Biogeographic classification of India

 

Biogeographic Classification of India

India’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions contribute to its rich biodiversity. To better understand and manage its flora, fauna, and ecosystems, India has been classified into several biogeographic regions based on geological history, climate, and biodiversity patterns.


Biogeographic Zones of India

India has been divided into 10 biogeographic zones by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), which are further categorized into several subzones based on unique ecological features. These zones reflect distinct biodiversity and ecosystems.


10 Biogeographic Zones of India

  1. Himalayan Region

    • Encompasses the northern mountainous states including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Ecosystems: Alpine meadows, temperate forests, coniferous forests, and snow-covered peaks.
    • Biodiversity: Snow leopards, Himalayan monals, red pandas, and medicinal plants.
  2. Indo-Gangetic Plain

    • Includes states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of West Bengal.
    • Ecosystems: Grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes.
    • Biodiversity: Indian rhinoceros, blackbuck, and water birds.
  3. Desert Region

    • Covers Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat and Haryana.
    • Ecosystems: Arid deserts with sparse vegetation, thorny shrubs, and seasonal rivers.
    • Biodiversity: Camel, desert fox, and gerbil.
  4. Sundarban Mangroves

    • Includes the delta region of West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh.
    • Ecosystems: Mangrove forests, tidal wetlands, and coastal habitats.
    • Biodiversity: Royal Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, and various fish species.
  5. Western Ghats

    • Stretches from Gujarat to Kerala, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Ecosystems: Tropical evergreen forests, grasslands, and montane forests.
    • Biodiversity: Nilgiri tahr, Malabar civet, and rare orchids.
  6. Gangetic Plains

    • Spanning parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
    • Ecosystems: Wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural zones.
    • Biodiversity: Swamp deer, gharial, and water birds.
  7. Coastal Region

    • Includes the western and eastern coastlines, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (eastern coast).
    • Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, sandy beaches, and estuarine wetlands.
    • Biodiversity: Olive Ridley turtles, dugongs, and coastal fish species.
  8. North-Eastern Region

    • Includes states like Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura.
    • Ecosystems: Tropical forests, hill ranges, and grasslands.
    • Biodiversity: Red pandas, elephants, and a variety of endemic plant species.
  9. Sundarbans Region

    • West Bengal, specifically the Sunderban delta.
    • Ecosystems: Mangrove swamps, estuaries, and coastal waters.
    • Biodiversity: Bengal tiger, river terrapin, and mudskippers.
  10. Islands (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

    • A group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
    • Ecosystems: Tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and coastal islands.
    • Biodiversity: Nicobar pigeon, saltwater crocodile, and various endemic species.

Importance of Biogeographic Classification

  1. Conservation Planning:

    • Helps in prioritizing conservation efforts for endangered species and ecosystems specific to each zone.
  2. Sustainable Development:

    • Facilitates resource management tailored to the unique ecological features of each region.
  3. Biodiversity Research:

    • Provides a framework for scientific research and understanding ecological patterns in India.
  4. Policy Formulation:

    • Aids in developing region-specific policies and strategies for ecological restoration and sustainable development.

India’s biogeographic zones showcase the country’s rich ecological diversity, making it essential for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers to focus on preserving these unique regions for future generations.

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