India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and Wetlands | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
 
Biogeographical Regions of India - Exploring Zoology's Diversity 
 
 
Page 2


India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
 
Biogeographical Regions of India - Exploring Zoology's Diversity 
 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
Introduction 
India, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a remarkable range of 
biogeographical regions. These regions are classified based on climate, fauna, 
flora, and soil conditions. Understanding these distinct zones is crucial for 
studying the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the country. In this article, 
we will delve into the ten biogeographic zones of India, exploring their unique 
characteristics and the fascinating wildlife that inhabits them. 
Trans Himalayan Region 
Situated as an extension of the Tibetan plateau, the Trans Himalayan Region 
comprises the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and 
Lauhala Spiti (Himachal Pradesh). Covering 5.7% of India's landmass, this region is 
known for its rich diversity of wild sheep and goats. The exquisite quality wool 
and wool products produced here are highly regarded worldwide. The Trans 
Himalayan Region also boasts notable fauna, including the Chiru and Black-necked 
Crane. 
Himalayas 
Stretching across northwestern to northeastern India, the Himalayan mountain 
range encompasses a wide range of biotic provinces and biomes, covering 7.2% of 
India's landmass. This region is a haven for unique wildlife, such as wild sheep, 
mountain goats, shrews, snow leopards, and pandas. Unfortunately, many of 
these species face the threat of endangerment. 
Indian Desert 
The Indian Desert, located west of the Aravalli hill range, comprises both the salty 
desert of Gujarat and the sandy desert of Rajasthan. Encompassing 6.9% of India's 
landmass, this extremely arid region is home to the endangered wild ass and 
Indian Bustard. It also provides habitat for camels, foxes, and snakes, contributing 
to the region's ecological significance. 
 
Page 3


India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
 
Biogeographical Regions of India - Exploring Zoology's Diversity 
 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
Introduction 
India, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a remarkable range of 
biogeographical regions. These regions are classified based on climate, fauna, 
flora, and soil conditions. Understanding these distinct zones is crucial for 
studying the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the country. In this article, 
we will delve into the ten biogeographic zones of India, exploring their unique 
characteristics and the fascinating wildlife that inhabits them. 
Trans Himalayan Region 
Situated as an extension of the Tibetan plateau, the Trans Himalayan Region 
comprises the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and 
Lauhala Spiti (Himachal Pradesh). Covering 5.7% of India's landmass, this region is 
known for its rich diversity of wild sheep and goats. The exquisite quality wool 
and wool products produced here are highly regarded worldwide. The Trans 
Himalayan Region also boasts notable fauna, including the Chiru and Black-necked 
Crane. 
Himalayas 
Stretching across northwestern to northeastern India, the Himalayan mountain 
range encompasses a wide range of biotic provinces and biomes, covering 7.2% of 
India's landmass. This region is a haven for unique wildlife, such as wild sheep, 
mountain goats, shrews, snow leopards, and pandas. Unfortunately, many of 
these species face the threat of endangerment. 
Indian Desert 
The Indian Desert, located west of the Aravalli hill range, comprises both the salty 
desert of Gujarat and the sandy desert of Rajasthan. Encompassing 6.9% of India's 
landmass, this extremely arid region is home to the endangered wild ass and 
Indian Bustard. It also provides habitat for camels, foxes, and snakes, contributing 
to the region's ecological significance. 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
Semi-Arid Zones 
Serving as a transitional zone between the desert and the Deccan Plateau, the 
Semi-Arid Zones include the Aravalli hill range and cover 15.6% of India's 
landmass. Here, a diverse range of herbivores, such as nilgai, blackbuck, four-
horned antelopes, sambar, chital, and spotted deer, thrive alongside formidable 
predators like the Asiatic lion, tiger, leopard, and jackal. 
Western Ghats 
Spanning approximately 1,500 kilometers along India's west coast, the Western 
Ghats are a treasure trove of biodiversity. With an annual rainfall of around 2000 
mm, this region supports a lush habitat for various species, including the Nilgiri 
tahr (the state animal of Tamil Nadu), Nilgiri langur, tiger, leopard, Indian 
elephant, grizzled squirrel, and lion-tailed macaque. The Western Ghats are 
known for their endemic species and their vital role in conserving India's natural 
heritage. 
Deccan Peninsula 
Encompassing much of the southern and south-central plateau, the Deccan 
Peninsula occupies 4.3% of India's landmass. This region is characterized by 
deciduous forests, thorn forests, and pockets of semi-evergreen forests. The 
Deccan Peninsula is home to a diverse array of fauna, including Chital, Sambhar, 
Nilgai, elephant, sloth bear, blackbuck, and barking deer. Additionally, it serves as 
the catchment area for major Indian rivers like Godavari, Tapti, Narmada, and 
Mahanadi. 
Gangetic Plains 
Stretching along the Ganges river system, the Gangetic Plains cover about 11% of 
India's landmass. These fertile plains extend up to the foothills of the Himalayas 
and host a variety of wildlife, including the rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, swamp 
deer, and hog-deer. The Gangetic Plains are agriculturally significant and play a 
crucial role in supporting India's food production. 
 
Page 4


India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
 
Biogeographical Regions of India - Exploring Zoology's Diversity 
 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
Introduction 
India, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a remarkable range of 
biogeographical regions. These regions are classified based on climate, fauna, 
flora, and soil conditions. Understanding these distinct zones is crucial for 
studying the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the country. In this article, 
we will delve into the ten biogeographic zones of India, exploring their unique 
characteristics and the fascinating wildlife that inhabits them. 
Trans Himalayan Region 
Situated as an extension of the Tibetan plateau, the Trans Himalayan Region 
comprises the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and 
Lauhala Spiti (Himachal Pradesh). Covering 5.7% of India's landmass, this region is 
known for its rich diversity of wild sheep and goats. The exquisite quality wool 
and wool products produced here are highly regarded worldwide. The Trans 
Himalayan Region also boasts notable fauna, including the Chiru and Black-necked 
Crane. 
Himalayas 
Stretching across northwestern to northeastern India, the Himalayan mountain 
range encompasses a wide range of biotic provinces and biomes, covering 7.2% of 
India's landmass. This region is a haven for unique wildlife, such as wild sheep, 
mountain goats, shrews, snow leopards, and pandas. Unfortunately, many of 
these species face the threat of endangerment. 
Indian Desert 
The Indian Desert, located west of the Aravalli hill range, comprises both the salty 
desert of Gujarat and the sandy desert of Rajasthan. Encompassing 6.9% of India's 
landmass, this extremely arid region is home to the endangered wild ass and 
Indian Bustard. It also provides habitat for camels, foxes, and snakes, contributing 
to the region's ecological significance. 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
Semi-Arid Zones 
Serving as a transitional zone between the desert and the Deccan Plateau, the 
Semi-Arid Zones include the Aravalli hill range and cover 15.6% of India's 
landmass. Here, a diverse range of herbivores, such as nilgai, blackbuck, four-
horned antelopes, sambar, chital, and spotted deer, thrive alongside formidable 
predators like the Asiatic lion, tiger, leopard, and jackal. 
Western Ghats 
Spanning approximately 1,500 kilometers along India's west coast, the Western 
Ghats are a treasure trove of biodiversity. With an annual rainfall of around 2000 
mm, this region supports a lush habitat for various species, including the Nilgiri 
tahr (the state animal of Tamil Nadu), Nilgiri langur, tiger, leopard, Indian 
elephant, grizzled squirrel, and lion-tailed macaque. The Western Ghats are 
known for their endemic species and their vital role in conserving India's natural 
heritage. 
Deccan Peninsula 
Encompassing much of the southern and south-central plateau, the Deccan 
Peninsula occupies 4.3% of India's landmass. This region is characterized by 
deciduous forests, thorn forests, and pockets of semi-evergreen forests. The 
Deccan Peninsula is home to a diverse array of fauna, including Chital, Sambhar, 
Nilgai, elephant, sloth bear, blackbuck, and barking deer. Additionally, it serves as 
the catchment area for major Indian rivers like Godavari, Tapti, Narmada, and 
Mahanadi. 
Gangetic Plains 
Stretching along the Ganges river system, the Gangetic Plains cover about 11% of 
India's landmass. These fertile plains extend up to the foothills of the Himalayas 
and host a variety of wildlife, including the rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, swamp 
deer, and hog-deer. The Gangetic Plains are agriculturally significant and play a 
crucial role in supporting India's food production. 
 
India - Biogeographic Zones, Wildlife and 
Wetlands 
 
 
North-East India 
The plains and non-Himalayan hill ranges of northeastern India comprise 5.2% of 
India's landmass and serve as a transition zone between the Indian, Indo-
Malayan, and Indo-Chinese biogeographical regions. This region acts as a gateway 
for the country's fauna and flora and is renowned for its biodiversity. Endangered 
species such as the Indian rhinoceros, leopard, and golden langur find their home 
in the North-East, making it a biodiversity hotspot, particularly the Eastern 
Himalaya. 
Coastal Region 
India's coastal region, encompassing sandy beaches, mud flats, coral reefs, and 
mangroves, constitutes 2.5% of the country's total geographical area. Stretching 
from Gujarat to the Sundarbans, this coastline measures approximately 5,423 
kilometers. The Lakshadweep islands, comprising 25 coral islets, add to the 
coastal region's biodiversity richness. Native crabs, turtles, and tunas are among 
the many fascinating species found in this vibrant coastal ecosystem. 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands form a unique 
biogeographic region, covering 0.3% of India's total geographical area. These 
islands are known for their exceptional evergreen forests, diverse biomes, and 
rich coral reefs. The region boasts a diverse array of fauna, including the 
Narcondam hornbills of the Andamans and the South Andaman Krait. The 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as an invaluable hub of biodiversity and play 
a vital role in preserving India's natural heritage. 
Conclusion 
India's biogeographical regions showcase the incredible diversity and ecological 
wealth present in the country. From the lofty Himalayas to the vibrant coastal 
regions, each zone has its distinct features and wildlife. Protecting and conserving 
these regions is paramount to safeguarding India's biodiversity.