Biodiversity Hotspots

Category: Environment / Ecology / Biodiversity Conservation

Definition

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with:

  1. Very high endemism, and

  2. Severe habitat loss/threat.

The hotspot concept was developed by Norman Myers and subsequently adopted and refined by Conservation International.

Current Global Context

There are 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots.

India is associated with four biodiversity hotspots.

Four Hotspots Associated with India

  1. Himalaya

  2. Indo-Burma

  3. Western Ghats–Sri Lanka

  4. Sundaland — mainly the Nicobar Islands.

UPSC Importance

Hotspots are important for:

  • Conservation prioritisation

  • Endemic species protection

  • Habitat restoration

  • Climate resilience.

Prelims Trap

Biodiversity hotspot ≠ simply an area with high biodiversity.

It requires both high endemism and significant habitat loss.