Biodiversity: Conservation | Zoology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Biological Diversity: The Rich Tapestry of Life

Biological diversity, often referred to as biodiversity, encompasses the total array of living organisms on Earth. It is typically examined from three distinct perspectives:

• Genetic diversity concerns the variety of genetic information within a population of species, ranging from bacteria to higher plants and animals.
• Each species stores a vast amount of genetic information, denoted by the number of genes.
• Examples include mycoplasma (450-700 genes), Escherichia coli (4,000 genes), Fruit-fly (13,000 genes), rice (32,000-50,000 genes), and human beings (35,000-45,000 genes).
• Genetic variation, encompassing both gene quantity and structure, is pivotal for adaptation and natural selection.
• Greater genetic diversity enhances a population's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, while lower diversity can result in genetic uniformity.
• Genetic uniformity is favorable for cultivating crops with consistent quality but may limit adaptability to environmental stresses.
• Genetic diversity evolves through gene and chromosomal mutations and spreads via recombination in sexually reproducing organisms.
• Natural selection plays a crucial role in shaping the gene pool by favoring specific genetic attributes.
• India is recognized as a Vavilov's center for high crop genetic diversity, a title inspired by Russian agro-botanist N. I. Vavilov, who identified eight such centers of origin for cultivated plants worldwide in the 1950s.

• Species diversity pertains to the assortment of species within a defined geographical area.
• It can be quantified based on various factors: a) Species Richness: Refers to the number of distinct species in a given area. b) Species Abundance: Reflects the relative numbers of different species within an area, showcasing differences in their populations. c) Taxonomic or Phylogenetic Diversity: Focuses on the genetic relationships among different species groups.

• Ecosystem diversity concentrates on the variety of ecosystems within a region.
• Ecosystems, ranging from rainforests to deserts, vary in terms of flora, fauna, and physical attributes.
• Each ecosystem plays a unique role in supporting and regulating the planet's ecological balance.

IV. Biodiversity Hotspots: Earth's Rich and Endangered Treasures

• Biodiversity on our planet is not distributed evenly across geographic regions. Some parts of the world stand out as exceptionally rich in biodiversity and are often referred to as "mega diversity zones" or "hotspots." A notable example is India, which covers just 2.4% of the Earth's land area but contributes around 8% of the world's species diversity, thanks to the presence of such areas.
• The concept of biodiversity hotspots, introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988, serves to identify priority zones for in-situ conservation. Hotspots are acknowledged as the most abundant and simultaneously the most threatened reservoirs of biodiversity on Earth. The criteria for designating an area as a hotspot include:
  (i) Endemic Species: The region should be home to more than 1,500 species that are unique to that area, known as endemic species.
  (ii) Habitat Loss: The hotspot must have experienced the loss of over 70% of its original habitat.

These hotspots play a vital role in global biodiversity conservation efforts, and preserving them is crucial for safeguarding Earth's unique and endangered species.

The Importance of Biological Diversity

Biological diversity, often referred to as biodiversity, holds immense significance for humanity and the planet. This significance can be categorized into three key areas: ecosystem services, biological resources, and social benefits.

Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health, providing a wide range of services essential for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. Some of these services include:

• Protection of Water Resources: Natural vegetation helps regulate hydrological cycles, preventing issues like floods and droughts. It also acts as a buffer against extreme events.
• Soil Protection: Biodiversity aids in soil conservation and moisture retention, reducing soil erosion and enhancing its productivity.
• Nutrient Storage and Cycling: Ecosystems recycle nutrients in the atmosphere and soil, forming the basis of food chains and maintaining nutrient availability.
• Pollution Reduction: Ecosystems and ecological processes help maintain air quality, break down waste, and remove pollutants.
• Climate Stability: Undisturbed forests influence local rainfall patterns and exert a cooling effect on microclimates, enhancing living conditions.
• Maintenance of Ecological Processes: Different species, such as birds and predators, help control insect pests and act as crucial pollinators, reducing the need for artificial control measures.

Without these ecological services, obtaining food and pure air would become challenging, and the environment would be overrun by waste.

Biological Resources of Economic Importance: Biodiversity provides valuable biological resources that drive economies and support human well-being. These resources include:

• Food, Fiber, Medicines, Fuel Wood, and Ornamental Plants: A vast array of plant species serve as food sources, with a few staples sustaining a large portion of the global population. Many plants and animal materials are used for medicinal purposes, with herbal medicine having a rich history. Wood, bamboo, and plant fibers are essential for construction and everyday items.
• Breeding Material for Crop Improvement: Wild relatives of cultivated crops contain valuable genes that contribute to crop improvement efforts, enhancing yield and resistance to diseases.
• Future Resources: Conserving biodiversity aids in discovering new biological resources that can become important in the future, improving crop varieties and expanding food sources.

• Social Benefits:

  • Recreation: Forests, wildlife, national parks, and sanctuaries offer recreational opportunities such as ecotourism, photography, and artistic activities.
  • Cultural Values: Plants and animals are integral to various cultures, shaping distinct cultural identities. They provide inspiration, aesthetics, and spiritual connections, with many species considered sacred.

In addition to these benefits, biodiversity supports research, education, and monitoring efforts, serving as living laboratories for studying biological resources, ecosystem health, and ecological processes. Research in these areas contributes to our understanding of the natural world and guides conservation and sustainable utilization practices.

The Uniqueness of Indian Biodiversity and Associated Regional Specificity

India stands out as a country with remarkable biodiversity, encompassing ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity. This uniqueness is a result of its tropical location, diverse physical features, and varying climate types. Here are some key points highlighting the distinctiveness of Indian biodiversity:

1. Wide Variety of Ecosystems: India boasts the widest variety of ecosystems in the world, owing to its varied topography and climate. These ecosystems range from lush rainforests to arid deserts, and from high mountain ranges to coastal regions.

2. High Species Diversity: Despite covering only 2.4% of the world's land area, India contributes around 7-8% of the recorded species on Earth. This translates to over 45,000 plant species and approximately 81,000 animal species residing within its borders.

3. Rich Agricultural Biodiversity: India is recognized as one of the eight primary centers of origin for cultivated plants. This agricultural biodiversity is a valuable resource for crop improvement and food security.

4. Trans-Himalayan Region: The trans-Himalayan region, characterized by sparse vegetation, is home to the world's richest wild sheep and goat communities. This region also hosts the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis).

5. North-Western India: The north-western region, particularly Gujarat, is known for its extensive grasslands, which provide a habitat for the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps).

6. North-East India: The north-eastern part of India is one of the richest regions of biodiversity in the country. It is particularly abundant in orchids, bamboos, ferns, citrus, banana, mango, and jute.

7. Coral Reefs: India also hosts rich coral reef formations in areas such as the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep.

However, Indian biodiversity faces threats, particularly to mangroves and coral reefs, due to factors like extraction for market demands, fishing, land-use changes, and pollution.

Causes of Biodiversity Depletion

• Deforestation
• Hunting
• Poaching
• Commercial Exploitation

Indirect Ways:

• Loss or modification of natural habitats
• Introduction of exotic species
• Pollution

Natural Causes:

• Climate Change

Among these causes, habitat destruction (due to developmental activities), over-exploitation, and the introduction of exotic species are the most prominent. These factors threaten the survival of numerous species and have led to the endangerment and extinction of several plants and animals. Pollution, population growth, and poverty also contribute to biodiversity depletion by exerting pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.

Conservation of biodiversity is essential to maintain the balance in nature and protect the diversity of life on Earth. It involves the planned management of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation while ensuring that enough resources are left for future generations. The primary goals of biodiversity conservation include:

1. Preventing the Loss of Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity within species is crucial for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve this diversity to maintain the health and resilience of species.

2. Preventing Species Extinction: Conservation aims to protect and prevent the extinction of various species. Biodiversity loss can disrupt ecosystems and lead to a cascade of negative effects, impacting both wildlife and human populations.

3. Protecting Ecosystems from Damage and Degradation: Ecosystems provide a wide range of essential services, including clean water, pollination, and climate regulation. Conservation efforts seek to safeguard these ecosystems and their functions.

Conservation strategies can be broadly categorized into two main approaches:

1. In-situ (On-Site) Conservation: In-situ conservation involves the protection of plants and animals within their natural habitats or in designated protected areas. These protected areas are dedicated to safeguarding and maintaining biodiversity.

2. Ex-situ (Off-Site) Conservation: Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of plants and animals outside their natural habitats. This approach includes methods like establishing botanical gardens, zoos, gene banks, seed banks, tissue culture, and cryopreservation.

• Protection of Habitats: The primary strategy for species conservation is the preservation of their natural habitats. India has established various protected areas, including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Tiger Reserves, and Elephant Reserves, covering a significant portion of the country's land area. These areas are dedicated to conserving and maintaining biodiversity.

• National Parks and Sanctuaries: India is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that protect a wide range of species and ecosystems. Examples include Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and more.

• Wetlands and Coral Reef Conservation: India also identifies wetlands, mangrove areas, and coral reef areas for intensive conservation and management to protect these vital ecosystems.

Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognized areas designated by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme. India has established 13 biodiversity-rich Biosphere Reserves, covering a total area of 53,000 square kilometers. These reserves protect representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes within the country.

These conservation efforts aim to safeguard the diverse ecosystems and species found in India, making it a unique and vital contributor to global biodiversity.

The Biological Diversity Act of 2002

It is a significant legislation in India aimed at conserving and preserving the country's rich biological diversity. Here are some key provisions and objectives of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

1. Establishment of Authorities: The Act provides for the establishment of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBB), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local level. These bodies play a crucial role in the regulation and management of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
2. Regulation of Access to Biological Resources: The Act regulates access to biological resources and associated knowledge by requiring foreign nationals and organizations to obtain prior approval from the NBA for any use of such resources.
3. Import of Biological Resources: Indian nationals or organizations must give prior intimation to the concerned SBB when importing biological resources for commercial use. The SBB has the authority to prohibit such imports if they are found to violate the objectives of conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing.
4. Access Rights for Local Communities: The Act acknowledges the rights of local people and communities, including traditional healers (Vaids and Hakims), to have free access to and use biological resources within the country for their own use, medicinal purposes, and research.
5. Equitable Benefit Sharing: When granting approvals for access to biological resources, the NBA imposes terms and conditions to ensure equitable sharing of benefits. This helps in ensuring that local communities and indigenous people benefit from the commercial use of their resources and traditional knowledge.
6. Protection of Traditional Knowledge: The Act provides an enabling provision for setting up a framework to protect traditional knowledge associated with biological resources. This is important to prevent the unauthorized use or misappropriation of traditional knowledge.
7. National Biodiversity Fund: The monetary benefits, fees, and royalties resulting from approvals by the NBA are deposited into the National Biodiversity Fund. This fund is used for the conservation and development of the areas from which the biological resources have been accessed, in consultation with local self-government bodies.
8. Support from International Organizations: The Act mentions that organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) support projects aimed at promoting conservation and appropriate development of Biosphere Reserves and biodiversity.

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is designed to protect India's rich biological diversity, ensure sustainable and equitable use of biological resources, and provide mechanisms for the fair sharing of benefits arising from the commercial use of these resources. It also emphasizes the importance of conserving traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity.