Day 27 – Q. 2. India’s biodiversity hotspots are under threat from developmental pressures and invasive species. How does this dual challenge complicate conservation efforts? (150 words, 10 marks)

Q. 2. India’s biodiversity hotspots are under threat from developmental pressures and invasive species. How does this dual challenge complicate conservation efforts? (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction 

Norman Myers defined biodiversity hotspots as regions rich in endemic species but under threat.  India has four: Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, and Sundaland. These  ecologically sensitive areas face mounting anthropogenic and biological stressors.  

Body  

Developmental Pressures on Biodiversity Hotspots 

1. Infrastructure Expansion: Linear projects like roads, railways, and hydropower in the  Himalayas and Western Ghats fragment habitats.  Example: Char Dham highway project threatens alpine biodiversity and triggers  landslides.
2. Mining and Quarrying: Unsustainable extraction for limestone, coal, and bauxite  disrupts ecosystems.  Example: Biodiversity loss in Meghalaya’s Indo-Burma hotspot due to rat-hole mining.
3. Tourism and Urbanisation: Ecotourism often turns exploitative, with poorly planned  resorts and waste dumping.  Example: Overtourism in Munnar affecting Nilgiri Tahr habitats.
4. Agricultural Encroachment: Forest-to-farm conversions for tea, coffee, or areca  plantations reduce natural forest cover.  Example: Expansion in Western Ghats causes loss of native tree species (Western Ghats  Ecology Expert Panel – Gadgil Report, 2011).

Threat from Invasive Alien Species (IAS) 

1. Habitat Displacement: IAS outcompete native flora and fauna for resources.  Example: Lantana camara has taken over large tracts of Western Ghats forest  understorey  
2. Food Chain Disruption: Species like Prosopis juliflora reduce availability of native fodder.  3. Ecosystem Function Loss: IAS can change soil chemistry, hydrology, and fire regimes.  Example: Eichhornia in wetlands causes eutrophication (CPCB Report 2020) 4. Compounding Climate Stress: IAS thrive in warmer, disturbed habitats, accelerating  spread.  

Solutions to Address the Dual Challenge 

1. Ecologically Informed Development: Apply the ‘no-go’ principle in critical habitats and  enforce eco-sensitive zone rules. 
2. Invasive Species Control Programs: Create IAS task forces for mapping, monitoring, and  biological control. (Suggested by National Biodiversity Authority, 2023). 
3. Community-Based Conservation: Empower locals via eco-restoration and Biodiversity  Management Committees under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.  
4. Strict EIA and Environmental Governance: Use science-based assessments in hotspot  regions. (T.S.R. Subramanian Committee, 2014).  
5. Research and Restoration Ecology: Support habitat restoration through CAMPA funds.  

Conclusion 

Safeguarding India’s biodiversity hotspots is vital to achieving UNCBD targets on conservation  and restoration. A balanced, science-backed strategy will secure both ecological integrity and  long-term sustainable development