Biodiversity in Uttarakhand

Biodiversity in Uttarakhand

Biodiversity in Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the most biodiverse states in India. Its unique geography, with the plains to the south and high mountains to the north, supports a vast variety of flora and fauna.

The state has a recorded forest area covering 71% of its total geographical area. These forests range from tropical deciduous forests in the Terai region to alpine pastures and snow-covered peaks in the Higher Himalayas. In between lie the moist temperate forests filled with oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron.

This wide range of habitats supports over 175 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 30 species of amphibians and many thousands of plant species. Many of these are endangered, like the Asiatic elephant, Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.

Key Highlights of Biodiversity in Uttarakhand

• 71% forest cover – Uttarakhand has 71% recorded forest area, much higher than the national average of 21.67%.
• 3 biosphere reserves – Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve and Dehradun Valley Forests Biosphere Reserve
• 6 national parks – Corbett NP, Gangotri NP, Govind NP, Nanda Devi NP, Rajaji NP and Valley of Flowers NP
• 7 wildlife sanctuaries – Askot Musk Deer WLS, Binsar WLS, Govind Pashu Vihar WLS, Kedarnath WLS, Sonanadi WLS and more
• 2 tiger reserves – Corbett Tiger Reserve and Rajaji Tiger Reserve
• 2 elephant reserves – Rajaji Elephant Reserve and Shivalik Elephant Reserve
• 500+ bird species – Including pheasants, partridges, eagles, vultures and many migratory birds
• 30+ amphibian species
• 175+ mammal species – Including tigers, Asiatic elephants, one-horned rhinos, black bears, leopards, red pandas and more
• Thousands of plant species – From tropical trees to Himalayan herbs and wildflowers
• Several endangered species – Like tigers, Asiatic elephants, one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, red pandas, snow leopards and Himalayan musk deer

Major Components of Biodiversity in Uttarakhand

The major components of biodiversity in Uttarakhand include:

Forests

Uttarakhand has a recorded forest area covering 71% of its total geographical area. This is much higher than the national average of 21.67%. These forests show tremendous diversity – from sal and teak forests along the plains to pine forests in the lower hills; from oak forests in the middle hills to deodar forests in the higher hills; and ultimately giving way to high altitude pastures and snow covered peaks.

The major forest types found in the state are:

• Tropical moist deciduous forests: Mainly sal with associates like haldu, bahera, semal, harra, amla, jamun etc.
• Tropical dry deciduous forests: Teak, salai, khair, shisham, dhawada, jamun, ficus, bamboo etc.
• Sub-tropical pine forests: Chir pine, ban oak, rhododendron etc.
• Himalayan moist temperate forests: Oak, deodar, blue pine, fir, spruce, rhododendron etc.
• Sub-alpine and alpine forests: Birch, rhododendron, juniper, willow etc.

In addition, there are grasslands and pastures, scrubs and blanks in higher reaches. The forests play a vital role in environmental protection and livelihood support.

Wildlife

Uttarakhand has diverse wildlife habitats ranging from sub-tropical forests to high altitude alpine meadows. This supports many mammal species like tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Himalayan black bears, barking deer, sambar deer, hog deer, chital or spotted deer, musk deer, goral, serow, wild pig etc.

There is amazing variety in avifauna from pheasants like monal, koklas, kalij and cheer to eagles, vultures, falcons, partridges, doves, woodpeckers and parakeets. Many migratory birds visit the wetlands and forests of the state.

Reptiles like monitor lizards, pythons and king cobras are also found. Rare species include red pandas, snow leopards and black necked cranes. Many of these species are endangered and the state has several protected areas for wildlife conservation.

Protected Areas

Uttarakhand has an extensive Protected Area Network consisting of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves, biodiversity heritage sites etc. for conserving wildlife and wilderness areas.

The state has 2 tiger reserves, 2 elephant reserves, 6 national parks, 7 wildlife sanctuaries, 3 conservation reserves, 9 biodiversity heritage sites and more. These protected areas safeguard endangered species and fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Local communities are involved in conservation efforts.

The major protected areas in Uttarakhand are:

National Parks: Corbett NP, Gangotri NP, Govind NP, Nanda Devi NP, Rajaji NP, Valley of Flowers NP

Wildlife Sanctuaries: Askot Musk Deer WLS, Binsar WLS, Govind Pashu Vihar WLS, Kedarnath WLS, Sonanadi WLS etc.

Tiger Reserves: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Elephant Reserves: Rajaji Elephant Reserve, Shivalik Elephant Reserve

Biosphere Reserves: Nanda Devi BR, Khangchendzonga BR, Dehradun Valley Forests BR

Conservation Reserves: Asan CR, Jhilmil Tal CR, Nainadevi Himalayan Bird CR etc.

Medicinal Plants

Uttarakhand has tremendous diversity of medicinal plants owing to its location, altitudinal variations, climatic factors and rich forest wealth. Many valuable herbs like brahmi, ashwagandha, shatavari, safed musli, giloy etc are found in abundance.

Local communities possess indigenous knowledge about the identification and use of Himalayan herbs for treating various ailments. But over-exploitation for commercial purposes poses threat to the sustainability of medicinal plants.

Agro-Biodiversity

Uttarakhand has a rich tradition of mountain agriculture suited to its terrain and climatic conditions. Local farming communities have conserved many native crop varieties and livestock breeds over centuries. But recently this agro-biodiversity is declining due to agricultural modernization and neglect of indigenous practices.

Efforts are being made to preserve native agro-biodiversity through community participation. Documentation of folk varieties, community seed banks, promotion of traditional crops and livestock etc. can sustain this heritage.

Aquatic Biodiversity

The numerous rivers, streams, lakes and other wetlands of Uttarakhand support rich aquatic life. Snow trout, mahseer fish, prawns, crabs, turtles, aquatic insects etc. are integral to freshwater habitats. Conservation of catchment areas and water sources is crucial for sustaining aquatic biodiversity.

Threats to Biodiversity in Uttarakhand

Some of the major threats to biodiversity conservation in Uttarakhand include:

Habitat Loss: Deforestation, forest fires, land use changes, expanding agriculture, dams, mining, roads, urbanization etc. are destroying wildlife habitats. Fragmentation of habitats also threatens species survival.

Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Many endangered animals like tigers, leopards, musk deer, pangolins etc. are poached for skins, bones and other body parts used in traditional medicine and exotic food.

Over-exploitation of Forest Resources: Unsustainable harvesting of fuel wood, fodder, timber, medicinal plants etc. degrades forests and impacts dependent wildlife.

Invasive Alien Species: Invasive weeds like lantana and parthenium are spreading rapidly, choking native vegetation and habitats.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, forest fires etc. linked to climate change disrupt ecosystems, habitats and species.

Unplanned Tourism: Excessive tourist activities, traffic, noise, waste and construction around eco-sensitive areas causes disturbance to wildlife.

Grazing Pressures and Human-Wildlife Conflict: Livestock grazing and crop damage from wildlife creates resentment among local communities towards conservation.

Pollution: Air and water pollution from traffic, industries, solid waste etc. degrade habitats and poison flora and fauna.

Conservation Efforts and Initiatives

Many government agencies, civil society groups, local communities and international organizations are working towards biodiversity conservation in Uttarakhand:

Protected Area Network: Comprising national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, conservation reserves etc. for habitat and wildlife protection.

Afforestation Drives: Large scale plantations, agroforestry, farm forestry, urban greens, riverfront forests etc. to increase forest cover.

Forest Fire Prevention: Controlled burning, fire-lines, awareness campaigns, community monitoring, emergency response teams to reduce fire incidences.

Anti-Poaching Efforts: Strengthening protection force, intelligence gathering, wildlife crime control units, sniffer dog squads, informant networks to curb poaching.

Alternative Livelihoods: Eco-tourism, medicinal plant cultivation, bee-keeping, handicrafts etc. to reduce dependency of villagers on forests.

Community Participation: Joint Forest Management committees, Van Panchayats, Biodiversity Management Committees involving people in conservation.

Ex-Situ Conservation: Rescue and rehabilitation centers, captive breeding, gene banks etc. for highly endangered species.

Research and Monitoring: Wildlife surveys, habitat studies, biodiversity documentation, long-term monitoring of key species and sites.

Environmental Education: Nature camps, school programs, competitions, celebrations like Wildlife Week, Van Mahotsav etc. to spread awareness.

Policy and Legal Interventions: Strict implementation of environmental rules, new legislations, better coordination among government agencies.

Institutions for Biodiversity Conservation in Uttarakhand

The main government bodies involved in biodiversity conservation in Uttarakhand include:

Forest Department: Responsible for protected areas management, wildlife protection, afforestation, joint forest management, forest fire control etc.

Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board: Statutory body under Biological Diversity Act to promote conservation, sustainable use and benefit sharing.

State Wildlife Board: Advisory body for wildlife policies, approval of protected areas, conservation plans and project proposals.

State Medicinal Plant Board: Responsible for medicinal plants conservation, cultivation, marketing, benefit sharing and livelihoods.

State Council for Science & Technology: Provides research grants and technical inputs for biodiversity related studies and surveys.

State Wetland Authority: Regulates wetlands conservation, prepares inventory of wetlands, manages protected wetlands.

State Pollution Control Board: Enforcement of pollution control norms, standards for treating effluents, emissions and solid waste disposal.

District Level Committees: District Planning Committee, District Environment Committee etc. support local conservation efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Uttarakhand has exceptionally high biodiversity in terms of forests, wildlife, agro-diversity and aquatic life. But various anthropogenic pressures and climate change impacts pose threat to conservation of habitats and species.

A multi-pronged approach is needed engaging government agencies, local communities, civil society groups and experts to address these challenges. The protected areas network should be strengthened, afforestation and habitat restoration must be accelerated, and community stewardship towards nature should be built up.

As global biodiversity is declining rapidly, the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand needs to take leadership in showing a path towards harmonious co-existence of human society and nature. With sincere efforts and political will, conservation of Uttarakhand’s natural heritage can be achieved for long term well-being of forests, wildlife and people.

FAQs:

What is the biodiversity like in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand has very rich biodiversity spanning various ecosystems like forests, grasslands, wetlands etc. hosting wide range of flora, fauna species including endangered ones.

What major habitats host biodiversity in Uttarakhand?

Major biodiversity habitats in Uttarakhand include Himalayan landscapes, forests, grasslands, agricultural fields and wetland ecosystems.

What steps are being taken to conserve biodiversity in the state?

Key steps for biodiversity conservation include protected area network, community participation, ex-situ conservation, landscape level planning, policy regulations etc.

What are the major threats to the state’s biodiversity?

Habitat loss, land use changes, overexploitation of resources, climate change, disasters like floods and landslides are major threats.

How can tourism in Uttarakhand be made more sustainable?

Sustainable tourism measures like controlled visitor numbers, eco-friendly infrastructure, waste management, and local community involvement should be implemented.