Western Ghats Hosts 143 Odonata Species, Faces Biodiversity Threats
Why in News
A recent survey recorded 143 Odonata species in the Western Ghats, highlighting significant biodiversity but also severe threats from infrastructure development, pollution, and land-use changes.
Background
Underscores the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the urgent need for conservation efforts against anthropogenic pressures, crucial for ecosystem health.
Key Figure
• 143 — ओडोनाटा प्रजातियाँ दर्ज की गईं। • 35% — ज्ञात विविधता में कमी (इंगित करता है कि और प्रजातियाँ खोजी/दर्ज की जानी बाकी हैं)।
Key Facts
- 1Odonata: An order of insects including dragonflies and damselflies, often used as bio-indicators.
- 2Western Ghats: One of the world's 8 "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity; UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 3Biodiversity Hotspot: Region with high biodiversity and significant threat of destruction.
- 4Threats: Linear infrastructure, hydropower projects, pollution, land-use changes, unregulated tourism, forest fires.
- 5Environmental Protection Act 1986: Umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India.
- 6Art. 48A DPSP: State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
Exam Angle
The Odonata survey in the Western Ghats highlights the critical governance challenge of balancing developmental aspirations with the imperative to protect India's biodiversity hotspots from escalating anthropogenic threats.
PYQ Connection
PRELIMS_FACT: Biodiversity hotspots in India; MAINS_ANALYTICAL: Impact of development on biodiversity.
Map Points