UPSC Express

Which of the following is/are criteria to define Biodiversity Hotspots?
1. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
2. It must have lost at least 70 percent of its original habitat.
3. It must be home to at least 10 critically endangered species of animals.
Select the correct answer from the code given below.
A.
1 and 2 only
B.
1 and 3 only
C.
3 only
D.
1, 2 and 3
Explanation :
A biodiversity hotspot is an area with unusual concentration of species, many of which are endemic. It is marked by serious threat to its biodiversity by humans. The concept was given in 1988 by Norman Myers.
According to Conservation International, a region must meet two criteria to qualify as hotspot. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics, and it has to have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
India shares its territories into three biodiversity hotspots viz. Eastern Himalaya, Western Ghats and Indo-Burma. Out of them, Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats are mostly located within India’s territory. In the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, India shares only a small part in north East India. The Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot includes parts of northeastern India, Bangladesh and Malaysia.