World Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4)
India’s Biodiversity
India has only 2.4% of the world's land area but is home to 7-8% of all recorded species.
This includes 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species.
India is considered a "megadiverse" country due to this rich biodiversity.
India is home to 8.58% of the world’s mammalian species, 13.66% of avian species, 7.91% of reptiles, 4.66% of amphibians, 11.72% of fish, and 11.8% of plant species.
India also hosts four out of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland.
Threats to Wildlife
Rapid population growth (65% under 35) and economic development increase demand for natural resources like land, timber, and coal.
Despite cultural reverence for wildlife, species continue to face risks due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Conservation requires balancing economic growth and the protection of natural habitats.
Conservation Efforts
India has wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, but these are unfenced and not as strictly managed as those in some other countries.
Hunting is prohibited, but conservation still faces significant challenges.
Critically Endangered Species
India has 73 critically endangered species as of 2022 (up from 47 in 2011), according to IUCN.
Notable critically endangered mammals include the Kashmir stag, Malabar large-spotted civet, and Namdapha flying squirrel.
While iconic animals like tigers and lions receive much attention, species like the Great Indian Bustard also face significant threats, such as from power lines.
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