Relevance for UPSC (GS III – Environment & Ecology); 

Source: The Indian Express, IUCN assessments

The Western Ghats have been classified as a “Natural Site of Significant Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to escalating infrastructure development, mining, hydropower projects and ecosystem degradation.

What is a “Natural Site of Significant Concern” and Why the Western Ghats Are Flagged

A site so classified is facing severe threats that may undermine its outstanding universal value. The Western Ghats are flagged because the region:

  • Hosts over 30% of India’s plant species, many endemic.
  • Is one of the world’s 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots.
  • Faces pressures: forest cover loss, fragmentation, large-scale dams, roads, mining, invasive species.

Western Ghats: Significance, Concerns & What Must Change

Significance

Key Concerns

What Must Change

• Rich in endemic flora & fauna (e.g., lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr). 

• Regulates monsoon, provides major watershed services. 

• Acts as an important carbon sink.

• Habitat fragmentation, forest loss, linear infrastructure. 

• Hydropower and mining pressures. 

• Decline in species and disrupted ecological corridors.

• Enforce ESA notifications under the Environment Protection Act. 

• Prioritise strong ecological-impact assessments for projects. 

• Promote landscape-level conservation, community participation & sustainable tourism.

IUCN & Biodiversity Hotspots

  • IUCN: Global authority on nature conservation, maintains the Red List of threatened species.
  • Biodiversity hotspot: Region with >1,500 endemic vascular plants and <30% natural habitat remaining. (Western Ghats qualifies.)

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding biodiversity hotspots and the Western Ghats?

  1. A biodiversity hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and 70% or less of its original habitat remaining.
  2. The Western Ghats are recognised as a biodiversity hotspot in India.
  3. The IUCN classification of “Natural Site of Significant Concern” is a binding international legal designation.

Only 1 and 2 B. Only 2 C. All three D. Only 1 and 3

Answer: B 

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