Plantations and climate change reduced Western Ghats native habitats to one-third
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biodiversity & conservation· Prelims + Mains·
Habitat fragmentation and monoculture: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study on biodiversity hotspots.
Why in news
A review in Nature Reviews Biodiversity highlights that plantations, infrastructure, and climate change have reduced native habitats in the Western Ghats to just one-third of their original extent.
Background
The study identifies specific land use by plantations: coffee occupies 3,000 sq km, tea 1,134 sq km, and rubber 5,000 sq km. Additionally, cashew cultivation has expanded by 53,500 ha in the region.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceWestern Ghats: A biodiversity hotspot in India significantly impacted by plantation expansion.
- FactCoffee plantation area: 3,000 sq km.
- FactTea plantation area: 1,134 sq km.
- FactRubber plantation area: 5,000 sq km.
- FactCashew expansion: 53,500 ha.
Prelims practice question
What is the extent of rubber plantation area in the Western Ghats as identified in the study?
- (a)7,200 sq km
- (b)2,500 sq km
- (c)10,000 sq km
- (d)5,000 sq km
Show answer
Answer: (d) 5,000 sq km — The study identifies rubber plantation area as 5,000 sq km in the Western Ghats region.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological consequences of large-scale plantation expansion on biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and suggest measures for sustainable land-use management.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Habitat fragmentation: Loss of native flora and fauna due to monoculture expansion and infrastructure development
- Climate-land use nexus: Compounding effects of global warming and agricultural expansion on endemic species
- Economic-ecological trade-off: Balancing plantation-led livelihoods with the preservation of Western Ghats biodiversity
Keywords: Biodiversity Hotspots · Habitat Fragmentation · Monoculture · Ecological Integrity · Sustainable Land-Use
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