Question
What is a hot spot? Describe the hot spots in India.
Answer
A hot spot is a biogeographic region that is characterized by a high level of biodiversity and a large number of endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Hot spots are under significant threat from human activities, and their conservation is considered to be a high priority for the preservation of global biodiversity.
India is home to four hot spots:
- The Western Ghats: This is a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. It is a biodiversity hotspot due to its high level of species diversity, high levels of endemism, and the presence of many threatened species.
- The Eastern Himalayas: This region spans India, Bhutan, and Nepal and is characterized by a unique mix of biodiversity from both the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. It is home to many endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and Indian rhinoceros.
- The Indo-Burma region: This region includes northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Vietnam, Laos, and China. It is characterized by a high level of species diversity and endemism, and is home to many threatened species, including the Asian elephant and the tiger.
- The Sundaland: This region includes the Nicobar group of islands and is characterized by a high level of species diversity and endemism, particularly in marine ecosystems. It is home to many threatened species, including the Nicobar megapode and the Nicobar tree shrew.
