Biodiversity
Overview
Diversity of Maharashtra Sikkims ecosystems
Introduction
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life
forms found in a particular region.
Maharashtra and Sikkim showcase rich
diversity due to their distinct geographical
and climatic conditions. Understanding
these regions biodiversity helps in
promoting conservation and sustainable
development efforts.
Biodiversity of
Maharashtra
• Maharashtra is a unique state. It has a great variety of
ecosystems, a wide range of flora and fauna and a large
variety of indigenous crops. These biological assettes are of
great economic social and environmental value. The rich
biodiversity spread over Maharashtra is now threatened by
the state’s rapid and unsustainable economic development.
• Maharashtra’s biodiversity is protected in its National Parks
and Wildlife Sanctuaries to a great extent. However, outside
these Protected Areas the threat to biological assettes
continues to grow. While there are Acts to protect wild
species and our forest resources in these Protected Areas
outside these Areas, biodiversity can be preserved only if the
people of Maharashtra see its importance and begin to
preserve it for our future generations.
Flora
diversity
Maharashtra features diverse
vegetation zones, including tropical
dry forests and coastal mangroves.
Key species include teak, bamboo,
and a variety of medicinal plants.
The Western Ghats influence this
rich plant diversity, making it one
of the worlds biodiversity hotspots.
Fauna diversity
The fauna of Maharashtra includes species such as
leopards, Indian giant squirrels, and various bird species
like the Malabar pied hornbill. Protected areas like
Tadoba Tiger Reserve support large populations of apex
predators, reflecting the states ecological richness.
Conservation efforts
Maharashtra has implemented numerous conservation
measures, including protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries
like the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Community involvement
and government initiatives focus on habitat restoration, anti-
poaching, and sustainable resource use. These efforts aim to
balance economic development with the preservation of
biodiversity hotspots and endangered species.
Biodiversity of
Sikkim
• Sikkim covering just 0.2 % of the geographical area of the country has
tremendous biodiversity and has been identified as one of the HOT-
SPOT in the Eastern Himalayas. India is recognized as one of the 12
mega diversity centers of the world. Out of the 18 Biodiversity hot-
spots in the world, India owns 2, namely the Western Ghats and the
Eastern Himalayas. There are 10 bio-geographic zones & 25 biotic
provinces which have 16 major forests types & > 200 sub types as per
(Champion & Seth 1968). Sikkim falls under Himalayan (2) Bio-
geographic zone & Central Himalaya (2c) biotic province having about
9 types of forests types (Champion & Seth).
The State is endowed with rich floral and faunal diversity. Species
wise, the State harbors over 4500 flowering plants, 550 Orchids, 36
Rhododendrons, 16 Conifers, 28 Bamboos, 362 Ferns and its allies, 9
Tree Ferns, 30 Primulas, 11 Oaks, over 424 Medicinal plants, 144+
mammals, 550 Birds, 48 Fishes and over 600 Butterflies. While these
figures are still not absolute, it may be kept in mind that this is only the
mega-fauna and flora. The tremendous diversity of insects like beetles
and moths as well as a host of other life forms is yet to be enumerated.
Most of the high altitude medicinal plants are rare and endangered
species. Sikkim also has 28 Mountains/Peaks, more than 80 Glaciers,
227 high altitude lakes/wetlands and over 104 rivers and streams.
Unique ecosystems
Sikkims biodiversity thrives across varied ecosystems, from
subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Its location in the
Eastern Himalayas creates a unique environment supporting
rich plant and animal diversity. This ecological variety makes
Sikkim a vital area for conservation within the Himalayan
region.
Endemic species
Sikkim is home to many endemic species, including the
red panda and the Himalayan newt. Its isolation and
diverse climates have fostered the evolution of flora and
fauna found nowhere else. Protecting these species is
critical for maintaining global biodiversity integrity.
Preservation
challenges
Sikkim faces preservation challenges such as
habitat fragmentation, climate change
impacts, and human-wildlife conflict.
Sustainable tourism and development projects
must incorporate biodiversity considerations
to mitigate these threats. Collaborative
conservation strategies are necessary to
safeguard Sikkims unique natural heritage.
Conclusions
Maharashtra and Sikkim both exhibit remarkable biodiversity shaped by
their unique geographies. Effective conservation efforts are essential to
protect their rich ecosystems and endemic species. Balancing
development with environmental stewardship will ensure the
preservation of biodiversity for future generations and sustain
ecological health.
