Biodiversity
Biodiversity of NE India, Direct &
Indirect Use value of Biodiversity,
Distribution of
Bioresources(Explained)
Presented by
Dr. Rabindra
Hazarika
Department of
Zoology
Darrang College
Biodiversity of Northeast
INDIA.
• The biodiversity of Northeast India is exceptionally rich, characterized by:
[Link] Species Richness: Home to over 8,000 plant species, 160 mammal species,
and 690 bird species, Northeast India is a biodiversity hotspot.
[Link] Flora and Fauna: The region hosts rare species like the red panda,
clouded leopard, and one-horned rhinoceros.
[Link]: Many species are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-
Burma regions, found nowhere else in the world.
[Link] Ecosystems: Ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, the
region has varied ecosystems, supporting vast biodiversity.
5. Conservation Challenges: Habitat loss, shifting cultivation, and poaching
are major threats to biodiversity in the region.
6. Ethnobotanical Wealth: Indigenous communities use numerous plant
species for medicinal, culinary, and cultural purposes.
7. Protected Areas: National parks like Kaziranga and Manas are UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, providing crucial conservation support.
Value of Biodiversity(Direct use).
• Biodiversity holds immense direct use value by providing essential
resources and services to humans, including:
[Link] and Agriculture: Biodiversity contributes directly to our food
supply, offering a variety of crops, livestock, fish, and wild foods.
[Link]: Numerous species provide raw materials for pharmaceuticals,
traditional medicines, and herbal remedies.
[Link] Materials: Plants, animals, and microbes yield raw materials
like timber, fiber, rubber, and oils used in industries.
[Link] Resources: Biodiversity offers genetic materials essential for
crop improvement, pest resistance, and resilience to climate change.
[Link]: Biodiversity-rich areas attract ecotourism, providing
economic benefits and fostering conservation awareness.
Value of Biodiversity(Indirect
use).
• Biodiversity provides significant indirect use value through ecosystem
services essential for life, including:
[Link] Regulation: Forests, oceans, and wetlands absorb CO₂, helping to
regulate the global climate.
[Link] Purification: Wetlands and forest ecosystems naturally filter water,
ensuring clean water for human use and wildlife.
[Link] Fertility and Pollination: Biodiversity maintains soil health and
supports pollination, crucial for agricultural productivity.
[Link] and Erosion Control: Mangroves, forests, and grasslands reduce the
impact of floods and prevent soil erosion.
[Link] Cycling: Diverse ecosystems cycle nutrients, supporting life and
maintaining ecosystem productivity.
Distribution of Bioresources.
• The Indian region is rich in bioresources distributed across various unique
ecological zones, including:
[Link] Groves
[Link]
[Link] and Ponds
[Link] Sites
[Link] Reserves
[Link] Parks
[Link] Sanctuaries
These zones create a mosaic of rich biodiversity in India, supporting both
conservation and sustainable resource use.
Sacred Grooves.
• Sacred groves in Northeast India are small forest patches preserved by local
communities for cultural and religious reasons, contributing to biodiversity
conservation. They are rich in rare plant species, medicinal herbs, and
wildlife due to traditional protection practices. Meghalaya has over 100
sacred groves, like the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, home to diverse
orchids, mushrooms, and fauna. Manipur’s sacred groves, such as Umang
Lai, hold cultural significance and support unique species. These groves
serve as natural reserves, preserving both ecological and cultural heritage in
the region.
Man Grooves.
• Mangroves in India are crucial coastal ecosystems found in tropical and
subtropical regions, offering protection against storms, preventing erosion,
and supporting rich biodiversity. The Sundarbans Mangroves in West
Bengal are the largest in India, home to the iconic Bengal tiger, saltwater
crocodiles, and a variety of fish species. Bhitarakanika Mangroves in
Odisha are known for their dense forests and support species like saltwater
crocodiles and migratory birds. Pichavaram Mangroves in Tamil Nadu
provide habitats for fish, birds, and marine life, contributing to local
fisheries. Mangroves not only sustain diverse wildlife but also provide
livelihoods for coastal communities.
Lakes and Ponds.
• India’s lakes and ponds are crucial for biodiversity, water resources, and
regional climate regulation. Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is famous for
its floating gardens and houseboats, supporting diverse fish species and
tourism. Loktak Lake in Manipur, known as the only floating lake in the
world, sustains unique biodiversity, including the endangered Sangai deer.
Chilika Lake in Odisha, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is a Ramsar
site attracting numerous migratory birds. Vembanad Lake in Kerala is
essential for local fishing and rice farming, and it supports a vast array of
flora and fauna. These lakes and ponds play critical roles in sustaining
ecological balance and supporting livelihoods across India.
Ramsar Sites.
• India’s Ramsar sites are wetlands designated for their international
importance under the Ramsar Convention, contributing to biodiversity,
water purification, and flood control. India has over 75 Ramsar sites,
including key ecosystems across diverse regions. In Assam, Deepor Beel is
a notable Ramsar site, crucial for migratory birds and local fishing
communities. Loktak Lake in neighboring Manipur is another significant
Ramsar site, famous for its unique floating islands and endangered Sangai
deer. These sites help protect essential water resources and promote
sustainable practices.
Biosphere Reserves.
• India's biosphere reserves are protected areas aimed at conserving
biodiversity while promoting sustainable resource use, representing unique
ecosystems. Assam's Manas Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, spans grasslands, forests, and rivers, supporting species like
the Bengal tiger, golden langur, and Indian rhinoceros. Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve in the Western Ghats hosts diverse flora and fauna, including
elephants and endemic plants. The Sundarbans in West Bengal, known for
its mangroves and Royal Bengal tigers, and the Gulf of Mannar
Biosphere Reserve, rich in marine biodiversity, are other key examples.
These reserves blend conservation with ecological and cultural
sustainability.
National Parks.
• India's national parks are protected areas designated to preserve wildlife
and natural habitats, playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation.
Assam's Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is
famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros, along with tigers,
elephants, and diverse bird species. Jim Corbett National Park in
Uttarakhand is India's oldest park, known for its Bengal tigers and rich
biodiversity. Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal protects the
unique mangrove ecosystem and the Royal Bengal tiger. Gir National
Park in Gujarat is the only home of the Asiatic lion, showcasing India’s
commitment to preserving unique species across diverse habitats.
Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• India’s wildlife sanctuaries serve as vital habitats for protecting endangered
species and conserving diverse ecosystems. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
in Assam is known for having one of the highest densities of one-horned
rhinoceroses, offering critical support to this endangered species. Keoladeo
National Park in Rajasthan, a bird sanctuary, is internationally renowned
for migratory birds, especially during the winter season. Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary in Kerala safeguards elephants and tigers amid lush forests and
rivers, while Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is home to
leopards, black panthers, and various bird species. These sanctuaries play a
key role in India’s conservation efforts, supporting both flora and fauna.
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