Biodiversity of India----flora form - Dr.

Jasrai Introduction The variety of life on Earth and its biological diversity is commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species; the different ecosystems on the planet such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. Biological diversity means the variability among all living organisms from all sources including inter alias, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and biological diversity within a species and of ecosystems. Biodiversity is the degree of variety in nature and not nature itself. Indian cosmology estimates 84 lakh species of living organisms in the entire universe but the biologists have described only 15 lakh species and estimates to have a total of around 50 lakhs. Biodiversity of India Out of the 1.4 million known species of living organisms only about 2,50,000 are higher plants and 1.03 million are animal (WWF, 1989). According to another estimate, worldwide there are 2,70,000 known species of vascular plants (Table-1). Table -1: Estimated number of known species worldwide Taxonomic Group Bacteria Blue green algae Fungi Number of Species 3,600 1,700 46,983

Bryophytes Gymnosperms Angiosperms

1,700 750 2,50,000

India is the seventh largest country of the world with an area of about 32,67,500 sq kms (Negi, 1993). India ranks sixth among the 12 megabiodiversity centers of the world, and is home for an unusually large number of endemic species. It supports 15,000 species of flowering plants 5,000 of them exclusively providing shelter to 317 species of mammals (WCMC; 1992). India is unique, not so much of its numerical species but for the range of biodiversity attributable to a variety of biogeographically and physico-environmental situation. A Characteristic feature of Indian forests is the interspersion of human inhabitation with people dependant on the biological resources for their sustenance and livelihood. Nature has endowed India with a rich biological diversity, which includes over 40,000 species of plants and 75,000 species of animals. India has about 12% of the global plant wealth amongst which there are nearly 3,000 tree species. However, nearly a third of the total plant species of India are endemic (Negi, 1993.) Indian flora is extremely varies in extent, composition and endemism. In India there are over 30,000 species of higher plants belonging to 174 natural orders. There are over 600 species of Pteridophytes including ferns. Of the higher plants, there are 11,124 species of dicots with 1,831 genera. The family Orchidaceae is the largest family of flowering plants, contributing nearly 1,700 plant species. Table 2: Estimated number of plant species in India

Taxon Bacteria Fungi Algae Bryophytes Pteridophytes Gymnosperms Angiosperms Total (BSI, 1994)

Number of species 850 23,000 2,500 2.843 1,022 0.64 15,000 45,279

Percentage 1.87 50.79 5.52 6.2 2.25 0.14 33.1 100

Salient Features of Indian Flora: Amongst the various families of flowering plants in Indian the dominant are Orchidaceas, Leguminanceae, Gramineae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Compositae, Cyperaceae, Labiatae and Urticaceae. Amongst the families, Labiatae and Compositae are more abundant in the temperate regions while the rest are largely tropical in distribution. One interesting feature of the Indian flora is that Composite, which is the richest family of flowering plants in the world, has a relatively low position in Indian flora. There are hundreds of species of grasses, over 100 species of Bamboos and more than 25 species of conifers in India. Table -3 : Endemic Flora in India : Dicots Species Genera Biodiversity of Gujarat Gujarat is home to nearly 7,000 species of plants and animals. Its geographic location is characterized by the mountain ranges of the Aravalies, the Vindhayns, the Satpuras, the Sahayadris and the longest coast line among Total Number 11,124 1,813

Indian states. It is famous for its unique saline desert, called Rann, which is seasonally inundated with seawater. Gujarat also has several distinct biogeographic zones1 reflecting a wide range of ecological diversity. It is also remarkable that each of its four biogeographic zone and five biotic provinces2 have at least one Protected Area (PA). Natural ecosystems of Gujarat range from wetlands (19,841 sq. km), grasslands (8,483 sq. km) and deciduous forests (18,868 sq. km) to deserts (23,000 sq. km). Its coastline (1,650 km) with two gulf is the longest among the Indian states and shelters diverse coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and mudflats. The coral reefs in the Gulf of Kachchh are widely admired for their amazing beauty and spectacular diversity. Many, of the ecosystems have been represented in the PAs comprising of Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) and National Parks (NP), A where in-situ conservation of species is being attempted. Gujarat has 25 PAs (effectively 23 only since Gir WLS and NP, and Marine WLS and NP are considered administratively and ecologically as single entity). These 25 PAs cover an area of 16,902.41 sq. km, which accounts for 8.6% of the States geographical area. Species diversity is high in Gujarat as seen in the documented-4,228 species of plants and 2,728 species of animals. These are remarkably adapted to a wide range of habitats including on- land, and in fresh and marine water. The State harbours 14% of fish, 9% amphibians, 19% of reptiles, 37% of birds and 25% of the mammals recorded in the country. Gujarat: Some Unique Ecological Features

Gujarat is rich in diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems. Many of these ecosystems are unique and shelter some of the worlds only remaining populations of threatened species of plants and animals. Despite its largely semi-arid and arid climate, the state also has many rich ecosystems where floristic and faunal components of biodiversity are abundant. These are also frequented by a large diversity of migratory birds. Some of these unique and rich areas have been protected for conservation, mostly under Protected Areas (PAs). Some Unique Ecosystems Flamingo city: This area, between Khadir and Pachham islands in the Great Rann of Kachchh, is the largest breeding ground of flamingos, a migratory species. The Ranns: The Great Rann of Kaclichli (GRK) and the Little Rann of Kachchh are the worlds only saline desert spread in 25,000 sq. km. Seasonal \ inundation of the entire area by rain water and diurnal inundation of western half of the _GRK by sea water, coupled with a high residual salinity level provide a rare and unique type of ecosystem. Wild Ass Sanctuary: The Wild Ass Sanctuary, a protected area in LRK, is a unique habitat and the only abode of Indian Wild Ass, the remnant gene pool in the world of one of the six surviving geographical varieties of this species, Banni Grasslands: One among the largest arid grasslands of Asia, these are unique grasslands on saline soils, Spread in an area of about 3,000 sq. km., this area is heavily (50%) encroached by the alien invasive species Prosopis juliflora.

The Bhal region: The arid and saline area north of Gulf of Khambhat that covers an area of 1,420 sq. km. under the talukas of Dholka, Dhandhuka, Vallabhipur is the Bhal region. Bhal in Gujarati means forehead, denoting barren soil where nothing grows. It is also known for its indigenous varieties of 'Bhalia' and Rata wheat. Some Biodiversity Rich Ecosystems Vansda National Park, Valsad District: It is situated at the northernmost end of Western Chats and is home to species of rain forests, many of which such as Painted Frog are rare and endangered. Vijaynagar forests, Sabarkantha District: This forest in the Aravali mountains represents an confluence of rich plant diversity, with some components of Vindhyan range. Many medicinal plants and minor forest produce are collected from these forests. Maximum collection of Safed Musli in Gujarat is from this place. Velavedar Blackbuck National Park, Bhavnagar District: T he PA has dense population of Blackbucks. In addition many species of grasses and grassland birds, including birds of prey can be seen here. Girnar Forests, Junagadh District: Girnar hill is the highest one in Saurashtra and harbours rich diversity of plants. Moreover, it is also a home to many wildlife including small population of Asiatic Lion. Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, Kachchh District: This PA is a rich ecosystem in arid region of Gujarat and is abode of many rare and endangered species such as Guggal among plants and Chinkara, Lesser- Florican, Spiny

Tailed Lizard among animals. This PA has attracted much attention in resisting denotification of already shrinking area. Ratanmahals Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Panchmahals District This PAs is important habitat for sloth bear. This area has the second highest hill after Pavagadh in Panchmahals. Some Unique and Biodiversity Rich Ecosystems Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: This PA, located in the newly formed Narmada district, is known for the only population of giant flying squirrel in addition to other rich plant and animal diversity. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary: The PA, situate in the Dangs district, is located at the confluence of the northernmost edge of the Western Ghats and the Satpuras, and contains elements of biodiversity, many of which are unique. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park : Gir PA in Junagadh district is not only the last adobe of wild population of Asiatic Lion, but also contains a rich diversity of plants and animals. Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and national Park : It was the first PA in the country focusing on coastal and marine ecosystem. It is famous for its rich coral, marine algae and mangrove diversity. Nalsaroval Bird Sanctuary : This is unique habitat, being a relic sea and a seasonal wetland of lacustrine type, in Ahmedabad district. This PA is also visited by a large number of bird species since it is on their major migratory routes. Biological Diversity in Gujarat
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The recorded floristic and faunal species in Gujarat are add up to 7048, including 4320 species of plants and 2728 species of animals. These represent terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats. IN comparison to the entire country, the State harbours 14% of the fish, 9% amphibians, 19% of reptiles, 37% of birds and 25% of the mammals. There are 2198 species of higher plants belonging to 902 genera and 155 families, representing nearly 13% of the floristic diversity of the country. About 310 plants and 60 animals have been recorded as the threatened species. These include only the higher species and the status of most of the lower organisms is yet to be assessed. Living Organisms Viruses Bacteria Algae Fungi Bryophyta Pteridophyta Gymnosperms Angiosperms Total (Plants) Lower Animals Fish Amphibians 4320 1706 364 19 No. of Species* Gujarat 1933 164 8 16 1 2198 India 850 6500 16500 2850 1100 64 17500 26286 76455 2546 206 World 4000 4000 40000 89000 16000 13000 750 250000 416750 1255584 21723 5145

Reptiles Birds Mammals Total (Animals) Grand Total (Plants + Animals)

91 454 94 2728 7048

485 1228 372 81292 127578

5680 9672 4629 1302433 1719183

Ecosystem diversity Gujarat Contains four out of the ten biogeographic zones in India and covers six major ecosystems (Figure 1), namely forests, desert, wetlands, coastal & marine, grasslands and agricultural lands. Forest area of Gujarat, spread over 18,868 km2 comprises only 9.9% of the geographical area of the State. At broad levels the forests of the State are divided into four categories- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, Tropical Dry deciduous forests, Tropical Thorn Forests and the littoral Forests. The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, with area of 1,930 km2, are distributed in Valsad, Navsari and Dangs districts. The major trees occurring in these forests are Tectona, Terminalia, Madhuca, Bamboo etc. Some of the important rare species, viz., Petaurista phillipenesis (flying squirrel), Pantlrera pardrzsfpanther), Lygosoma lineata (lined, supple skink), Tetracerus quadricornis (four-horned antelope), and others are found in these forests. The Tropical Dry deciduous forests are distributed in Narmada, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Junagadh and Amreli districts. Some of the common plant species in these forests are Boswellia

serrata, Acacia spp., Anogeissus spp., Wrightia tinctoria, Euphorbia nerrifolia, Capparis spp. etc. The major animal species found here are Panthera leo persica (Asiatic Lion), Panthera padus (Panther), Melursus ursinus (sloth bear), Tetracerus quadricornis (four-horned antelope),, Manis crassicaudata (Indian pangolin) etc. The Tropical Thorn Forests are distributed in Mehasana, Ahmedabad, Western Banaskantha, Western Sabarkantha, Surendranagar, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Kachchh, Kheda districts. Major species in these forests include Acacia nilotica, A. senegal, A. catechu, A. leucophiila, Zizyphus spp. etc. The animals inhabiting these forests are wild ass, chinkara, chital, etc. Littoral or mangrove Forests are found in the coastal areas of Valsad, Nasari, Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Rajkot Kachchh districts.

The desert ecosystems in Gujarat comprise of the Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK) and Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK). The dominant species of the region are acacia nilotica, A. Senegal, salvadora persica, S. oleoides, Commiphora wightii, Suaeda fruticosa etc. Wild Ass, Felis caracal (Caracal), Gazella gazelle (Indian Gazelle), Hemiechinus auritus (Hedgehog), Felis libyca (Desert Cat), Ardeotis nigriceps (Indian Bustard), etc.

Gujarat has a diverse range of wetlands including both coastal and inland systems and are characterized with varying salinity regimes of all the major wetlands in Gujarat, Nal Sarovar (120.82 km2), Khijadia Bird Sanctuary (49.54 km2), Marine National Park & Sanctuary (457.93 km2) and Little Rann of Kachchh are the only wetlands that are protected.
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The costal and marine ecosystems of Gujarat are spread along the 1663 km long coast line which is indented by two major gulfs viz., Gulf of Khambhat Gulf of Kachchh. The costal ecosystems are diversified in nature, having intertidal mudflats, coral reefs, estuaries, mangroves, sandy and rocky beaches offering diverse habitat in tehis region. Of the 991 km2 area under mangroves in the State, most 96% is in the Gulf of Kachchh region. Althoug both of these district have the maximum mangrove cover in the State, it displays the least diversity with only one dominanting species Avicennia marina (Cher) and others include A. officinalis, Rhizopora mucronata and Ceriops tagal. The species associated with mangroves are Salvadora persica, Salicornia brachiata, Suaeda spp and Alueropus grass. A total of 37 species of corals have been recorded in Gujarat including species of Acropora, montipora and Gorgonians in association with Perch Fish, Sabella sp. And sea weeds like Caulerpa,Coralline algae, Enteromorpha and Gracilaria.

Gujarat has 8,483 km2 of grasslands categorized under permanent pasture and grazing land. Most of these grassland occur in eight districts of Saurashtra and Kachcha, where these are called vidis and rakhals, respectively. Moreover, there are some grasslands in the saline regions of Kachcha and are locally called as Kharo and Kharbo. The reserved vidis are better protected and the grass is harvested by the Forest Department. Some of the dominant grass species in these grasslands are Apluda mutica, Heteropogon controotus, Sehima neroosum, Themeda quadivalvis, Cenchrus ciliaris, Panicum antidotale, Cloris gyna, dicanthium annulatum, Erogrostis spp., Sporobolus spp., Aristida adscensionis, Ischemum molle and Fimbristylis spp. Antelope cervicapra (Blackbuck), Gazella gazella (chinkara), Uromastix hardwickii (Spiny tailed

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lizard), Grus antigone (Sarus crane), etc. are some of key species of the grasslands.

Agro-ecosystems, being man made systems, are the ones subjected to heavy human interventions and manipulations. Almost 50% (96,087) km2 of the total geographical area of the State is under agriculture. Sorghum, cotton, sugarcane, pearl millet, groundnut, tobacco, maize, paddy, banana etc. constitute the major crops in the state.

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