Previous Year Question

Biodiversity Hotspots are geographical regions characterized by exceptionally high Biodiversity and Endemic Species, but where species face serious threats due to the destruction of natural habitats. The concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988. To qualify as a Biodiversity Hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 Endemic Vascular Plant Species and must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.

The Eastern Himalayas are among India's major biodiversity-rich regions. Within India, they extend mainly across the Himalayan areas of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and northern West Bengal. The region contains diverse natural habitats ranging from tropical forests to temperate and alpine ecosystems. Important species found here include Rhododendrons, Orchids, Red Pandas, and Snow Leopards. Wide variations in altitude, rainfall, and climate are major factors contributing to the region's rich biodiversity.

The Western Ghats are a mountain range extending approximately 1,600 kilometres parallel to India's western coast. They pass through regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats are renowned for their Evergreen Forests, high levels of Endemism, and rare species. Important species include the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, and numerous endemic amphibians and plants. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed the Western Ghats as a World Natural Heritage Site.

India contains portions of four globally recognized Biodiversity Hotspots—the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and Sundaland. The Eastern Ghats do not constitute a separate global Biodiversity Hotspot. Under the traditional classification used in this question, the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats are correct. However, modern classifications also recognize parts of the Western Himalayas within the broader Himalaya Hotspot. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to consider the entire Western Himalayan region completely outside the hotspot.