4th December 2024 (16 Topics)
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India’s critically endangered species
Context
World Wildlife Conservation Day, observed on December 4, serves as a reminder to reflect on India’s biodiversity and the urgent need for better protection and conservation efforts. India’s role as a megadiverse country places it at the center of global conservation efforts.
India’s Biodiversity and Challenges in Conservation
- India is a megadiverse country, hosting a remarkable array of species despite covering only 4% of the world’s land area.
- With 7-8% of all recorded species, India is home to over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals.
- The country has 10 biogeographic zones and is particularly rich in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants, with India accounting for a significant proportion of the world’s species:
- Mammals: 8.58%
- Avian Species: 13.66%
- Reptiles: 7.91%
- Amphibians: 4.66%
- Fish: 11.72%
- Plants: 11.80%
- India is home to four of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots: the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland, which makes it a key area for global biodiversity.
Critically Endangered Species in India
- As of 2022, India is home to 73 critically endangered species according to the IUCN, a significant rise from the 47 species identified in 2011. This increase is partly due to improved monitoring and data collection rather than a significant rise in extinctions.
- Mammals: Of the nine critically endangered mammal species in India, eight are endemic, meaning they are found only in India and nowhere else in the world. These species include:
- Kashmir Stag (Hangul)
- Malabar Large-spotted Civet
- Andaman Shrew
- Nicobar Shrew
- Jenkin’s Shrew
- Namdapha Flying Squirrel
- Large Rock Rat
- Leafletted Leaf-nosed Bat
- Birds: The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird species, is under threat from human-made structures such as powerlines, especially in regions like Rajasthan. Despite being an important species, it often does not receive the attention it deserves for its conservation.
- Carnivores: While iconic carnivores such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs attract significant attention, they are only a few among the many endangered species that need protection.
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