India's Wildlife Conservation Status

Syllabus: Prelims Unit II - Geography of India

Biodiversity Statistics

• India's Land Area: Only 2.4% of the world's total land area.
• Global Species Representation: 7-8% of all recorded species globally.
• Species Numbers:
• Plants: 45,000 species.
• Animals: 91,000 species.
• Classified as a megadiverse country.

Biogeographic Profile

• Total Biogeographic Zones: 10.
• Species Coverage:
• Mammals: 8.58% of documented species.
• Birds: 13.66%.
• Reptiles: 7.91%.
• Amphibians: 4.66%.
• Fish: 11.72%.
• Plants: 11.8%.

Critical Conservation Areas

• Global Biodiversity Hotspots in India: 4.
• Key Regions: Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Sundaland.

Conservation Challenges

• Demographic Pressures:
• Population Profile: 65% under 35 years of age.
• High demand for natural resources.
• Frequent conflicts with wildlife habitats.
• Resource Exploitation:
• Land use changes.
• Increased wood and forest produce demands.
• Mining activities contributing to habitat destruction.

Critically Endangered Species Status

• Total Species: 73 (as of 2022).
• Trend: Increased from 47 in 2011.
• Endemic Mammals: 8 out of 9 critically endangered species are endemic.

Key Endangered Species

• Endemic Mammals:
• Kashmir stag.
• Hangul.
• Malabar large-spotted civet.
• Andaman shrew.
• Jenkins's shrew.
• Nicobar shrew.
• Namdapha flying squirrel.
• Leafletted leaf-nosed bat.
• Large Carnivores:
• Lions, Tigers, and Cheetahs.
• Conservation Status: Only three listed as critically endangered.

Conservation Framework

• Traditional Aspects:
• Influence of religious mythology on conservation.
• Cultural tolerance for wildlife.
• Wildlife reserves are typically unfenced.
• Absence of hunting permits.
• Challenges:
• Limited land availability for conservation.
• Economic development pressures.
• Expansion of human settlements.
• Conflicts over natural resource use.

Special Cases

• Great Indian Bustard:
• Faces threats from powerlines.
• Primary habitat: Rajasthan.
• Conservation status: Requires urgent intervention.