
flora.The plant growth season is only two to three months.
Marmots, Wooly hare, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan sheep, Bharal, Wild Bare but not Barren
yak, Wild ass, Wolf, Snow leopard, Black-necked crane and Bar- Cold deserts have remarkable ecological and biological
headed goose are some characteristic animals of this region, which diversity.
are highly adapted to the harsh conditions.
Sea Buckthorn l There are a variety of habitat types across various altitude levels,
This region forms the catchment of three major rivers--Indus with its and hence a diversity of ecosystems.
major tributaries, Zanskar and Shayok; Chenab, and Sutluj – each
l The predominantly herbaceous and grassy vegetation is highly
with its tributaries.
diverse and supports many rare and endemic species, indigenous
There are two National Parks, three Wildlife Sanctuaries and one varieties and breeds.
Biosphere Reserve in this region. l Animals of economic importance include pashmina (changra)
goats, changthangi sheep, yaks, chumurti horses, donkeys, and
double-humped camels.
Frozen Desert
l Animals have adapted to the extreme and difficult climatic
Where high Himalayan mountains block rain clouds lie the conditions.
cold deserts.
22 23Major biodiversity conservation areas in the Trans-Himalaya are: Welcome to Winged Visitors
l Hemis High Altitude National Park, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
The Indian Himalaya is a popular destination for migratory
l Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, J&K birds.
l Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, J&K l Birds migrate for various reasons such as availability of food and
Barheaded Geese l Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh (HP) water, safe nesting and breeding locations, climatic conditions and Yellowbilled Magpie
l Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, HP protection.
l Sechu Tuan Nala, HP l The migratory birds face several threats: habitat loss; destruction
of breeding and nesting sites; unsustainable tourism; hunting; air
and water pollution, as well as weak trans-boundary conservation
When It Thaws, Sparkle The HAW s efforts.
High Altitude Wetlands (HAWs) are unique water bodies
Saving Wetlands Sky-High!
found at altitudes of over 3000 m. Pintail Duck
This is a regional initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to
l They comprise lakes, marshes, peat lands, wet grasslands,
mobilise governments, communities and local stakeholders towards
streams and rivers. Often fed by glaciers or snow from the
conservation of the Himalayan High Altitude Wetlands which are
surrounding mountains, the water bodies remain largely frozen beyond national and political boundaries.
during the winter months.
The initiative includes India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and China.
l There are over 500 HAWs in central and western Himalaya alone.
They are home to several endemic species of birds, animals and
medicinal plants. Tufted Duck
l Pasturelands around the wetlands provide grazing grounds for Himalaya
Himalayan Griffon livestock.
The Indian Himalayan Region occupies a special place in the
l They are of immense livelihood, cultural and spiritual significance
mountain ecosystems of the world.
for local communities.
l These wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, sustainable economic
The Himalaya stretches in an arc over 2,500 km from Nanga Parbat in
growth, control over climate and river flow, hydropower the West to Namche Barwa in the East.
generation, transport, irrigation and fisheries. This expanse has a great variation in biodiversity as well as
topography.
Common Pochard The Shivalik ranges, or the foothills, are uplifted glacial debris.
24 25Middle Himalaya reaches altitudes up to 3,000 m in the form of A Profusion of Plants
undulating hills, cut by flowing torrents and rivers.
The region supports nearly 50% of the total flowering plants
The Greater Himalaya range consists mainly of sedimentary rocks of India.
with patches of igneous (solidified from lava) rock formations. Most of l Represents 18,440 species of plants, (all the plant groups), of
this area is covered with huge glaciers and peaks, with a few semi- which about 4,665 endemic species are represented.
arid and occasional arid valleys.
Greater Himalaya l Over 1,700 species of medicinal and aromatic plants provide
Across the Greater Himalaya is the region referred to as Trans-Himalaya. livelihood, healthcare and food for millions.
The Himalaya forms the watershed for most of the rivers flowing in l Endemic species such as Himalayan May Apple and Himalayan Yew
northern India, sustaining the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. are said to have anti-cancer properties.
The high ranges of the Himalaya stop the northward movement of l About 155 sacred plants including deodar, rudraksha,
monsoon clouds that bring rain to the Indian sub-continent. brahmakamal, bhojpatra and pipal are found here.
The diverse terrains and altitude gradients harbour a rich variety of l 87 species of Rhododendron and 26 species of Oak grow in the
Brahmakamal
flora, fauna which show several behavioural and physiological forests.
adaptations. There is also a great deal of cultural and ethnic diversity.
At Home in the Himalaya
Forests: From Peaks to Plains The himalayan mountain system is recognized as a centre of
There is great variety in forests in this region. Forest types are origin and evolution of many living forms.
determined by rainfall regime, altitude and latitude.
l Is home to almost 300 species of mammals, of which 12 are
Major forest types endemic, including Kashmir Markhor, Kashmir Red Deer, or Blue Sheep
Thorn scrub, desert steppe: Trans-Himalayas Hangul, Himalayan Tahr.
l About 1000 out of the 1300 bird species of India occur in the
Montane grasslands, shrublands, alpine shrubs, meadows: Greater
Himalayas Himalaya, including 31 endemic species. A majority of these breed
in the region.
Temperate broadleaved and mixed forests: Lesser Himalayas
l Harbours the largest diversity of domestic and wild relatives of
Sub-tropical pine forests, sub-tropical broadleaved forests, scrubby sheep, goats and equids (hoofed animals such as horses).
forests: Shiwaliks
l Today, several of these are vulnerable, endangered or critically
Grasslands, savannas, deciduous and evergreen forests: Bhabar- endangered.
Terai Tract
26 27Hop, Fly, Swim in the Himalaya declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the Man and
Biosphere (MAB) programme in 2004.
The Himalayan mountain system is recognized as a centre of
origin and evolution of many living forms.
New Discoveries
l Over 925 out of the 1501 species of Indian butterflies are found in
Western and North Western Himalaya. Despite large tracts being remote, harsh, and inaccessible for most
part of the year, new floral species are constantly being discovered in Silene gangotriana
l Nearly 175 species of reptiles have been documented, of which
the region. Its rich biodiversity is yet to be entirely documented.
nearly 50 are endemic.
Several of the species were identified by scientists of Botanical
l Of around 105 species of amphibians, over 40 are endemic. Two Survey of India.
species of caecilians (legless, tailless tropical amphibians) are
The new discoveries have not yet been given common names.
found here.
l Fish species from three major drainage systems, the Indus,
Ganga, and Brahmaputra, inhabit the Himalaya. 30 of nearly 270
Mountains and People
Banded bent-toed gecko species are endemic. Since time immemorial local people have used forests and
pastures in this region for multiple uses and values.
Under Threat Pastoralists migrate from lower reaches to alpine pastures
every summer along with herds of goat and sheep.
Threats to Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan fauna include habitat loss
and degradation, poaching, wildlife trade, logging, over-fishing, Livestock rearing has been the backbone of the local economy.
pollution, human-animal conflict, climate change and unsustainable
Mountain people rely heavily on natural resources and make optimum
harvesting for firewood, food, fodder and timber.
Snow Leopard (EN) use of nature's bounty. Products or by-products are never wasted and
thus, various livelihood activities emerge from one another.
Valley of Flowers While agriculture and animal husbandry are the primary occupations,
The Valley of Flowers is renowned for its meadows of rare, native and various non farm-based livelihood practices include:
endemic alpine flowers, and outstanding natural beauty. Located in l Tourism and pilgrimage-related services – tour guide, porters,
Uttarakhand Himalaya, this valley, together with Nanda Devi Park, religious services, trekking, mountaineering, summer and winter
has been designated as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Over 55 per sports etc.
cent of the species in the Reserve are native to Himalaya, over 10 are
Impatiens devendrae endemic and 225 are near endemic.The Biosphere Reserve was l Collection of non-timber forest produce (fodder, medicinal plants)
28 29l Apiculture, mushroom cultivation, poly greenhouse cultivation LIVESTOCK AND LIVELIHOOD
l Handicrafts and handloom such as wooden furniture, baskets, Livestock rearing is an integral part of livelihood in rural
rattan / bamboo products, ropes, garments, carpets, souvenirs areas.
etc.
l Livestock provide draught power, manure, wool and food.
l Ownership of cattle ensures economic stability and sustainable
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES farming.
Environmental, biological and socio-cultural diversity of the l In spite of hardships of high altitudes, there is presence of different
Himalaya has resulted in unique traditional varieties of crops, breeds of sheep, goats, horses, yaks, mules, pigs and poultry in
livestock, and agro-pastoral practices. this region.
Some traditional agricultural practices: l Nomadic pastoralism is a common practice of some mountain
l Mixed cropping tribes.
l Agro-forestry l Threats to domestic animals include shrinkage of grazing
pastures, shortened grazing periods, inadequate fodder growth,
l Rotational cropping shortage of water, poor health of animals due to changing
l Crop sowing prioritization (sowing crops in a certain sequence) temperatures and parasitic infections.
Agroforestry
l Seed selection (collecting seeds from different villages every 3-4
years to avoid in-breeding) BARAHNAJA
l Root spreading (digging soil to facilitate horizontal spread of roots) An age old agricultural practice of intercropping of twelve or
l Apricot grafting (grafting sweet apricot on bitter, wild apricot) more compatible mix of crops using native, indigenous
Foxtail Millet : seeds.
Finger Millet
A rare indigenous crop
in Kedarnath Valley l Better soil fertility with animal bones.
l A community of cereals, lentils, vegetables, creepers, and root
Agricultural patterns in the Himalaya differ according to geographic vegetables grown together on the same terraced fields in the
zones. Western Himalaya, a region of low rainfall, heavy snowfall and kharif or monsoon season.
temperate conditions, grows mainly cereals and fruits. Eastern
Himalaya with high rainfall is a major producer of potato, oilseeds, l This helps maintain ecological balance, protects farmers from
sugarcane, millet, pulses and vegetables. losses due to crop failures, enhances food and nutritional security,
Common Millet Amaranth
and provides good quality fodder for domestic animals.
30 31l This system of bio-farming is scientific, sustainable, replicable and
highly beneficial to the rural farmer.
l Traditionally practised in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, this dying practice
is being revived by Vijay Jardhari, a farmer and one of the founders
of the Beej Bachao Andolan.
SAVING THE SANJEEVANI
Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCA)
The collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) from
the wild, as well as their cultivation, provide livelihood and
health care to a majority of rural India.
l Over-exploitation and habitat degradation are threats to MAPs.
l Some of the MAPs have been categorized as Globally Significant
Saving Monarch of the Mountain
Medicinal Plants (GSMP). The snow leopard inhabits 1.5 lakh sq km of the Greater and
l For the protection, conservation, cultivation and regeneration of Trans- Himalayan regions of J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and
MAPs and GSMPs in their natural habitats, a network of natural Arunachal Pradesh. Being a top predator, this medium-sized cat
sites or forests have been set up as MPCAs. is an ideal flagship for conservation efforts in the cold, dry, non-
forested high altitude regions of the Himalaya. Only 3500-7000
l The network of MPCAs represents the diversity of forest types.
snow leopards are left in the wild.
l MPCAs are managed by local communities and forest This endangered animal is a Schedule I animal. It is also
departments. protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in
l Sustainable harvesting is promoted from adjoining areas of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora) that disallows any
MPCAs. international trade in snow leopard or its parts.
l MPCAs offer protection to species that are in high demand and at Many organisations such as Snow Leopard Trust (SLT), Nature
risk of becoming extinct. Conservation Foundation (NCF), Snow Leopard Conservancy
(SLC), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and International Union
l PCAs help in preserving germplasm of important plants.
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are working to conserve the
32 33Snow Leopard and its habitat. The Hemis High Altitude National
Park is working to reduce retribution killings and providing
Coping with Change in the
alternative incomes. NCF and SLT have helped set up livestock Himalaya
insurance programmes and community-managed reserves in
Spiti and Ladakh. The Himalayan ecosystem, one of the most fragile ecosystems
of the world, is faced with many natural changes, as well as
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GoI with SLT-
challenges of developmental process, deforestation and land
NCF, inaugurated a flagship programme in 2009 called 'Project
use changes. These changes are severely affecting livelihoods
Snow Leopard' (PSL). It stresses on: identification and zonation
of millions of people, including indigenous communities who
of large landscapes that have conservation value; identification
reside in the mountains and valleys of the region and whose
of threats; innovative approaches to conservation;
livelihoods and culture are closely linked to the mountain
participation of other institutions.
ecosystems.
The PSL encourages the use of alternative energy sources,
environmental education, and eco-friendly cultivation practices. Climate change is having a critical impact on this region, as a
result of which conventional ecosystem services are being
Advanced tools have also been introduced to accurately adversely impacted. Reduced food productivity and water
measure the number of snow leopards in India. availability, loss of flood regulation, increased cases of natural
Today, there are 400-700 snow leopards left in India, and over disasters are all examples reflecting the loss of ecosystem
30 PAs that cover their range. services.
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Unpredictable variations in temperature and rainfall patterns,
Ecosystem affecting stream flow, inappropriate moisture conditions for
GoI's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) has crops, lowered agricultural productivity and diversity, and
enunciated the launch of a National Mission for Sustaining the reduced for animals are some of the impacts of climate change.
Himalayan Ecosystem. The mission attempts to address some Himalayan glaciers are the primary source of water to several
important issues concerning biodiversity conservation and perennial rivers, and also have profound effect on both the
protection; and wild life conservation and protection in the regional and global climate. The retreating of the glaciers is
context of the traditional knowledge societies and their leading to glacial lake outburst floods in the mountains, and
livelihoods. It recognizes the importance of scientific and floods and drought in the plains.
technological inputs and planning for sustaining of the
Himalayan Ecosystem which is vulnerable and susceptible to The communities in these regions are some of the most
the impacts and consequences of climate change and susceptible to even a slight change in temperature and
anthropogenic activities. precipitation. Minimum temperatures are projected to rise by 1
34 35to 4.5 degree C, and the maximum temperatures may rise by
0.5 to 2.5 degree C.
Existing and detailed knowledge on the vulnerability of
the region to impacts of climate change is still limited.
Absence of information calls for an urgent need to
initiate efforts to generate information to respond and
adapt to the current and future consequences on the
natural resource base and climate change in the region.
IUCN, in collaboration with Nokia, is working to encourage an
integrated multi-stakeholder approach for developing
sustainable and effective adaptive strategies to cope with
climate change in the Himalayan region. A priority of the
project is to document and disseminate best practices related
to water management and climate change adaptation in the
Indian Himalaya, and presenting improved water management
regimes from the perspective of indigenous systems, the work
of government, civil society and community-based
organizations.
In order to increase the resilience of the Himalayan ecosystem
and reduce the vulnerability of the local communities it is essential
to develop guidelines that can ensure sustainable management of
the natural resources. This is possible through implementing the
best practices for sustainable development and improving the
existing governance structure as well as strengthening the local
institutions and participatory planning. Equally important is the
development of a strategic, integrated approach for addressing
the issues of biodiversity conservation and improvement of
livelihoods in the context of climate change, that ultimately
ensures the well-being of the people in the Himalayan region
including their social, economic and cultural aspects.
36 37
37THE
GANGETIC PLAIN
Lifeline for Millions
l The Gangetic Plain refers to the floodplains of the rivers Ganga and
Yamuna. The soil of this region is formed by the fertile alluvial
deposits of the Ganga and its tributaries.
l The rivers and wetlands are important habitats for migratory
waterfowl. They also support Crocodiles, Gharials, the Ganges
River Dolphin, and more than 15 species of freshwater turtles.
l Most natural vegetation and wildlife is found in the north bordering
Shivalik hills and in adjacent Bhabar and Terai tracts. The
vegetation is typically tropical, moist and dry deciduous.
l The important Protected Areas in this region are Dudhwa, Valmiki,
Buxa and Sundarbans. The approximate population of tigers in
these areas was estimated to be 274 in 2010.
India's Largest River Basin
The Ganga is India's 'National River'.
The Ganga basin is a network of river Ganga and its tributaries – some
of them are the Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi,
Son. The major part of the Ganga basin falls in the Gangetic Plain area.
39
38The basin is home to rich natural vegetation, considerable endemic Farm lands: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pulses are some of the major crops
flora, and supports a large number of wildlife species. grown here.
River Ganga is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers, and is
recognized as the country's valuable heritage. Sal
Industrial and domestic waste water, agricultural runoff, some A tree that can be as tall as a ten storey building!
developmental projects, disturbance on the river catchment area,
contribute to make the Ganga river basin highly polluted in the Sal (Shorea robusta) is a large, deciduous tree which is native to the
Gangetic Plain. Indian subcontinent. This moderate to slow growing tree can attain a
height of 30 to 35 m and girth of up to 1.5-2 m. Its wood was widely
used for making railway sleepers by the British.
Forests to Farmlands The trees shed their leaves in February-March, this is followed by
The Gangetic Plain comprises a variety of habitat types. flowering. The small off-white flowers fill the forest with fragrance. The
fruits are food for many animals during the dry summer months.
These include floodplains dominated by agriculture; marshy
grasslands in the Terai, and forests along the northern fringes. Sal is the dominant forest type mainly distributed in the Terai region of
the Gangetic Plain. Periodic infestation by Sal borer affects Sal forests.
Each habitat has typical vegetation.
Forests: Sal (Shorea robusta), Bahera (Terminalia belerica), Jamun Freshwater Turtles
(Syzygium cumini), Gular (Ficus glomerata), Semal (Salmalia Did You Know?
malabarica), Khair (Acacia catechu) are characteristic tree species. Freshwater turtles are of two types depending on the shell,
Some turtles are very important for
which is either a soft shell or a hard shell. aquatic ecosystems as they act as
Grasslands: Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), Kans (Saccharum natural scavengers by eating dead
spontaneum), Munj (Saccharum munja), Narkul (Phragmites karka), Turtle populations in this area have declined drastically during the last and dying aquatic animals.
Pater (Typha angustata) are typical grasses of this region. few decades. The freshwater habitats of turtles are under constant
threat due to sand mining, agriculture practices on the river banks,
Wetlands: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), Trapa (Trapa natans), Water lily discharge of pollutants etc.
(Nymphaea sp.) are some of the common aquatic plants.
Turtles are also poached for food and medicinal purposes. This is
Canebrakes: Cane or Bent (Calamus tenuis). currently the most serious threat.
Mangroves: Rhizophora sp. Found mainly in the Sundarbans. The loss of turtle eggs due to predation by domestic and wild animals,
Rivers: Aquatic plants. as well as humans, is another factor responsible for the decline in the
population of turtles.
40 41Herbs for Health A Bounty of Crops
When you think of health, think of plants. Put water and the right type of soil together, and Nature gives
you a bounty of crops.
Different parts of plants provide raw material for use in several
indigenous systems of medicine in India–Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, The mainly alluvial type of soil and annual rainfall ranging from 1000 to
and home remedies. Many modern medicines contain plant derivatives 2000 mm support the cultivation of a variety of crops in the Gangetic
as well. Plain, including rice, wheat, lentils, pulses, maize and sugarcane.
Tulsi leaf juice is useful for treating gastric disorders, bronchitis and Not just once but thrice!
skin diseases. There are three major cropping seasons:
Bel fruit destroys intestinal worms, stops nausea and vomiting and 1. Rabi (October - February): Wheat and Mustard
purifies blood.
2. Kharif (June - October): Rice
Brahmi is used to treat rheumatism, mental disorders, constipation
and bronchitis. 3. Jayad (February - June): Maize, Udad and Moong Mango
The gum of Palash, or Dhak, is beneficial in the treatment of Kalanamak Rice
diarrhoea. The seeds are beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases. Kalanamak is one of the finest quality, scented rice varieties of India. It
derives its name from its black husk. Kala means black, and namak
Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, and it is prescribed in jaundice, means salt.
hemorrhage etc.
It is believed that this variety has been in cultivation since about 560
Neem is used as an insecticide. Extracts are used in hair oils, BC. Kalanamak was grown widely in Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh.
toothpastes and mosquito repellants. Farmers have been using their own Kalanamak rice seeds since ages.
Arjun leaf juice helps to cure dysentery and ear ache, and maintains This variety of rice is now threatened due to poor yield, decline in grain
cholesterol levels. quality, non-availability of quality seeds, and lack of research support.
Ashwagandha improves memory and concentration. It is a powerful
antioxidant and boosts the immune system.
Phal, Phool, Sabzi
Aloe vera helps in healing small cuts, insect stings, wounds etc. It is
Vegetables and fruits play a major role in Indian agriculture by
widely used in cosmetics industry.
providing food, nutrition and economic security.
Aloe Vera Horticulture is the science of cultivation of fruit (phal), vegetable
(sabzi) and flower (phool) crops.
42 43Vegetables Some of the IBAs in this region:
The Gangetic Plain ranks first in vegetable production in India. Major Uttar Pradesh: Patna Jheel, Etawah; Shiekha Jheel, Aligarh;
vegetables produced are potato, tomato, peas, sweet potato, Lakhbahosi, Farrukhabad; Saman, Mainpuri; Sandi, Hardoi
cucurbits, cauliflower and cabbage. This region is the largest producer
Bihar: Kanvar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Begusarai; Gogabil Bird
of tomato and cauliflower in the country.
Sanctuary, Katihar; Nagi Dam and Nakti Dam, Jamui; Vikramshila
The Indian Institute of Vegetable Research is in Varanasi in Uttar Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur.
Pradesh.
West Bengal: Kulik Bird Sanctuary, Raiganj; Sundarbans, 24
Fruits Paraganas.
Vegetables
Mango: Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is world famous for the popular Ramsar Sites: The Gangetic Plain has two Ramsar Sites, wetlands of
Dussehri Aam. International Importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.
Litchi: Muzaffarpur in Bihar is famous for the production of the Shahi Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) Uttar Pradesh
Litchi.
East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal
Guava: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are main guava
producing states. Safeda guava of Allahabad is famous.
Wetland Birds
Banana: Hajipur in Bihar is famous for the production of the best
quality of banana. Long-haul flight from Siberia to India over the Himalaya. No
Passport Required! The wetlands are favourite wintering grounds
Betel Leaf : The Gangetic Plains are one of the largest producers of
of the migratory birds from Siberia.
Betel leaf, or paan. 66 per cent production of paan is contributed
by West Bengal alone. Some Migratory and Resident Birds.
1. Spotbilled Duck 2. Pintail
Litchi The Wetlands 3. Shoveller 4. Ruddy Shelduck
5. Lesser Whistling Teal 6. Common Coot
Home to innumerable birds and plants, the wetlands also
support lakhs of humans. 7. Comb Duck 8. Rosy Pelican
9. Purple Heron 10. Pheasanttailed Jacana
IUCN's Important Bird Areas (IBA) are areas recognized as being
globally important habitats for the conservation of bird populations. 11.Bronzewinged Jacana 12. Sarus Crane
13.Barheaded Goose
44 45The wetlands provide feeding and breeding habitats for the Sarus The gharial is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, occurring in the
Crane, which is the tallest flying bird in the world. Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Mahanadi river systems. Once
found abundantly, it is believed that the gharial is possibly extinct
Ramsar Convention has defined wetlands as "areas of from Myanmar, Bhutan and Pakistan. Bangladesh and Nepal has
marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or remnant populations. It is estimated that less than 250 'mature
artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is individuals' exist in the wild. Thus, gharial is globally 'Critically
static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas endangered'.
of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not
Swamp deer In India the major breeding populations are found in Chambal and the
exceed six meters".
Girwa rivers; Chambal holds 85% of the entire gharial population.
Habitat destruction, prey population depletion, pollution, siltation
Deer and poaching are some of the main threats to this crocodilian.
The Gangetic Plain is home to five species of deer. River conservation and various protection measures can help
Swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), to save this unique species which is also referred to as the
Spotted deer, or Chital (Axis axis), Barking deer (Muntiacus 'River Guardian'.
muntjak), Hog deer (Axis porcinus). What Makes a Dolphin ?
All the five species of deer are found in the Dudhwa National Park in Snout: Snout is the elongated, beak-like mouth found in dolphins. A
Gharial
Uttar Pradesh. mature female has a longer snout the male. Snout contains the teeth
that are homodont.
Did You Know? Gharial: Croc with a Pot! Melon: The head contains a bulging structure, called the melon. It is
an important part for acoustic function and helps in echolocation .
Deer are different from antelopes.
Crocodile, alligator and gharial are collectively called crocodilians.
Deer They all share some common features–a long, toothy snout, a Blow hole: The blow hole is the organ responsible for breathing in
l have antlers (only males) compressed powerful tail and a tough leathery hide. dolphin. It is seen as a muscular flap on the dorsal side of the head.
l shed and re-grow their antlers
periodically. The newly-grown
The Gangetic Plain is the home of the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a Tail Fluke: Dolphin uses its fluke for propulsion through water. One
antlers are encased in thick soft
skin called 'velvet'. specialized river-dwelling fish eater. It lives in deep fast-flowing rivers of the important characteristics of dolphin propulsion is that they
Antelopes and feeds mainly on fish. produce movement from both up and down stroke of their fluke.
l have horns (both male and female)
l horns are permanent and without The Gharial gets its name from its long and narrow snout which ends Flippers: Flippers are the modified forelimbs. These help in
branches.
in a tip with a bulbous pot (ghara). swimming.
46 47Increasing Pressure Religious practices and periodic events such as melas on riverbanks
also add to the problem. Several aquatic species such as Ganges
Some losses of biodiversity are irreversible and are a threat River Dolphin, turtles, gharials, and otters, are facing threat of
to our own well-being.
extinction due to river pollution.
Human activities are placing severe pressure on biological resources,
Dams and Barrages: Dams, barrages, and irrigation projects are
and increasingly leading to fragmentation and degradation of
changing the courses and water levels of the rivers. Many former
habitats, and resultant loss of biodiversity.
habitats of gharial, Ganges River Dolphin and other species have now
Deforestation Deforestation: Rapidly growing population generates pressure on become inhospitable for these species, especially during the dry Dams and Barrages
forest resources to meet the demand for fuelwood, fodder, timber, season.
etc. Spread of human habitations and some development activities
Sand Mining: Sand mining is one of the major threats to
are leading to forest cutting and clearing. This leads to siltation of
biodiversity in the Gangetic Plain. Despite enforcement of laws,
rivers, soil erosion, loss of species, and human-animal conflict.
illegal sand extraction continues along the riverbanks of the Ganga
Alien Invasive and Exotic Species: Introduction of non-native and its tributaries. Large-scale sand mining destroys the sandy
species, deliberately or accidentally, has been a major threat. These banks required by gharials, turtles, and some birds for nesting and
species have often flourished at the cost of the local native species. basking.
Some prominent weeds are Lantana, Water Hyacinth and Parthenium.
Poaching and Illegal Trade for animal-based products is one of the
major threats to the wild animals.
Protected Areas
Many species of turtles, migratory birds, and fishes are now Out of the 3,54,848 sq km area of the Gangetic Plain 7,807.7 sq
on the verge of extinction due to this. km comes under Protected Areas (PAs). The Gangetic Plain
covers 10.8 per cent of the total landmass of India.
Protected Areas - 52
Threats to Biodiversity
Area under National Parks – 2,363 sq km
Use of Pesticides: Extensive use of pesticides in agriculture not only Area under Wild Life Sanctuaries – 5,444.7 sq km
kills the pests, but also adversely affects diversity of useful insects
and birds. The agricultural runoff which flows into the rivers adds to National Parks – 7 (Uttar Pradesh-1, Bihar-1, West Bengal-5)
river pollution. Tiger Reserves – 4 (Uttar Pradesh-1, Bihar-1, West Bengal-2)
Pollution: Release of untreated industrial and domestic waste into Wild Life Sanctuaries – 44 (Uttar Pradesh-17, Bihar-12, West Bengal-15)
the rivers of the region is leading to a high level of water pollution. Biosphere Reserves – 1 (West Bengal-1)
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