Biodiversity Hotspots in India: Map, Criteria & Key Features

India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, home to a significant portion of the Earth’s biodiversity. Of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots, four are located in India, making the country a key player in global conservation efforts.

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both rich in endemic species (species found nowhere else on the planet) and under significant threat from human activities.

This article covers the four biodiversity hotspots in India, along with their key features, state-wise locations, and a free downloadable PDF map—useful for competitive exams like the UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs.

Biodiversity Hotspots Criteria

To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two criteria:

1. It must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics. Meaning, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet.
2. It must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. In other words, it must be threatened.

This concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 and further refined by Conservation International.

List of Biodiversity Hotspots in India

Here is the list of the 4 Biodiversity Hotspots in India, along with the regions they cover:

Please Note:

The biodiversity hotspots mentioned above are part of larger global regions that also include other countries. For example, the Himalayas hotspot also includes portions of Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.

This article covers only the parts of these hotspots that lie within India.

Key Features of Each Hotspot

1. The Himalayas

• Encompasses Indian Himalayan region: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Assam and northern West Bengal.
• Includes both Northwest and Eastern Himalayas.
• Rich altitudinal diversity: alpine meadows, coniferous forests, rhododendron woodlands
• Key Fauna: Snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, musk deer
• Major Protected areas: Nanda Devi & Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserves; multiple high-altitude national parks (e.g. Valley of Flowers, Great Himalayan, Mouling).
• Conservation programs: Project Snow Leopard, Project Tiger, Project Elephant
• Threats: logging, overgrazing, infrastructure development, climate change, poaching

2. Indo-Burma

• Covers northeastern states: Assam (southern parts), Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Andaman Islands.
• Terrain: tropical moist forests, bamboo groves, limestone hills, riverine plains.
• High species richness.
• High endemism in amphibians and reptiles.
• Endemic species:
  • Hoolock gibbon, golden langur, clouded leopard, many amphibians and orchids
• Major protected areas: Namdapha, Manas, Nokrek, Kaziranga.
• Conservation efforts: biosphere reserves, community-based forest management, transboundary conservation (Myanmar–India).
• Critical habitat for the Hoolock Gibbon and Asian Elephant.
• Highly threatened due to jhum cultivation and habitat fragmentation.

3. Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)

• Includes Nicobar Islands (southern part of Andaman & Nicobar UT).
• Tropical island rainforest ecosystem with high endemism.
• Features marine biodiversity, endemic birds, and coral reefs.
• Key endemic species:
  • Nicobar megapode (scrubfowl)
  • Nicobar long-tailed macaque
  • Nicobar tree shrew
• Important nesting site for giant leatherback turtles.
• Also home to saltwater crocodiles and coconut crabs.
• Main protected area: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (includes Campbell Bay & Galathea National Parks).
• Threats: port/airport development under the “Great Nicobar Project”, habitat destruction, rising sea levels (climate change).
• Conservation measures: UNESCO biosphere designation, strict forest laws, turtle protection initiatives.

4. Western Ghats

• Stretches ~1,600 km along India’s western coast (Gujarat to Tamil Nadu).
• Covers 6 Indian states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Extremely high endemism.
• Key endemic species:
  • Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet
• Home to ~30% of Asia’s wild elephants and ~17% of global tiger population.
• Tropical evergreen forests, shola-grassland ecosystems, and high rainfall zones.
• Major protected areas: Nilgiri & Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserves, Silent Valley, Periyar, Bandipur
• Threats: deforestation, plantation agriculture, dams, habitat fragmentation, mining
• Conservation efforts: Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Commission) recommendations.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biodiversity Hotspot vs. Other Conservation Zones

Why Are Biodiversity Hotspots Important?

Here are some of the key reasons why Biodiversity Hotspots are so important:

1. Rich in Endemic Species:
   These areas have species found nowhere else on Earth.
   Example: Lion-tailed macaque in the Western Ghats.
2. Global Conservation Priority:
   Hotspots are among the most threatened ecosystems, making them a top focus for global and national conservation efforts.
3. Source of Medicinal and Agricultural Resources:
   They provide medicinal plants, wild relatives of crops, and traditional herbs.
   Example: The Himalayas are known for plants like Yarsagumba and Brahmi.
4. Vital for Ecosystem Services:
   Hotspots regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and maintain climate balance.
   Example: Western Ghats act as a water tower for peninsular rivers like the Godavari and Krishna.
5. Habitat for Threatened Species:
   Provide safe zones for species on the verge of extinction.
   Example: The Hoolock Gibbon in the Indo-Burma hotspot.
6. Cultural and Traditional Significance:
   Many tribal and indigenous communities in India depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood, culture, and identity.
7. Natural Barrier Against Disasters:
   Dense forests in these regions reduce the impact of landslides, floods, and tsunamis.
   Example: Mangroves and forests in the Sundaland/Nicobar region help buffer tsunami effects.