UTTARAKHAND’S BIODIVERSITY: A HIMALAYAN TREASURE AT RISK

 

BY- JAY SINGH RAWAT

Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Land of the Gods,” is a northern Indian state renowned for its stunning Himalayan landscapes. Beyond its scenic beauty, the state harbors an extraordinary wealth of biodiversity, making it one of India’s most ecologically rich regions. Drawing from scientific assessments like those by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Uttarakhand’s forests and wildlife represent a significant portion of the country’s natural heritage. However, this diversity faces mounting challenges from climate change, including habitat shifts, extreme weather events, and human pressures. This article explores the state’s floral and faunal richness, its vulnerabilities, key issues, and ongoing conservation initiatives.

Floral Diversity: A Botanical Wonderland

Uttarakhand’s plant life is remarkably diverse, encompassing a wide array of ecosystems from subtropical forests in the southern plains to alpine meadows in the north. According to BSI studies, the state is home to approximately 4,700 species of flowering plants, which account for nearly 25% of India’s total angiosperm flora. These species span 1,503 genera and 213 families, including 93 that are endemic to the region—meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.

This floral bounty thrives across varied vegetation types, from the Shivalik hills and upper Gangetic plains to the trans-Himalayan cold deserts. In addition to flowering plants, Uttarakhand boasts 487 species of ferns, with 15 endemics, and 18 species of gymnosperms, such as pines and cedars. Ongoing taxonomic surveys continue to uncover new species, highlighting the state’s role as a living laboratory for botanists. This diversity not only supports ecological balance but also provides resources for local communities, including medicinal plants and timber.

Faunal Diversity: A Haven for Wildlife

Complementing its plant life, Uttarakhand’s animal kingdom is equally impressive. The ZSI’s Northern Regional Centre in Dehradun reports a total of 3,748 faunal species across 1,848 genera and 427 families, encompassing both vertebrates and invertebrates. This includes 1,060 vertebrate species from 499 genera and 2,688 invertebrate species from 1,349 genera. Notably, 451 species have been recorded in the state for the first time, with 22 being new to India entirely. Thirty-five species are endemic to Uttarakhand, and one is unique to the country.

Among mammals, the state hosts 102 species—about 25% of India’s total—including iconic animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants. The carnivore order stands out, with 7 families, 26 genera, and 55 species representing 40% of India’s carnivores. Bird enthusiasts flock to Uttarakhand for its 743 avian species, which make up 60% of India’s bird diversity and rank second only to Assam. This includes migratory visitors, with 43 species listed as threatened.

Reptiles number 72 species (15% of India’s reptiles), amphibians contribute around 8% of the national total, and fish diversity includes 132 species, of which 11 are endemic, 10 endangered, and 10 exotic. Invertebrates are particularly abundant, with over 2,688 species, including 35 endemics (10 of which are unique to India). Butterflies alone total about 439 species, serving as indicators of ecosystem health, while over 200 species of mayflies, dragonflies, and damselflies reflect clean water quality.

Vulnerabilities to Climate Change

While Uttarakhand’s biodiversity is a source of pride, it is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Although comprehensive vulnerability assessments are limited, evidence points to significant impacts. Rising temperatures are expected to push species habitats poleward or upward, potentially leading to extinctions for those at high altitudes with nowhere left to migrate. Disturbances like altered rainfall patterns could accelerate species loss and allow invasive species to take hold.

In the Himalayas, abrupt climatic shifts are affecting vegetation growth and regeneration. Changes in temperature and precipitation may disrupt phenological events—such as flowering and fruiting—in key species like oaks. Early studies on these patterns could serve as baselines for predicting adaptations. Alpine ecosystems are especially at risk, as warming limits upward migration for mountaintop species. Monsoon-dependent trees like Sal and oaks face threats from erratic rains, which could hinder their regeneration and overall forest health.

Key Issues, Challenges, and Priorities

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report underscores several critical vulnerabilities for Himalayan ecosystems like those in Uttarakhand. Higher global temperatures threaten high-altitude biodiversity, squeezing species into smaller areas and heightening extinction risks. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are projected to increase, posing dangers to downstream communities and habitats.

Precipitation is expected to become more intense and erratic, leading to cloudbursts, soil erosion, and alternating floods and droughts. This could reduce water availability in hilly areas. Alpine meadows, vital for carbon sequestration and biodiversity, face existential threats from warming. Plant species may shift upward, forcing local communities to adapt their agriculture and fodder practices, while seismic activity adds further stress.

Tourism, a major economic driver, exacerbates these issues through water scarcity, overconstruction, fuelwood overuse, and waste mismanagement. Projections from the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) indicate temperature rises of 0.9°C to 2.6°C by the 2030s, along with 2%–12% more intense precipitation, increased forest fires, and glacial melts. These changes could alter forest vegetation types, with the Himalayas being particularly susceptible.

Existing Initiatives and Conservation Efforts

Uttarakhand has a strong foundation in forest management and biodiversity conservation. With a history of scientific forestry, the state manages vast areas through the Forest Department, guided by 10-year plans. Community involvement is key, with 12,089 Van Panchayats—village-level institutions—overseeing more than 5,449 square kilometers of forests. Annual planting covers 10,000 to 15,000 hectares under various schemes.

A moratorium on green tree felling above 1,000 meters protects higher elevations, and climate considerations are increasingly integrated into planning. The Green India Mission Cell is developing a 10-year perspective plan. The state’s protected areas include one biosphere reserve, six national parks, six wildlife sanctuaries, and two conservation reserves. The Bharat Ratna Pandit G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital supports ex-situ conservation.

Extensive research by institutions like the Forest Research Institute, BSI, ZSI, and universities has documented the state’s resources, aiding conservation strategies that emphasize local participation.

State can safeguard its natural wonders

Uttarakhand’s biodiversity is a national asset, boasting unparalleled floral and faunal variety that supports ecosystems, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Yet, climate change poses profound threats, from habitat disruptions to increased natural disasters. By building on existing initiatives like community-managed forests and protected areas, and incorporating climate-resilient strategies, the state can safeguard its natural wonders. Urgent action, informed by ongoing research, is essential to ensure this Himalayan paradise endures for future generations.