Biogeographic Zones of India

India, with its Diverse Geography, Climate, and Ecosystems, is divided into distinct biogeographic zones, each representing unique ecological regions characterized by specific climate patterns, vegetation, and wildlife. These biogeographic zones provide a framework for understanding the country’s rich biodiversity and guiding conservation efforts. There are 10 primary biogeographic zones in India, which together create a complex mosaic of ecosystems supporting thousands of species.

1. Trans-Himalayan Zone

Located in northern India, this zone encompasses the high-altitude cold deserts of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an extension of the Tibetan Plateau and is characterized by arid, treeless landscapes, sparse vegetation, and extreme cold. Despite harsh conditions, the zone supports unique wildlife, including species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and black-necked crane. The Trans-Himalayan zone is vital for studying adaptation to cold deserts and conserving species that thrive in extreme environments.

2. Himalayan Zone

Stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Himalayan zone comprises a diverse range of altitudes, from lower valleys to the snow-clad peaks of the Greater Himalayas. The climate and vegetation vary by altitude, with tropical forests at lower elevations, temperate forests in mid-altitudes, and alpine meadows and glaciers at higher elevations. This zone is home to iconic species such as the Himalayan brown bear, red panda, and Himalayan monal. Due to its rich biodiversity and fragile environment, the Himalayan zone is a priority for conservation efforts.

3. Indian Desert Zone

Situated in the western part of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, this zone is characterized by extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and arid landscapes with sand dunes, scrub forests, and thorny bushes. The Thar Desert within this zone supports a unique ecosystem, including species like the Indian gazelle (chinkara), desert fox, and great Indian bustard. The Indian Desert zone is important for studying desert adaptation and understanding the impacts of limited water availability on biodiversity.

4. Semi-Arid Zone

Semi-Arid zone covers parts of central India, the Deccan Plateau, and western Gujarat. With a moderate rainfall and seasonally dry climate, it consists of grasslands, scrub forests, and dry deciduous forests. Species like the blackbuck, Indian wolf, and Indian bustard thrive in these open, grassy habitats. The Semi-Arid zone plays a crucial role in supporting India’s grazing lands and contributes significantly to agriculture and animal husbandry.

5. Western Ghats

Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches along the western coast of India from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. It is one of the world’s eight “hottest biodiversity hotspots,” known for its rich and unique flora and fauna. This zone receives high rainfall, resulting in dense tropical rainforests, evergreen forests, and shola grasslands. The Western Ghats support a wide variety of species, including the lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, and several endemic plants and amphibians. Conservation efforts in this zone are crucial due to its high biodiversity and sensitivity to habitat fragmentation and climate change.

6. Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau covers a significant portion of peninsular India, characterized by a semi-arid to moist deciduous climate. It includes scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, and some tropical forests. The Deccan Plateau is home to species such as the Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear, and various endemic bird species. This plateau is important for agriculture and holds mineral resources, making it an area of economic and ecological importance.

7. Gangetic Plain

The fertile Gangetic Plain stretches across northern India, covering parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Fed by rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries, this zone has rich alluvial soil supporting dense agricultural activities. Vegetation includes wetlands, grasslands, and deciduous forests. While much of the natural habitat has been converted to agriculture, the Gangetic Plain remains ecologically significant, supporting species such as the Bengal tiger, Gangetic dolphin, and several migratory birds.

8. Northeast India

The Northeast biogeographic zone, covering states like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, is known for its dense tropical and subtropical rainforests, unique climate, and high rainfall. This region harbors a vast array of species, including the Asian elephant, hoolock gibbon, and one-horned rhinoceros. As one of the biodiversity hotspots, Northeast India supports a unique blend of Indo-Malayan flora and fauna, making it a priority for conservation due to its high endemism and vulnerability to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

9. Islands

India’s island biogeographic zone includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands have a tropical climate and support coral reefs, mangroves, and lush tropical forests. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host species like the saltwater crocodile, Andaman wild pig, and Nicobar pigeon, many of which are endemic to the islands. The coral reefs and marine life in the Lakshadweep are equally rich. These islands face conservation challenges from climate change, sea-level rise, and invasive species.

10. Coastal Zone

India’s extensive coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometers, encompassing various coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, estuaries, mudflats, and sandy beaches. This zone is home to unique flora and fauna, including mangrove species like the sundari tree, marine species like the olive ridley turtle, and a range of fish and bird species. Coastal areas are ecologically important for fisheries, tourism, and storm protection. However, they are vulnerable to pressures from urbanization, pollution, and climate-induced sea-level rise, making coastal conservation crucial for both biodiversity and human livelihoods.