India is a vast and diverse country with a variety of ecosystems, ranging from the Himalayan mountains in the north to the coastal regions in the south. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of living organisms across space and time. India can be classified into several biogeographic regions based on the composition of its flora and fauna. Here are the major biogeographic regions of India:
Trans-Himalayan region:
This region includes the cold desert areas of Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti in the northernmost part of India. The vegetation here is sparse and includes high altitude shrubs and grasses. Wildlife found in this region includes snow leopards, ibex, and bharal.
Himalayan region:
This region comprises the mountain range that runs along the northern border of India. It is divided into three zones – the Western Himalayas, Central Himalayas, and Eastern Himalayas. The vegetation in this region varies with altitude, ranging from alpine meadows and coniferous forests to subtropical forests. Wildlife found in this region includes Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and several species of pheasants.
Indo-Gangetic Plain:
This region covers the fertile plain that runs along the Ganges and its tributaries. The vegetation in this region includes grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. Wildlife found in this region includes Indian rhinoceros, gharial, and several species of deer and antelope.
Thar Desert:
This region covers the arid region of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. The vegetation here is sparse, and includes xerophytic shrubs and trees. Wildlife found in this region includes the Indian wild ass, chinkara, and desert fox.
Deccan Plateau:
This region covers the central and southern part of India. The vegetation here includes dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands. Wildlife found in this region includes tigers, elephants, and several species of deer and antelope.
Western Ghats:
This region covers the mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. The vegetation here includes evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. Wildlife found in this region includes the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and several species of birds and amphibians.
Eastern Ghats:
This region covers the mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of India. The vegetation here includes dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. Wildlife found in this region includes the Indian pangolin, chital, and several species of reptiles and birds.