Biodiversity Hotspots
உயிரியல் பன்முகத்தன்மை மையங்கள்
Do not confuse 'species richness' with 'biodiversity hotspots'. High species count alone does not qualify a region as a hotspot. It requires the critical intersection of extreme endemism and accelerated habitat loss.
The idea
Biodiversity hotspots are defined by two strict criteria: high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism. These regions face accelerated habitat loss, threatening their unique biological integrity. Globally, there are 34 identified hotspots. India hosts three: the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, the Himalayas, and the Indo-Burma region.
Why it matters
They are identified to prioritize conservation efforts in areas where the maximum number of unique species can be saved from extinction.
NEET lens
NEET focuses on the names of the three Indian hotspots and the criteria for selection. Expect 'Match the Following' or 'Statement-based' questions. Memorize the number '34' for global hotspots. Do not mistake Sundaland or other regions for Indian hotspots; stick strictly to the NCERT list.
Clinical significance
When a hotspot collapses, the loss of endemic flora often eliminates potential sources of novel pharmacologically active compounds. Many life-saving drugs are derived from secondary metabolites of plants found only in these regions. Ecosystem failure here leads to a permanent loss of genetic blueprints for future medicine.
Introduction
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism (species confined to that region and not found anywhere else).
Core concept
The concept was developed by Norman Myers to identify regions for maximum protection. Initially 25 biodiversity hotspots were identified; subsequently nine more were added, bringing the total to 34. These hotspots are also regions of accelerated habitat loss. Three of these hotspots — Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya — cover India's exceptionally high biodiversity regions. Although all the biodiversity hotspots put together cover less than 2 per cent of the Earth's land area, the number of species they collectively harbour is extremely high, and strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
Go deeper
Hotspots are an in situ conservation strategy — protecting whole regions rather than individual species.
From Class 10
A hotspot is a small area that has a huge number of special plants and animals found nowhere else — and is in danger.