On World Wildlife Day, making a clarion call to protect India’s critically endangered species

Sub : Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Context:

Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4): A day to evaluate India’s efforts in protecting critically endangered species.

India’s Biodiversity:

India has only 2.4% of the world’s land area but accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species.
Hosts 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species.
Recognized as a megadiverse country with 4 of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots:
- Himalayas
- Indo-Burma
- Western Ghats-Sri Lanka
- Sundaland

Contribution to Species Groups:

India has 10 biogeographic zones.
Mammals: 8.58% of global species, Birds: 13.66%, Reptiles: 7.91%, Amphibians: 4.66%, Fish: 11.72%, Plants: 11.8%.

Conservation Efforts:

Reverence for wildlife deeply ingrained in Indian mythology and traditions.
Wildlife sanctuaries in India are unfenced, unlike African reserves, ensuring minimal human interference.
Hunting is prohibited as a licensed sport, preserving wildlife populations.

Threats to Wildlife:

Economic Growth vs. Conservation:
- India’s economic expansion and resource demands (land, timber, coal, forest produce) conflict with wildlife habitats.
- Human-wildlife conflict is rising as species are pushed closer to human settlements.
Risk of Extinction:
- India has 73 critically endangered species (2022, Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change).
- The number rose from 47 in 2011, partly due to better monitoring and data availability.

Critically Endangered Species

Mammals (9 species):
- Endemic species (8): Kashmir stag (Hangul), Malabar large-spotted civet, Andaman shrew, Jenkins’ shrew, Nicobar shrew, Namdapha flying squirrel, Large rock rat, Leafletted leaf-nosed bat
- Carnivores (e.g., lions, tigers, cheetahs) receive more attention due to tourism appeal but are not the majority.
Birds:
- Species like the Great Indian Bustard face threats such as power lines in Rajasthan.
- Often neglected compared to charismatic megafauna.

Conservation Challenges

Balancing economic aspirations with ecological preservation.
Mitigating threats from urbanization, deforestation, and infrastructure development.
Raising awareness and resources for less-publicized endangered species.

Source: TH