Western Ghats Odonata Diversity Under Threat
Why in News
A survey in the Western Ghats recorded 143 Odonata species, but highlighted a 35% shortfall in known diversity, attributing the decline to linear infrastructure, hydropower, pollution, and land-use changes.
Background
The decline in Odonata species in the Western Ghats signals broader ecosystem degradation, emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices and stricter environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects in biodiversity hotspots, relevant for UP's protected areas.
Key Figure
• 143 — Odonata species recorded in survey • 35% — Shortfall in known Odonata diversity
Key Facts
- 1Western Ghats: UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity.
- 2Odonata Species: Order of insects including dragonflies and damselflies, key bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health.
- 3Survey Findings: Recorded 143 Odonata species, indicating a 35% shortfall in known diversity.
- 4Major Threats: Linear infrastructure development, hydropower projects, severe pollution, large-scale land-use changes, unregulated tourism, forest fires.
- 5Biodiversity Act 2002: Provides for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
- 6Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): Nodal ministry for biodiversity conservation in India.
Exam Angle
The ecological fragility of biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats necessitates a robust regulatory framework for infrastructure development and land-use planning, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation under the Biodiversity Act 2002.
PYQ Connection
GEOGRAPHY: Western Ghats; BIODIVERSITY: Species identification; ENVIRONMENT: Threats to biodiversity
Map Points