India is a large country with a diverse range of biotic and abiotic factors, resulting in the presence of multiple biogeographic zones. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of plants and animals across the planet and the factors that influence these patterns. The biogeographic zones of India are characterized by their unique combination of climate, topography, and soil, which determine the distribution and diversity of different types of vegetation, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The biogeographic zones of India are defined by their unique combinations of climate, topography, and soil, and support a diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to their respective ecological conditions. Each zone is home to a unique array of species, many of which are endemic to India and found nowhere else in the world. Conservation of these biogeographic zones and their unique biodiversity is critical to the long-term health and sustainability of India’s ecosystems and the well-being of its human populations.
India is divided into ten biogeographic zones, which are as follows:
- Trans-Himalayan Zone: This zone lies at the northernmost part of India, and is characterized by high altitudes, cold temperatures, and sparse vegetation. The zone is home to a unique assemblage of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions, including the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and Himalayan tahr.
- Himalayan Zone: This zone lies south of the Trans-Himalayan zone, and is characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and a range of different climatic zones. The zone is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests, and species such as the Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan monal, and the elusive red panda.
- Desert Zone: This zone lies in the western part of India, and is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions. The zone is home to a range of species adapted to the harsh conditions, including the Indian wild ass, blackbuck, and a variety of reptiles and rodents.
- Semi-Arid Zone: This zone lies in the northwestern part of India, and is characterized by low rainfall and dry conditions. The zone is home to a mix of grasslands, shrublands, and deciduous forests, and is an important habitat for species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian wolf.
- Western Ghats Zone: This zone lies along the western coast of India, and is characterized by high rainfall and a range of elevations. The zone is home to a diverse array of habitats, including evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The zone is known for its high levels of species diversity, including a number of endemic species such as the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr.
- Deccan Peninsula Zone: This zone covers much of southern and central India, and is characterized by a range of landscapes including hills, plateaus, and coastal plains. The zone is home to a mix of tropical and subtropical forests, as well as grasslands and wetlands. Species found in this zone include the Indian giant squirrel, Indian pangolin, and the critically endangered Indian vulture.
- Gangetic Plain Zone: This zone covers much of northern India, and is characterized by fertile soils and a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. The zone is home to a range of species including the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Ganges river dolphin.
- North-Eastern Zone: This zone lies in the eastern part of India, and is characterized by high rainfall and a range of elevations. The zone is home to a mix of tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Species found in this zone include the clouded leopard, hornbill, and the critically endangered pygmy hog.
- Islands Zone: This zone includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands, which lie off the coast of India in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, respectively. The islands are home to a unique array of species adapted to the isolation and distinct ecological conditions of island ecosystems. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to species such as the Andaman wild pig, Andaman horseshoe bat, and the Nicobar pigeon, while the Lakshadweep Islands are known for their coral reefs and marine life.
- Coastal Zone: This zone covers the coastline of India and is characterized by a range of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangrove forests, and estuaries. The zone is home to a diverse range of species adapted to the unique conditions of coastal ecosystems, including sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of fish and shellfish.