Biodiversity Hotspots – Definition, Criteria, Importance, Examples

Biodiversity hotspots are regions packed with an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth—but they’re also in serious trouble. To qualify as a hotspot, an area must have at least 1,500 unique plant species and have already lost over 70% of its original natural habitat due to human activities like deforestation, farming, or urban sprawl. Think of them as nature’s treasure chests: places like the Amazon rainforest or Madagascar, teeming with rare creatures and plants, yet hanging by a thread. Protecting these areas isn’t just about saving cute animals or pretty landscapes—it’s about safeguarding ecosystems that clean our air, filter water, and provide medicines. Sadly, many hotspots overlap with regions where people face poverty, creating tough choices between survival and conservation. The race is on to balance human needs with preserving these irreplaceable pockets of life before they vanish for good.

What is Biodiversity Hotspots?

• A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic area marked by notable habitat loss together with extraordinary degrees of species richness and endemism. A area must satisfy two strict requirements to be a biodiversity hotspot: ​
  • Representing more than 0.5% of all the species on Earth, it must include at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics. ​​
  • It must have lost at least seventy-percent of its indigenous flora.
• Norman Myers first proposed the idea of biodiversity hotspots in 1988, then honed it in 2000 working with Conservation International.
• Though just 2.4% of Earth’s land surface, 36 areas throughout the globe are now known as hotspots for biodiversity; they house more than half of the world’s indigenous plant species and a sizable fraction of terrestrial animals.
• Conservation depends on biodiversity hotspots as they contain a great abundance of unique endemic species absent elsewhere, so they are irreplaceable. But additional manmade stressors and significant habitat degradation make these areas rather susceptible as well.
• Beyond species protection, biodiversity hotspots are important for human well-being as they offer necessary ecological services like carbon sequestration, water purification, and soil fertility. ​​
• Notwithstanding their biological importance, hotspots of biodiversity are threatened by deforestation, climate change, invading species, and overuse of natural resources.
• The great return on investment in terms of species conserved per unit area protected makes conservation activities in biodiversity hotspots top priority. Initiatives aiming at supporting conservation efforts in these areas include the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
• Four areas of India are recognised as hotspots for biodiversity: the Himalayas, the Indo-Burma area, the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and Sundaland including the Nicobar Islands.
• To handle both biological and socioeconomic issues, effective conservation of biodiversity hotspots calls for integrated strategies combining habitat protection, sustainable resource management, and community involvement.

Biodiversity hotspot definition

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with exceptionally high levels of endemic species and significant habitat loss. It contains at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species. It has lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.

The concept was first introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 and refined by Conservation International in 2000

Levels of biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth and is categorized into three hierarchical levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Each level contributes uniquely to the resilience and functionality of natural systems.

1. Genetic Diversity
   • refers to the variances in genes within a certain species.
   • helps communities to fight illnesses and adjust to environmental changes.
   • A species’s capacity to live and procreate may be lowered by a loss in genetic variety.
   • Different types of rice, for instance, contain distinct genetic features that could offer drought or insect tolerance.
2. Species Diversity
   • Indices the range of species found in a habitat or area.
   • covers both species richness—the number of species—and their relative abundance—evenness.
   • High species variety improves stability and production of ecosystems.
   • For example, tropical rainforests have great species variety, therefore sustaining many different plants and animals.
3. Ecosystem Diversity
   • covers the range of ecosystems present in a specific area together with their physical surroundings and biological populations.
   • supports a broad spectrum of ecological functions and activities including climate control and nutrient cycling.
   • For instance, each of woods, marshes, grasslands, and coral reefs hosts unique populations and purposes. ​

These three degrees of biodiversity are linked; loss at one level can affect the others. For instance, the loss of distinct genes (genetic diversity) and change in ecosystem functioning (ecosystem diversity) might follow from the extinction of a species.

Biodiversity hotspot’s main qualifying criteria

To be classified as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must satisfy two stringent criteria:

1. It must have a minimum of 1,500 indigenous vascular plant species, accounting for over 0.5% of the global total of plant species.
2. It has likely lost a minimum of 70% of its original natural vegetation, signifying considerable habitat degradation.

Conservation International devised these criteria to identify areas that are abundant in endemic species and significantly threatened by human activities.

Presently, there are 36 acknowledged biodiversity hotspots worldwide, encompassing just 2.4% of the Earth’s terrestrial area yet harbouring over half of the globe’s indigenous plant species and a substantial fraction of terrestrial animals.

The notion of biodiversity hotspots was proposed by Norman Myers in 1988 and has since been utilised as a strategic framework for worldwide conservation goals.

These locations are essential for conservation initiatives because of their unique biodiversity and the pressing necessity to safeguard them from persistent environmental hazards.

Why Biodiversity Hotspots are Important?

Regions identified as biodiversity hotspots are ecologically diverse and significantly at risk, serving an essential function in maintaining global biodiversity and supporting human well-being. Although they occupy merely 2.4% of the Earth’s land area, these regions are home to over half of the world’s endemic plant species and a considerable number of terrestrial vertebrates. ​

• Regions known for their ecological uniqueness and exceptional species richness are considered critical areas for nature conservation efforts. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem services, offering essential resources for medicine, food, and livelihoods, while also supporting global biodiversity. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots hold significant importance for various reasons, encompassing genetic diversity, ecosystem services, scientific and cultural value, as well as economic advantages. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots are regions characterized by a high level of biological diversity that face significant threats from various forms of degradation, including overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic activities. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots represent regions on Earth characterized by a remarkable abundance of species diversity, yet they are under considerable threat from habitat loss and degradation. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health. Investigate their worldwide significance and initiatives aimed at preserving these vital areas. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots represent crucial regions of our planet, characterized by a high concentration of endemic species and serving an essential function in the overall biodiversity of the globe. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The foundation of all life on Earth is biodiversity. ​
• Regions characterized by a wealth of species diversity yet facing significant threats from human activities are known as biodiversity hotspots. ​
• Areas rich in biodiversity play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem services, offering essential resources for medicine, food, and livelihoods, while also contributing to the preservation of global biodiversity. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots hold significant importance for various reasons, such as their contribution to genetic diversity, the provision of ecosystem services, their scientific and cultural value, and the economic advantages they offer. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots are regions characterized by a high level of biological diversity that face significant threats from various forms of degradation, including overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic activities. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots represent regions on Earth characterized by an extraordinary variety of species, yet they are under considerable threat from habitat loss and degradation. ​
• Biodiversity hotspots play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health. Investigate their worldwide significance and initiatives aimed at preserving these vital areas. ​
• Areas known as biodiversity hotspots are crucial regions of our planet that support a substantial variety of endemic species and are essential for maintaining global biodiversity. ​
• The significance of biodiversity hotspots lies in their crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The foundation of all life on Earth is biodiversity.

Biodiversity hotspots in india

India hosts four of the 36 globally acknowledged biodiversity hotspots, each distinguished by remarkable species richness and endemism.

To be designated as a biodiversity hotspot, an area must satisfy two conditions: it must have a minimum of 1,500 indigenous vascular plant species and must have experienced a loss of at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.

These hotspots are essential for conservation initiatives because to their elevated biodiversity and the considerable dangers posed by human activities.

India comprises four biodiversity hotspots:

1. The Himalayas: The Himalayas encompass the whole Indian Himalayan area, including segments of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India. This region is recognised for its varied habitats, encompassing alpine meadows and subtropical woods, and hosts several unique species.
2. The Indo-Burma Region: The Indo-Burma Region encompasses northeastern India (except Assam) and extends into Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China. This hotspot is recognised for its significant species diversity and endemism, especially among freshwater turtles and other reptiles.
3. The Western Ghats: A mountain range situated along India’s western coast, noted for its abundant biodiversity and significant endemism. The area encompasses tropical rainforests and montane forests, sustaining a diverse range of flora and wildlife.
4. Sundaland (Nicobar Islands): Comprises the Nicobar Islands of India and extends to regions of Indonesia and Malaysia. The area is defined by tropical rainforests and mangroves, which are home to several indigenous species.

Conservation initiatives in these hotspots are essential for safeguarding India’s abundant biological heritage and sustaining ecological equilibrium.

Map of biodiversity hotspots

Total biodiversity hotspots in world

As of right now, Conservation International has identified 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. ​

Despite making up only around 2.5 percent of the planet’s land area, these hotspots are home to almost 43 percent of endemic bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as well as more than 50% of endemic plant species. ​

In 1988, British ecologist Norman Myers originally proposed the idea of biodiversity hotspots, first finding ten tropical forest zones that were marked by high plant endemism and substantial habitat degradation. ​

Myers added 18 hotspots to the list in 1990. The criteria were improved in further evaluations by Conservation International and other researchers, which led to the recognition of 25 hotspots in 1999, 34 in 2005, and 36 by 2016.

The 36 hotspots for biodiversity are spread out over several continents, including:

• Asia-Pacific: Mountains of Southwest China, New Caledonia, New Zealand, East Melanesian Islands, Polynesia-Micronesia, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Southwest Australia, Indo-Burma, Sundaland, Wallacea, Philippines, Japan, and East Australian forests.
• Africa: Horn of Africa, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, Eastern Afromontane, Guinean Forests of West Africa, Cape Floristic Region, and Succulent Karoo.
• Europe and the Middle East: the Mediterranean Basin, the Irano-Anatolian, the Central Asian Mountains, and the Caucasus.
• Americas: Mesoamerica, the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands, the Atlantic Forest, the Caribbean Islands, the Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests, the Cerrado, Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena, the Tropical Andes, and the North American Coastal Plain. ​

Since they are home to a sizable percentage of the world’s endemic species and are seriously threatened by human activities like habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and climate change, these hotspots are essential to efforts to conserve biodiversity worldwide.

Biodiversity hotspots examples

• Tropical Andes (South America)
  • Encompasses parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
  • Recognized as the most biologically diverse hotspot globally, with approximately 45,000 plant species, of which about 20,000 are endemic.
  • Home to numerous endemic amphibians, birds, and mammals, including the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.
  • Faces threats from deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion.
• Sundaland (Southeast Asia)
  • Covers the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and surrounding smaller islands.
  • Hosts over 25,000 plant species, with 15,000 being endemic.
  • Supports endangered species like the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, and the Javan rhinoceros.
  • Experiences significant habitat loss due to logging, palm oil plantations, and urban development. ​
• Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands (Africa)
  • Includes Madagascar, the Comoros, Seychelles, and the Mascarene Islands.
  • Approximately 90% of the wildlife is endemic, including lemurs, baobab trees, and numerous chameleon species.
  • Madagascar alone harbors about 12,000 plant species, with over 80% endemism.
  • Threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, and invasive species. ​
• Indo-Burma (Asia)
  • Spans eastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of southern China.
  • Contains over 13,500 plant species, with more than 7,000 endemics.
  • Home to species such as the saola, Indochinese tiger, and the giant Ibis.
  • Faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation, poaching, and infrastructure development. ​
• Himalayas (Asia)
  • Encompasses the mountain ranges of Bhutan, northeastern India, Nepal, and southern Tibet.
  • Hosts around 10,000 plant species, with approximately 3,160 being endemic.
  • Supports unique fauna like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan monal.
  • Threatened by climate change, overgrazing, and deforestation. ​
• Western Ghats and Sri Lanka (Asia)
  • Covers the Western Ghats mountain range in India and the island of Sri Lanka.
  • Approximately 7,400 plant species are found here, with over 5,000 endemics.
  • Home to endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and Malabar civet.
  • Faces pressures from deforestation, agricultural encroachment, and urbanization. ​
• Mesoamerica (Central America)
  • Extends from central Mexico through Panama.
  • Hosts over 17,000 plant species, with about 3,000 endemics.
  • Supports diverse fauna, including the quetzal, jaguar, and Baird’s tapir.
  • Threatened by deforestation, agriculture, and climate change.
• Caribbean Islands (North America)
  • Includes the islands of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Approximately 13,000 plant species are present, with over 6,500 endemics.
  • Home to unique species like the Cuban solenodon and various endemic birds.
  • Faces threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and natural disasters. ​
• Caucasus (Europe/Asia)
  • Spans the region between the Black and Caspian Seas, including parts of Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
  • Hosts over 6,400 plant species, with about 1,600 endemics.
  • Supports species like the Caucasian leopard and East Caucasian tur.
  • Threatened by overgrazing, deforestation, and political conflicts. ​
• New Caledonia (Oceania)
  • A French territory in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
  • Approximately 3,270 plant species are found here, with about 2,400 endemics.
  • Home to unique fauna like the kagu bird and various endemic reptiles.
  • Faces threats from mining activities, invasive species, and habitat destruction. ​
• Polynesia-Micronesia (Oceania)
  • Covers over 4,500 islands in the central and western Pacific Ocean.
  • Hosts around 5,000 plant species, with approximately 3,000 endemics.
  • Supports unique bird species, many of which are extinct or endangered due to invasive species and habitat loss.
  • Threatened by sea-level rise, invasive species, and habitat degradation.
• California Floristic Province (North America)
  • Encompasses most of California and parts of southwestern Oregon and northern Baja California.
  • Approximately 3,488 plant species are found here, with about 2,125 endemics.
  • Home to species like the California condor and various endemic amphibians.
  • Faces threats from urbanization, agriculture, and invasive species. ​
• Cape Floristic Region (Africa)
  • Located at the southern tip of South Africa.
  • Hosts around 9,000 plant species, with approximately 6,200 endemics.
  • Known for its unique fynbos vegetation and high plant diversity.
  • Threatened by agriculture, invasive species, and urban development.
• Mountains of Southwest China (Asia)
  • Includes parts of the Hengduan Mountains and the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Approximately 12,000 plant species are found here, with about 3,500 endemics.
  • Home to species like the giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkey.
  • Faces threats from deforestation, infrastructure development, and climate change. ​
• Philippines (Asia)
  • An archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands.
  • Hosts more than 6,000 plant species, with about 3,700 endemics.
  • Supports unique fauna like the Philippine eagle and tamaraw.
  • Threatened by deforestation, mining, and habitat fragmentation. ​
• Wallacea (Asia/Oceania)
  • Comprises a group of Indonesian islands between the Asian and Australian continental shelves.
  • Approximately 10,000 plant species are found here, with about 1,500 endemics.
  • Home to species like the Sulawesi macaque and various endemic birds.
  • Faces threats from deforestation, hunting, and invasive species. ​
• New Zealand (Oceania)
  • Comprises two main islands and numerous smaller islands.
  • Hosts around 2,500 plant species, with approximately 1,800 endemics.
  • Supports unique fauna like the kiwi, tuatara, and various endemic insects.
  • Threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.

Major Threats to Biodiversity Hotspots

• Destruction and Fragmentation of Habitats
  • The transformation of forests, wetlands, and grasslands into agricultural land, urban developments, and infrastructure initiatives results in the loss and fragmentation of habitats.
  • This fragmentation leads to the isolation of populations, diminishes genetic diversity, and interferes with ecological processes.
  • In critical regions such as the Amazon and Southeast Asia, the rates of deforestation continue to be disturbingly elevated, jeopardising conservation initiatives. ​
• Climate Change
  • Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns influence the distribution of species, their breeding cycles, and their survival rates.
  • Areas like coral reefs and mountain ecosystems exhibit heightened sensitivity to alterations driven by climate, resulting in phenomena such as coral bleaching and the degradation of habitats. ​
• Pollution
  • Runoff from agricultural practices introduces chemicals and nutrients into water systems, resulting in nutrient overload and a decline in aquatic biodiversity.
  • Industrial and urban waste lead to the contamination of soil and water, impacting both land-dwelling and aquatic organisms.
  • The issue of plastic pollution represents a critical challenge to the diversity of marine life, ensnaring and contaminating various marine species. ​
• Overexploitation
  • Unsustainable practices in hunting, fishing, and logging lead to the rapid depletion of species, outpacing their natural ability to recover.
  • In areas such as Madagascar and the Amazon, the illicit trade of wildlife and the excessive extraction of timber and non-timber resources pose significant risks to the survival of various species. ​
• Invasive Species
  • Species that are not originally from a particular ecosystem, whether introduced on purpose or by chance, can outcompete, prey on, or transmit diseases to the indigenous species.
  • Non-native flora, fauna, and microorganisms interfere with native ecosystems, resulting in reductions of indigenous species.
  • The introduction of non-native species poses a critical challenge in island ecosystems and secluded environments. ​
• Land Use Change
  • Transformations from conventional land-use methods to industrial farming and urban development modify the environment, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
  • These alterations frequently result in the dominance of a single crop type, deterioration of soil quality, and the decline of indigenous species.
  • In regions abundant with biodiversity, these alterations intensify the reduction of native species. ​
• Resource Extraction
  • Resource extraction activities such as mining, oil extraction, and logging significantly disturb natural habitats and contribute to ecosystem pollution.
  • In areas such as the Congo Basin and certain regions of Southeast Asia, these actions result in considerable loss of biodiversity.
  • The proliferation of energy initiatives, particularly those focused on renewable sources, poses potential risks to biodiversity if not meticulously overseen. ​
• Expansion in Agriculture
  • The transformation of forests and grasslands into agricultural land results in the loss and fragmentation of habitats.
  • Intensive agricultural methods diminish soil health and elevate pesticide application, thereby posing additional risks to biodiversity.
  • In areas such as the Amazon, the growth of agriculture serves as a major catalyst for the loss of forests and the decline of biodiversity. ​
• Global Trade and Consumption
  • The consumption of products such as palm oil, beef, and timber drives deforestation and the destruction of habitats in areas rich in biodiversity.
  • We observe that affluent nations play a substantial role in the decline of biodiversity within tropical areas, driven by their consumption behaviours.
  • This phenomenon of “biodiversity leak” redistributes environmental responsibilities to economically disadvantaged, ecologically rich areas. ​
• Disease
  • Newly arising diseases, frequently exacerbated by human actions, have the potential to severely impact native species.
  • The heightened interaction between wildlife and humans elevates the potential for disease transmission.
  • Conditions like chytridiomycosis in amphibians have resulted in notable reductions in species populations. ​
• Artificial Intelligence and Technology
  • Although artificial intelligence contributes to conservation initiatives, its ecological impact, encompassing energy usage and electronic waste, may inadvertently affect biodiversity.
  • The advancement and implementation of technology in delicate environments can result in disturbances to habitats.
  • Concerns regarding ethics emerge in relation to the application of artificial intelligence in the observation of wildlife and the gathering of data.

Global Biodiversity Hotspots – Asia-Pacific

Biodiversity Hotspot	Key Features	Major Threats
East Melanesian Islands	High levels of plant and animal endemism; over 1,600 islands	Habitat loss due to logging, mining, agriculture, population growth, and climate change
Himalaya	Home to world’s highest mountains, including Mt. Everest; 3,500 endemic plant species	Habitat degradation from agriculture, deforestation, and climate change
Indo-Burma	Over 2 million km²; high species diversity and endemism; new species discoveries	Deforestation, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development
Japan	Wide range of climates and ecosystems; rich marine biodiversity with ~155,000 species	Habitat loss, pollution, and climate change
Mountains of Southwest China	Diverse topography and climate; high plant endemism, including rhododendrons	Habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and infrastructure development
New Caledonia	Island with unique ultrabasic soils; ~74% of 3,270 plant species are endemic	Mining activities, especially for nickel, leading to habitat destruction
New Zealand	High levels of endemism; unique fauna including galaxiid fishes and invertebrate gigantism	Habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change
Philippines	Over 7,100 islands; one of the world’s most biologically rich countries	Deforestation, habitat degradation, and high number of threatened species
Polynesia-Micronesia	Comprises 4,500 islands; high endemism; epicenter of current global extinction crisis	Invasive species, habitat loss, and erosion of traditional resource management
Southwest Australia	Forests, woodlands, shrublands, and heath; high plant and reptile endemism	Land clearing for agriculture, invasive species, and climate change
Forests of Eastern Australia	Discontinuous coastal stretch; over 1,500 endemic vascular plants	Habitat fragmentation, urbanization, and invasive species
Sundaland	Includes Borneo, Sumatra, and surrounding islands; ~25,000 vascular plant species with 60% endemism	Industrial forestry, agriculture, and habitat destruction
Wallacea	High endemism with species not found on neighboring continents; forested areas	Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and limited protected areas
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka	Rich in endemic species, especially plants; shared biogeographical history	Population pressure, deforestation, and demand for timber and agricultural land

Economic and Social Benefits of Biodiversity Hotspots

Economic Advantages of Biodiversity Hotspots

• Areas of high ecological value provide essential resources—such as food crops, timber, fuelwood, and medicinal plants—that support the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors worldwide.
• Indigenous pollinators in critical areas significantly improve crop yields and quality, thereby increasing agricultural efficiency and ensuring food security.
• The natural processes of hydrological regulation and water purification in critical areas guarantee consistent access to clean water for household, industrial, and agricultural applications.
• The process of capturing carbon through lush forests and fertile soils in critical areas plays a significant role in alleviating climate change and reducing the societal expenses associated with severe weather occurrences.
• Ecotourism and recreation in hotspots—such as the Coral Triangle’s $3 billion annual tourism revenue—produce substantial foreign exchange and local income.
• Marine hotspots yield fisheries that sustain over 120 million individuals and bolster economies with approximately $3 billion in export revenues each year.
• The variation in genetics within key regions drives the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors by providing unique compounds for the creation of new medications.
• Research on economic valuation indicates that preserving critical areas provides advantages that exceed three times the investment—offering over $500 billion in benefits to the world’s impoverished populations.
• Implementing nature-positive business strategies on a large scale has the potential to yield an impressive $10 trillion annually and generate millions of employment opportunities across the globe.
• Market-driven strategies (such as wetland mitigation banking, conservation impact bonds, and natural capital buffers) leverage private investment for the restoration and preservation of ecosystems.

Social Advantages of Biodiversity Hotspots

• Close to 2 billion individuals, encompassing the most disadvantaged populations, depend directly on hotspot ecosystems for sustenance, water, and income, which are essential for sustaining rural livelihoods.
• Protecting critical areas can help break cycles of poverty by ensuring sustainable livelihoods dependent on natural resources and minimising susceptibility to unexpected challenges.
• The cultural and spiritual significance associated with indigenous species and landscapes plays a crucial role in shaping community identity, safeguarding heritage, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge across generations.
• The availability of verdant areas and pristine surroundings in key locations significantly contributes to both physical and mental well-being by mitigating the likelihood of illness and alleviating stress levels.
• Coastal hotspots featuring mangrove and wetland buffers serve as vital defences for communities against storms, flooding, and rising sea levels, thereby mitigating disaster impacts and lowering recovery expenses.
• Social enterprises functioning in critical areas develop inclusive business frameworks that enhance biodiversity while providing economic advantages to under-represented communities.
• Conservation initiatives that are led by local communities and indigenous groups enhance community management, preserve customary entitlements, and optimise resource management results
• Hotspots function as dynamic environments for education and research, cultivating the next generation of experts and guiding data-driven policy decisions.
• Comprehensive restoration strategies in critical ecosystems can achieve more than 80% of potential advantages related to biodiversity, climate, and social equity—especially aiding marginalised communities and women.
• Joint conservation initiatives in critical areas enhance social unity, strengthen community capabilities, and promote robust social-ecological frameworks.

Endangered Species of India

Common Name	Scientific Name	IUCN Status	Habitat/Region	Primary Threats
Great Indian Bustard	Ardeotis nigriceps	Critically Endangered	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Habitat loss, collision with power lines
White-bellied Heron	Ardea insignis	Critically Endangered	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam	Habitat degradation, human disturbance
Kashmir Stag (Hangul)	Cervus canadensis hanglu	Critically Endangered	Jammu and Kashmir	Poaching, habitat fragmentation
Sumatran Rhinoceros	Dicerorhinus sumatrensis	Critically Endangered	Northeastern India	Habitat loss, poaching
Chinese Pangolin	Manis pentadactyla	Critically Endangered	Northeastern India	Illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction
Jenkins’ Shrew	Crocidura jenkinsi	Critically Endangered	Nicobar Islands	Habitat loss, invasive species
Malabar Large-spotted Civet	Viverra civettina	Critically Endangered	Western Ghats	Habitat destruction, hunting
Himalayan Quail	Ophrysia superciliosa	Critically Endangered	Western Himalayas	Possibly extinct, habitat loss
Pink-headed Duck	Rhodonessa caryophyllacea	Critically Endangered	Eastern India	Possibly extinct, habitat degradation
Red-headed Vulture	Sarcogyps calvus	Critically Endangered	Northern and central India	Poisoning, habitat loss
Siberian Crane	Grus leucogeranus	Critically Endangered	Bharatpur, Uttar Pradesh	Wetland drainage, hunting
Bengal Florican	Houbaropsis bengalensis	Critically Endangered	Assam, Uttar Pradesh	Grassland conversion, hunting
Bugun Liocichla	Liocichla bugunorum	Critically Endangered	Arunachal Pradesh	Limited range, habitat loss
Manipur Bush Quail	Perdicula manipurensis	Critically Endangered	Manipur	Habitat degradation, hunting
Narcondam Hornbill	Rhyticeros narcondami	Critically Endangered	Narcondam Island, Andaman Sea	Limited range, habitat disturbance
White-winged Duck	Asarcornis scutulata	Endangered	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh	Wetland destruction, hunting
Bengal Tiger	Panthera tigris tigris	Endangered	Various national parks across India	Poaching, habitat loss
Asiatic Lion	Panthera leo persica	Endangered	Gir Forest, Gujarat	Limited range, human-wildlife conflict
Indian Elephant	Elephas maximus indicus	Endangered	Forested regions across India	Habitat fragmentation, human-elephant conflict
Nilgiri Tahr	Nilgiritragus hylocrius	Endangered	Western Ghats	Habitat loss, poaching
Lion-tailed Macaque	Macaca silenus	Endangered	Western Ghats	Habitat destruction, fragmentation
Western Hoolock Gibbon	Hoolock hoolock	Endangered	Northeastern India	Habitat loss, hunting
Red Panda	Ailurus fulgens	Endangered	Eastern Himalayas	Habitat loss, poaching
Indian Pangolin	Manis crassicaudata	Endangered	Across India	Illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction
Ganges River Dolphin	Platanista gangetica	Endangered	Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems	Water pollution, dam construction
Indus River Dolphin	Platanista minor	Endangered	Indus River, Punjab	Habitat fragmentation, water scarcity
Humpback Whale	Megaptera novaeangliae	Endangered	Indian Ocean	Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear
Blue Whale	Balaenoptera musculus	Endangered	Indian Ocean	Ship strikes, climate change
Sei Whale	Balaenoptera borealis	Endangered	Indian Ocean	Ship strikes, climate change
Fin Whale	Balaenoptera physalus	Endangered	Indian Ocean	Ship strikes, climate change
Hog Deer	Axis porcinus	Endangered	Terai grasslands, northern India	Habitat loss, poaching
Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)	Cuon alpinus	Endangered	Forested regions across India	Habitat loss, disease
Wild Water Buffalo	Bubalus arnee	Endangered	Assam, Chhattisgarh	Habitat loss, hybridization with domestic buffalo
Onager (Indian Wild Ass)	Equus hemionus khur	Endangered	Rann of Kutch, Gujarat	Habitat loss, competition with livestock
Woolly Flying Squirrel	Eupetaurus cinereus	Endangered	Western Himalayas	Habitat loss, hunting
Kashmir Musk Deer	Moschus cupreus	Endangered	Jammu and Kashmir	Poaching for musk, habitat loss

This table includes a selection of species from various taxonomic groups and regions across India. For a comprehensive list and detailed information on conservation status, threats, and protective measures, refer to the IUCN Red List and the Wildlife Institute of India.

What is the IUCN Red List?

• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, created in 1964 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), serves as the most extensive catalog of the conservation status of biological species worldwide. ​
• This serves as an essential measure of global biodiversity health, offering insights into range, population size, habitat and ecology, usage and/or trade, threats, and conservation efforts that can guide informed conservation choices. ​
• The Red List classifies species according to their extinction risk, employing a series of quantitative criteria to assess the threat levels faced by thousands of species. ​
• The classifications span from “Least Concern,” indicating species that face minimal risk of extinction, to “Extinct,” which denotes species for which there is no reasonable doubt regarding the demise of the last individual. ​
• The IUCN Red List serves as a critical resource for government agencies, wildlife departments, conservation-focused NGOs, natural resource planners, educational institutions, students, and the business sector, guiding them in making informed decisions regarding conservation planning and policy development. ​
• This also contributes to monitoring biodiversity decline and guiding the establishment of conservation priorities and strategies.