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.
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