Biodiversity hotspots in India - Revision history

Gauravm: /* Biodiversity hotspots */

2014-05-22T14:06:19Z

‎Biodiversity hotspots

Gauravm at 20:06, 8 September 2012

2012-09-08T20:06:12Z

Gauravm at 02:22, 25 November 2011

2011-11-25T02:22:54Z

Gauravm at 04:23, 21 November 2011

2011-11-21T04:23:57Z

Gauravm at 04:05, 21 November 2011

2011-11-21T04:05:20Z

Gauravm at 04:02, 21 November 2011

2011-11-21T04:02:55Z

Gauravm: /* Reasons for biodiversity loss in hotspots */

2011-10-16T23:42:09Z

‎Reasons for biodiversity loss in hotspots

Gauravm at 23:41, 16 October 2011

2011-10-16T23:41:24Z

Gauravm at 03:43, 12 October 2011

2011-10-12T03:43:11Z

Gauravm at 03:39, 12 October 2011

2011-10-12T03:39:52Z

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 # it must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of [[w:vascular plant|vascular plants]] as [[w:Endemism|endemics]], and
 # it has to have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.<ref>Myers, N. et al. Nature 403, 853–858 (2000)</ref>
-Around the world, at least 25 areas qualify under this definition, with nine others possible candidates. These sites support nearly 60% of the world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, with a very high share of endemic species. Three regions that satisfy these criteria exist in India and are described below. For a more detailed information about these hotspots, go to the [http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversityhotspots.org homepage]
+Around the world, at least 35 areas qualify under this definition. These sites support nearly 60% of the world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, with a very high share of endemic species. Four regions that satisfy these criteria exist in India and are described below. For a more detailed information about these hotspots, go to the [http://www.cepf.net/resources/hotspots/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversityhotspots.org homepage]
 ===The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka===
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 '''''Biodiversity:''''' Much of this region is still a wilderness, but has been deteriorating rapidly in the past few decades. In recent times, six species of large mammals have been discovered here: Large-antlered muntjac, Annamite muntjac, Grey-shanked douc, Annamite striped rabbit, Leaf deer, and the [[w:Saola|Saola]]. This region is home to several [[w:primates|primate]] species such as monkeys , langurs and gibbons with populations numbering only in the hundreds. Many of the species, especially some freshwater turtle species, are endemic. Almost 1,300 bird species exist in this region including the threatened white-eared night-heron, the grey-crowned crocias, and the orange-necked partridge. It is estimated that there are about 13,500 plant species in this hotspot, with over half of them endemic. [[Ginger]], for example, is native to this region. <ref>[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/indo_burma/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversity hotspots.org (Burma)] ''Accessed: Nov 15, 2010''</ref>
 ==Reasons for biodiversity loss in hotspots==

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 ==Recent extinctions==
-[[Image:Ophrysia superciliosa hm.jpg|thumb|Illustration of a [[Himalayan Quail]] from [[w:Allan Octavian Hume|A. O. Hume]]'s work. Last seen in 1876]]
+[[Image:Ophrysia superciliosa hm.jpg|thumb|Illustration of a [[w:Himalayan Quail|Himalayan Quail]] from [[w:Allan Octavian Hume|A. O. Hume]]'s work. Last seen in 1876]]
 The exploitation of land and forest resources by humans along with hunting and trapping for food and sport has led to the extinction of many species in India in recent times. These species include mammals such as the Indian / [[w:Asiatic Cheetah|Asiatic Cheetah]], [[w:Javan Rhinoceros|Javan Rhinoceros]] and [[w:Sumatran Rhinoceros|Sumatran Rhinoceros]].<ref>{{Cite book|author=Vivek Menon|title=A field guide to Indian mammals|publisher=Dorling Kindersley, Delhi|year=2003|ISBN=0143029983}}</ref> While some of these large mammal species are confirmed extinct, there have been many smaller animal and plant species whose status is harder to determine. Many species have not been seen since their description.
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 ==Further reading and external sites==
 * [http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/cesmg/indiabio.html Biodiversity profile of India]
 * [http://mdoner.gov.in/writereaddata/sublink3images/40.pdf Biodiversity significance of North East India] for the study on Natural Resources, Water and Environment Nexus for Development and Growth in North Eastern India. A paper by Forests Conservation Programme, WWF-India.
 ==Semantic tags==

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 | AuthorName=Gaurav Moghe
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-| AuthorDescription=This article is a compilation of specific sections of multiple Wikipedia articles, along with information from other sources and original content, intended to create a single story on the above topic. Such WACA compilations are made in accordance with the copyright policies of the information source.
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-| AuthorName=Wiki Article Compilation and Adaptation (WACA)
+| AuthorName=Gaurav Moghe
 | PublishDate=October 7, 2011
-| AuthorDescription=This article is a compilation of specific sections of multiple Wikipedia articles, along with information from other sources and original content, intended to create a single story on the above topic. Such WACA compilations are made in accordance with the copyright policies of the information source. This compilation was made by Gaurav Moghe.
+| AuthorDescription=This article is a compilation of specific sections of multiple Wikipedia articles, along with information from other sources and original content, intended to create a single story on the above topic. Such WACA compilations are made in accordance with the copyright policies of the information source.
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 | title=Biodiversity hotspots in India
 | topic=General
-| author=WACA
+| author=Gaurav Moghe
-| study center=India
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-| study region=India
-| study state=India
-| institution=Project Brahma
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 # '''''Resource mismanagement:''''' Increased tourism without proper regulation has led to pollution and environmental degradation. Prime example are pilgrimage destinations like [[w:Rishikish|Rishikesh]] and hill stations like [[w:Dehradoon|Dehradoon]]. These spots, once nestled in the pristine ranges of the Himalayas, are now dirty commercial destinations. Places like Dehradoon are even experiencing a construction boom so large that illegal immigrants from [[w:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] are also flocking there<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/world/asia/at-india-bangladesh-border-living-in-both-and-neither.html At India-Bangladesh Border, Living in Both, and Neither] NYTimes. Published: Oct 10, 2011. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>. Religious destinations in the Himalayas, where devotees flock in millions now, are also hot destinations for medicinal plant trade, which has threatened plant life in the area.
 # '''''Poaching:''''' Large mammals such as the [[tiger]], [[rhinoceros]] and the [[elephant]] once faced the distinct possibility of complete extinction due to rampant hunting and poaching. However, efforts by conservationists since the 1970s has helped stabilize and grow these populations. Still, the trade in tiger hide, elephant tusks, tiger teeth, rhinoceros horn remains profitable and rampant<ref name=Hostpots/><ref>[http://www.rhinoconservation.org/2011/04/12/pardoned-poacher-arrested-with-rhino-toe-in-nepal/ Pardoned Poacher Arrested with Rhino Toes in Nepal] Rhinoconservation.org. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>.
-# '''''Climate change:''''' Although dire [[w:IPCC|IPCC]] predictions of Himalayan glaciers melting by 2035 have been retracted<ref name="IPCCblunder">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-21/india/28141846_1_himalayan-glaciers-ipcc-syed-hasnain IPCC retracts 2035 alarm on Himalayan glacier melt] ''Times of India. Published: Jan 21, 2010. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011.</ref>, there is no doubt that several Himalayan glaciers are melting<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049250/asdasdad.html Rivers of ice: Stunning images of the Himalayas show how much glaciers have shrunk over 80 years] ''Dailymail.co.uk. Published: Oct 14, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011''</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/10/glacier-lakes-melt-himalayas?newsfeed=true Glacier lakes: Growing danger zones in the Himalayas] Published: Oct 16, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref>. In the Western Ghats, studies have shown that the deciduous and the evergreen forests of Karnataka are the most at risk<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Bangalore/article2363235.ece Northern and central parts of Western Ghats most vulnerable to climate change] Published: Aug 17, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref><ref>[http://moef.nic.in/downloads/others/Western%20Ghats_R%20Sukumar.pdf Climate change and forests in the Western Ghats] A presentation by Dr. R. Sukumar, CES, IISc</ref>. Climate change may significantly affect the temperatures, rainfalls and water tables in the Western Ghats, according to [Official_documents,books_and_references#2011|an assessment by the Government of India]].
+# '''''Climate change:''''' Although dire [[w:IPCC|IPCC]] predictions of Himalayan glaciers melting by 2035 have been retracted<ref name="IPCCblunder">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-21/india/28141846_1_himalayan-glaciers-ipcc-syed-hasnain IPCC retracts 2035 alarm on Himalayan glacier melt] ''Times of India. Published: Jan 21, 2010. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011.</ref>, there is no doubt that several Himalayan glaciers are melting<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049250/asdasdad.html Rivers of ice: Stunning images of the Himalayas show how much glaciers have shrunk over 80 years] ''Dailymail.co.uk. Published: Oct 14, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011''</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/10/glacier-lakes-melt-himalayas?newsfeed=true Glacier lakes: Growing danger zones in the Himalayas] Published: Oct 16, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref>. In the Western Ghats, studies have shown that the deciduous and the evergreen forests of Karnataka are the most at risk<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Bangalore/article2363235.ece Northern and central parts of Western Ghats most vulnerable to climate change] Published: Aug 17, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref><ref>[http://moef.nic.in/downloads/others/Western%20Ghats_R%20Sukumar.pdf Climate change and forests in the Western Ghats] A presentation by Dr. R. Sukumar, CES, IISc</ref>. Climate change may significantly affect the temperatures, rainfalls and water tables in the Western Ghats, according to [[Official_documents,books_and_references#2011|an assessment by the Government of India]].
 ==Recent extinctions==

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 [[File:Lion-tailed Macaque.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The [[Macaca silenus|Lion tailed macaque]] is a flagship species of the Western Ghats]]
 '''''About the region:'''''
-The Western Ghats are a chain of hills that run along the western edge of peninsular India. Their proximity to the ocean and through [[w:orographic effect|orographic effect]], they receive high rainfall. These regions have [[w:South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests|moist deciduous forest]] and [[w:South Western Ghats montane rain forests|rain forest]]. The region shows high species diversity as well as high levels of endemism. Nearly 77% of the amphibians and 62% of the reptile species found here are found nowhere else.<ref name="RJRD">Daniels, R. J. R. (2001) [http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/aug102001/240.pdf Endemic fishes of the Western Ghats and the Satpura hypothesis]. Current Science 81(3):240-244</ref>. [[Sri Lanka]], which lies to the south of India, is also a country rich in species diversity. It has been connected with India through several past glaciation events by a land bridge almost 140kn wide<ref name="WesternHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/ghats/Pages/default.aspx Western Ghats and Sri Lanka] at the Hotspots explorer. Accessed: Oct 11, 2011</ref>.
+The Western Ghats are a chain of hills that run along the western edge of peninsular India. Their proximity to the ocean and through [[w:orographic effect|orographic effect]], they receive high rainfall. These regions have [[w:South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests|moist deciduous forest]] and [[w:South Western Ghats montane rain forests|rain forest]]. The region shows high species diversity as well as high levels of endemism. Nearly 77% of the amphibians and 62% of the reptile species found here are found nowhere else.<ref name="RJRD">Daniels, R. J. R. (2001) [http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/aug102001/240.pdf Endemic fishes of the Western Ghats and the Satpura hypothesis]. Current Science 81(3):240-244</ref>. [[Sri Lanka]], which lies to the south of India, is also a country rich in species diversity. It has been connected with India through several past glaciation events by a land bridge almost 140kn wide<ref name="WesternHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/ghats/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversityhotspots.org (Western Ghats and Sri Lanka)] at the Hotspots explorer. Accessed: Oct 11, 2011</ref>.
 How the biodiversity of Western Ghats originated is a still a puzzle. The region shows biogeographical affinities to the [[w:Malay Peninsula|Malayan]] region. More recent [[w:phylogeography|phylogeographic]] studies have attempted to study the origin of Western Ghats using molecular approaches.<ref>Karanth, P. K. (2003) [http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/nov102003/1276.pdf Evolution of disjunct distributions among wet-zone species of the Indian subcontinent: Testing various hypotheses using a phylogenetic approach] Current Science, 85(9): 1276-1283</ref> There are also differences in taxa which are dependent on time of divergence and geological history.<ref>Biswas, S. and Pawar S. S. (2006) [http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci/mar2006/95.pdf Phylogenetic tests of distribution patterns in South Asia: towards an integrative approach]; J. Biosci. 31 95–113</ref> Along with Sri Lanka, this region also shows some faunal similarities with the [[w:Madagascar|Madagascan]] region especially in the reptiles and amphibians. Examples include the ''Sibynophis'' snakes, the [[w:Purple frog|Purple Frog]] and Sri Lankan lizard genus ''[[w:Nessia|Nessia]]'' which appears similar to the Madagascan genus ''[[w:Acontias|Acontias]]''.<ref>[http://www.srilankanreptiles.com/Affinities.html Affinities of Sri Lankan reptiles]</ref> Numerous floral links to the Madagascan region also exist.<ref>[http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Madagasc/biomad1.html Biogeography of Madagascar]</ref> An alternate hypothesis that these taxa may have originally evolved out-of-India has also been suggested.<ref>Karanth, P. 2006 [http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/mar252006/789.pdf Out-of-India Gondwanan origin of some tropical Asian biota]. Current Science 90(6):789-792</ref>
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 '''''Biodiversity:''''' The Eastern Himalayan hotspot has nearly 163 globally threatened species including the One-horned Rhinoceros (''[[w:Rhinoceros unicornis|Rhinoceros unicornis]]''), the [[w:Wild Asian Water buffalo|Wild Asian Water buffalo]] (''Bubalus bubalis (Arnee)'')  and in all 45 mammals, 50 birds, 17 reptiles, 12 amphibians, 3 invertebrate and 36 plant species<ref>[http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/eastern_himalayas/eastern_himalayas_info.xml Conservation International 2006]</ref><ref>[http://assets.panda.org/downloads/final_ehimalayas_ep.pdf Ecosystem Profile: Eastern Himalayas Region], 2005</ref> The Relict Dragonfly (''[[w:Epiophlebia laidlawi|Epiophlebia laidlawi]]'') is an endangered species found here with the only other species in the genus being found in [[w:Japan|Japan]]. The region is also home to the Himalayan Newt (''[[w:Tylototriton verrucosus|Tylototriton verrucosus]]''), the only [[w:salamander|salamander]] species found within Indian limits.<ref>[http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/references.php?id=27738 Amphibian Species of the World - Desmognathus imitator Dunn, 1927]</ref>
-There are an estimated 10,000 species of plants in the [[w:Himalayas|Himalayas]], of which one-third are [[w:endemism|endemic]] and found nowhere else in the world. Five families - Tetracentraceae, Hamamelidaceae, Circaesteraceae, Butomaceae and Stachyuraceae - are completely endemic to this region. Many plant species are found even in the highest reaches of the Himalayan mountains. For example, a plant species ''[[w:Ermania himalayensis|Ermania himalayensis]]'' was found at an altitude of 6300 metres in northwestern Himalayas!<ref name="HimalayaHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/himalaya/pages/biodiversity.aspx Biodiversity hotspot: Himalayas] at the Hotspots Explorer. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>. A few threatened endemic bird species such as the [[w:Himalayan Quail|Himalayan Quail]], [[w:Catreus wallichii|Cheer pheasant]], [[w:Tragopan melanocephalus|Western tragopan]] are found here, alongwith some of Asia's largest and most endangered birds such as the [[w:Himalayan vulture|Himalayan vulture]] and [[w:Ardea insignis|White-bellied heron]]<ref name=HimalayaHot/>.
+There are an estimated 10,000 species of plants in the [[w:Himalayas|Himalayas]], of which one-third are [[w:endemism|endemic]] and found nowhere else in the world. Five families - Tetracentraceae, Hamamelidaceae, Circaesteraceae, Butomaceae and Stachyuraceae - are completely endemic to this region. Many plant species are found even in the highest reaches of the Himalayan mountains. For example, a plant species ''[[w:Ermania himalayensis|Ermania himalayensis]]'' was found at an altitude of 6300 metres in northwestern Himalayas!<ref name="HimalayaHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/himalaya/pages/biodiversity.aspx Biodiversity hotspot.org (Himalayas)] at the Hotspots Explorer. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>. A few threatened endemic bird species such as the [[w:Himalayan Quail|Himalayan Quail]], [[w:Catreus wallichii|Cheer pheasant]], [[w:Tragopan melanocephalus|Western tragopan]] are found here, alongwith some of Asia's largest and most endangered birds such as the [[w:Himalayan vulture|Himalayan vulture]] and [[w:Ardea insignis|White-bellied heron]]<ref name=HimalayaHot/>.
 [[File:Pseudoryx nghetinhensis.PNG|right|250pc|thumb|The [[w:Saola|Saola]], a bovine, is one of the world's rarest mammals. It was discovered in Vietnam only in 1992]]
 The Himalayas are home to over 300 species of mammals, a dozen of which are endemic. Mammals like the [[Trachypithecus geei|Golden langur]], [[Hemitragus jemlahicus|The Himalayan tahr]], [[Sus salvinus|the pygmy hog]], [[w:Semnopithecus|Langurs]], [[Cuon alpinus|Asiatic wild dogs]], [[sloth bear]]s, [[Gaur|Gaurs]], [[Muntjac]], [[Sambar]], [[Snow leopard]], [[Black bear]], Blue sheep, [[Takin]], the [[Gangetic dolphin]], [[wild water buffalo]], [[swamp deer]] call the Himalayan ranged their home. The only endemic genus in the hotspot is the [[w:Biswamoyopterus biswasi|Namadapha flying squirrel]] which is critically endangered and is described only from a single specimen from Namdapha National Park<ref name=HimalayaHot/>.
 ===Indo-Burma===
-The Indo-Burma region encompasses several countries. It is spread out from Eastern [[w:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] to [[w:Malaysia|Malaysia]] and includes North-Eastern India south of Brahmaputra river, Myanmar, the southern part of China's Yunnan province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, [[w:Cambodia|Cambodia]], Vietnam and [[w:Thailand|Thailand]]. The Indo-Burma region is spread over 2 million sq. km of tropical Asia.
+'''''About the region:''''' The Indo-Burma region encompasses several countries. It is spread out from Eastern [[w:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] to [[w:Malaysia|Malaysia]] and includes North-Eastern India south of Brahmaputra river, Myanmar, the southern part of China's Yunnan province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, [[w:Cambodia|Cambodia]], Vietnam and [[w:Thailand|Thailand]]. The Indo-Burma region is spread over 2 million sq. km of tropical Asia. Since this hotspot is spread over such a large area and across several major landforms, there is a wide diversity of climate and habitat patterns in this region.
-Much of this region is still a wilderness, but has been deteriorating rapidly in the past few decades. In recent times, six species of mammals have been discovered here: Large-antlered muntjac, Annamite muntjac, Grey-shanked douc, Annamite striped rabbit, Leaf deer, and the [[w:Saola|Saola]]. Many of the species, especially some freshwater turtle species, are endemic. Almost 1,300 bird species exist in this region including the threatened white-eared night-heron, the grey-crowned crocias, and the orange-necked partridge. <ref>[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/indo_burma/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversity hotspots.org] ''Accessed: Nov 15, 2010''</ref>
+'''''Biodiversity:''''' Much of this region is still a wilderness, but has been deteriorating rapidly in the past few decades. In recent times, six species of large mammals have been discovered here: Large-antlered muntjac, Annamite muntjac, Grey-shanked douc, Annamite striped rabbit, Leaf deer, and the [[w:Saola|Saola]]. This region is home to several [[w:primates|primate]] species such as monkeys , langurs and gibbons with populations numbering only in the hundreds. Many of the species, especially some freshwater turtle species, are endemic. Almost 1,300 bird species exist in this region including the threatened white-eared night-heron, the grey-crowned crocias, and the orange-necked partridge. It is estimated that there are about 13,500 plant species in this hotspot, with over half of them endemic. [[Ginger]], for example, is native to this region. <ref>[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/indo_burma/Pages/default.aspx Biodiversity hotspots.org (Burma)] ''Accessed: Nov 15, 2010''</ref>
 ==Reasons for biodiversity loss in hotspots==
 There are four main reasons why species are being threatened in these biodiversity hotspots
-# '''''Habitat destruction:''''' As recently as 30 years ago, most of the regions in these biodiversity hotspots were inaccessible and remote. Now, due to better infrastructure, contact of these areas with humans has increased. Activities such as logging of wood, increased agriculture, increased human habitation has led to destruction of forests and pollution of rivers. These factors are causing species ranges to reduce and habitats to become choppy. The government planned to establish habitat corridors, but these plans have not yet materialized in most areas. Activities such as mining, construction of large dams, highway construction has also caused significant destruction of habitats<ref name=Hostpots/>.
+# '''''Habitat destruction:''''' As recently as 30 years ago, most of the regions in these biodiversity hotspots were inaccessible and remote. Now, due to better infrastructure, contact of these areas with humans has increased. Activities such as logging of wood, increased agriculture, increased human habitation has led to destruction of forests and pollution of rivers. These factors are causing species ranges to reduce and habitats to become choppy. The government planned to establish habitat corridors, but these plans have not yet materialized in most areas. Activities such as mining, construction of large dams, highway construction has also caused significant destruction of habitats<ref name=Hotspots/>.
 # '''''Resource mismanagement:''''' Increased tourism without proper regulation has led to pollution and environmental degradation. Prime example are pilgrimage destinations like [[w:Rishikish|Rishikesh]] and hill stations like [[w:Dehradoon|Dehradoon]]. These spots, once nestled in the pristine ranges of the Himalayas, are now dirty commercial destinations. Places like Dehradoon are even experiencing a construction boom so large that illegal immigrants from [[w:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] are also flocking there<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/world/asia/at-india-bangladesh-border-living-in-both-and-neither.html At India-Bangladesh Border, Living in Both, and Neither] NYTimes. Published: Oct 10, 2011. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>. Religious destinations in the Himalayas, where devotees flock in millions now, are also hot destinations for medicinal plant trade, which has threatened plant life in the area.
 # '''''Poaching:''''' Large mammals such as the [[tiger]], [[rhinoceros]] and the [[elephant]] once faced the distinct possibility of complete extinction due to rampant hunting and poaching. However, efforts by conservationists since the 1970s has helped stabilize and grow these populations. Still, the trade in tiger hide, elephant tusks, tiger teeth, rhinoceros horn remains profitable and rampant<ref name=Hostpots/><ref>[http://www.rhinoconservation.org/2011/04/12/pardoned-poacher-arrested-with-rhino-toe-in-nepal/ Pardoned Poacher Arrested with Rhino Toes in Nepal] Rhinoconservation.org. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>.
-# '''''Climate change:'''''
+# '''''Climate change:''''' Although dire [[w:IPCC|IPCC]] predictions of Himalayan glaciers melting by 2035 have been retracted<ref name="IPCCblunder">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-21/india/28141846_1_himalayan-glaciers-ipcc-syed-hasnain IPCC retracts 2035 alarm on Himalayan glacier melt] ''Times of India. Published: Jan 21, 2010. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011.</ref>, there is no doubt that several Himalayan glaciers are melting<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049250/asdasdad.html Rivers of ice: Stunning images of the Himalayas show how much glaciers have shrunk over 80 years] ''Dailymail.co.uk. Published: Oct 14, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011''</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/10/glacier-lakes-melt-himalayas?newsfeed=true Glacier lakes: Growing danger zones in the Himalayas] Published: Oct 16, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref>. In the Western Ghats, studies have shown that the deciduous and the evergreen forests of Karnataka are the most at risk<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Bangalore/article2363235.ece Northern and central parts of Western Ghats most vulnerable to climate change] Published: Aug 17, 2011. Accessed: Oct 16, 2011</ref><ref>[http://moef.nic.in/downloads/others/Western%20Ghats_R%20Sukumar.pdf Climate change and forests in the Western Ghats] A presentation by Dr. R. Sukumar, CES, IISc</ref>. Climate change may significantly affect the temperatures, rainfalls and water tables in the Western Ghats, according to [Official_documents,books_and_references#2011|an assessment by the Government of India]].
 ==Recent extinctions==

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 ===The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka===
-'''''About the region:'''''<br>
+[[File:Lion-tailed Macaque.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The [[Macaca silenus|Lion tailed macaque]] is a flagship species of the Western Ghats]]
 The Western Ghats are a chain of hills that run along the western edge of peninsular India. Their proximity to the ocean and through [[w:orographic effect|orographic effect]], they receive high rainfall. These regions have [[w:South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests|moist deciduous forest]] and [[w:South Western Ghats montane rain forests|rain forest]]. The region shows high species diversity as well as high levels of endemism. Nearly 77% of the amphibians and 62% of the reptile species found here are found nowhere else.<ref name="RJRD">Daniels, R. J. R. (2001) [http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/aug102001/240.pdf Endemic fishes of the Western Ghats and the Satpura hypothesis]. Current Science 81(3):240-244</ref>. [[Sri Lanka]], which lies to the south of India, is also a country rich in species diversity. It has been connected with India through several past glaciation events by a land bridge almost 140kn wide<ref name="WesternHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/ghats/Pages/default.aspx Western Ghats and Sri Lanka] at the Hotspots explorer. Accessed: Oct 11, 2011</ref>.
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 ===The Eastern Himalayas===
 [[File:Rhinoceros unicornis fg01.JPG|left|thumb|250px|The [[w:Indian Rhinoceros|Indian Rhinoceros]] is one of the 45 species of globally threatened mammals found in the Eastern Himalayas.]]
-'''''About the region:'''''<br>
+'''''About the region:'''''
 The Eastern Himalayas is the region encompassing Bhutan, northeastern India, and southern, central, and eastern Nepal. The region is geologically young and shows high altitudinal variation. Together, the Himalayan mountain system is the world's highest, and home to the world's highest peaks, which include [[w:Mount Everest|Mount Everest]]  and [[w:K2|K2]].  To comprehend the enormous scale of this mountain range, consider that [[w:Aconcagua|Aconcagua]], in the [[w:Andes|Andes]], at 6962 metres is the highest peak outside Asia, whereas the Himalayan system includes [[w:List of highest mountains|over 100 mountains]] exceeding 7200 metres<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=4q_XoMACOxkC&pg=PA25&lpg=PA23&dq=%22South+Tibet+Valley%22|title=Himalayan Mountain System|publisher=|accessdate=2007-08-07|isbn=9787508506654|author1=Yang, Qinye|year=2004}}</ref>. Some of the world's major river systems arise in the Himalayas, and their combined drainage basin is home to some 3 billion people (almost half of Earth's population) in 18 countries. The Himalayas have profoundly shaped the cultures of [[w:South Asia|South Asia]]; many Himalayan peaks are sacred in [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Sikhism]].
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 There are an estimated 10,000 species of plants in the [[w:Himalayas|Himalayas]], of which one-third are [[w:endemism|endemic]] and found nowhere else in the world. Five families - Tetracentraceae, Hamamelidaceae, Circaesteraceae, Butomaceae and Stachyuraceae - are completely endemic to this region. Many plant species are found even in the highest reaches of the Himalayan mountains. For example, a plant species ''[[w:Ermania himalayensis|Ermania himalayensis]]'' was found at an altitude of 6300 metres in northwestern Himalayas!<ref name="HimalayaHot">[http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/himalaya/pages/biodiversity.aspx Biodiversity hotspot: Himalayas] at the Hotspots Explorer. Accessed: Oct 10, 2011</ref>. A few threatened endemic bird species such as the [[w:Himalayan Quail|Himalayan Quail]], [[w:Catreus wallichii|Cheer pheasant]], [[w:Tragopan melanocephalus|Western tragopan]] are found here, alongwith some of Asia's largest and most endangered birds such as the [[w:Himalayan vulture|Himalayan vulture]] and [[w:Ardea insignis|White-bellied heron]]<ref name=HimalayaHot/>.
+[[File:Pseudoryx nghetinhensis.PNG|right|250pc|thumb|The [[w:Saola|Saola]], a bovine, is one of the world's rarest mammals. It was discovered in Vietnam only in 1992]]
 The Himalayas are home to over 300 species of mammals, a dozen of which are endemic. Mammals like the [[Trachypithecus geei|Golden langur]], [[Hemitragus jemlahicus|The Himalayan tahr]], [[Sus salvinus|the pygmy hog]], [[w:Semnopithecus|Langurs]], [[Cuon alpinus|Asiatic wild dogs]], [[sloth bear]]s, [[Gaur|Gaurs]], [[Muntjac]], [[Sambar]], [[Snow leopard]], [[Black bear]], Blue sheep, [[Takin]], the [[Gangetic dolphin]], [[wild water buffalo]], [[swamp deer]] call the Himalayan ranged their home. The only endemic genus in the hotspot is the [[w:Biswamoyopterus biswasi|Namadapha flying squirrel]] which is critically endangered and is described only from a single specimen from Namdapha National Park<ref name=HimalayaHot/>.
 ===Indo-Burma===
 The Indo-Burma region encompasses several countries. It is spread out from Eastern [[w:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] to [[w:Malaysia|Malaysia]] and includes North-Eastern India south of Brahmaputra river, Myanmar, the southern part of China's Yunnan province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, [[w:Cambodia|Cambodia]], Vietnam and [[w:Thailand|Thailand]]. The Indo-Burma region is spread over 2 million sq. km of tropical Asia.