The Western Ghats are a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Which of the following is currently considered the most significant thre…

Question

The Western Ghats are a recognized biodiversity hotspot.

Which of the following is currently considered the most significant threat to its endemic species, beyond general habitat loss?

1. A. Infrastructure development projects (e.g., roads, dams, mining).
2. B. Introduction of invasive alien species. (Correct answer)
3. C. Forest fires due to climate change.
4. D. Human-wildlife conflict due to encroachment.

Correct Answer

Option B — Introduction of invasive alien species.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Introduction of invasive alien species.

Key Points

• Beyond outright habitat loss, invasive alien species are treated as the gravest threat to the endemic species of the Western Ghats.
• Invasives spread rapidly, outcompete native flora and fauna for light, nutrients and space, and alter the composition of an ecosystem in ways that are extremely difficult to reverse.
• Endemic species — found nowhere else — are especially vulnerable, since they have evolved without defences against the newcomers and have no alternative range to retreat to.

Additional Information

• Invasive species notorious in Indian landscapes: Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium (congress grass), water hyacinth and, in freshwater systems, the African catfish.
• The Western Ghats are one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, running roughly 1,600 km from Gujarat to Kanyakumari.
• India's other hotspots: the Himalaya, the Indo-Burma region and the Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).
• A biodiversity hotspot must contain at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

पश्चिमी घाट एक मान्यता प्राप्त जैव विविधता हॉटस्पॉट है। सामान्य आवास क्षति के अलावा, निम्नलिखित में से किसे वर्तमान में इसकी स्थानिक प्रजातियों के लिए सबसे बड़ा खतरा माना जाता है?

1. A. बुनियादी ढांचा विकास परियोजनाएं (जैसे, सड़कें, बांध, खनन)।
2. B. आक्रामक विदेशी प्रजातियों का प्रवेश।
3. C. जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण जंगल में आग लगना।
4. D. अतिक्रमण के कारण मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष।