Environment – Biodiversity and Conservation 1. What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity refers to the variety of life found on Earth – in plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms – and the ecosystems they form.
Levels of Biodiversity :Level Explanation Genetic Diversity Variation of genes within species (e.g. rice varieties) Species Diversity Variety of species within a region Ecosystem Diversity Variety of habitats and ecosystems
2. Biodiversity in India
India is one of 17 megadiverse countries .Home to ~8% of global species (over 90,000 animal & 45,000 plant species).
India has 4 biodiversity hotspots :
Himalayas
Western Ghats
Indo-Burma
Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)
3. Important Biodiversity Terms Term Meaning Endangered Species Species at risk of extinction (e.g. Tiger, Red Panda) Endemic Species Species found only in a particular area (e.g. Nilgiri Tahr in Western Ghats) Ex-situ Conservation Conservation outside natural habitat (e.g. Zoo, Seed Banks) In-situ Conservation Conservation in natural habitat (e.g. National Parks) Biosphere Reserve Large protected area for biodiversity and research (e.g. Nilgiri BR)
4. Major Conservation Strategies in India A. In-Situ Conservation Type Examples National Parks Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga (Assam) Wildlife Sanctuaries Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Periyar (Kerala) Biosphere Reserves Nilgiri, Sunderbans, Nanda Devi Reserved Forests Declared under Indian Forest Act
B. Ex-Situ Conservation
Zoos
Botanical gardens
Gene banks
Seed banks
5. Key Government Initiatives for Conservation Programme/Scheme Purpose Project Tiger (1973) Protect Bengal Tigers; monitored by NTCA Project Elephant (1992) Protect wild elephants and habitats Wildlife Protection Act (1972) Provides legal framework to protect species Environment Protection Act (1986) Umbrella legislation for environment CAMPA Fund Compensatory Afforestation Eco-Sensitive Zones Buffer zones around protected areas
6. International Conventions Related to Biodiversity Convention/Protocol Objective Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Protect biodiversity globally (Rio Earth Summit 1992) CITES Regulate trade of endangered species RAMSAR Convention Conservation of wetlands (e.g. Chilika Lake) IUCN Red List Tracks conservation status of species UNEP Coordinates environmental activities globally
7. IUCN Red List Categories
Extinct (EX) Critically Endangered (CR) Endangered (EN) Vulnerable (VU) Near Threatened (NT) Least Concern (LC)
🔸 Example: Indian Vulture – Critically Endangered
8. Key Protected Areas in India Site State Known For Kaziranga National Park Assam One-horned Rhinoceros Jim Corbett NP Uttarakhand First National Park, Tigers Gir National Park Gujarat Asiatic Lions Sunderbans West Bengal Mangroves and Royal Bengal Tigers Keoladeo Ghana Rajasthan Bird Sanctuary Periyar WLS Kerala Elephants and Tigers
9. Importance of Biodiversity
Maintains ecosystem balance
Provides food, medicine, fuel
Enhances climate stability
Supports cultural and aesthetic value
Promotes pollination and nutrient cycling
Frequently Asked SSC CGL Questions
What are the biodiversity hotspots in India?
What is the difference between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary?
Which law was passed in 1972 for wildlife protection?
What is in-situ vs ex-situ conservation?
What are Ramsar sites?
What is Project Tiger?
