Daily Current Affairs : 29-July-2023
The Sahyadri plateaus in Maharashtra, also known as the Western Ghats, are a chain of mountains that run parallel to India’s western coast, covering an area of around 140,000 km². This region is renowned for its exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism, making it one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity. The Sahyadri range, with its volcanic nature and estimated age of 100 million years, holds a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endemic and threatened species.
Traditional Local Grain Cultivation vs. Monoculture Plantations
For generations, the Sahyadri communities engaged in traditional local grain cultivation, which allowed for a harmonious coexistence with the natural environment. However, in recent times, there has been a rapid shift towards monoculture plantations of mango and cashew. This shift is primarily driven by economic incentives and increasing demand for these cash crops.
Impact on Biodiversity
The transition from traditional cultivation to monoculture plantations is posing significant challenges for the wildlife living under the rocky plateaus of the Sahyadri range. Several amphibians, insects, and reptiles rely on the loose rocks as shelters during extreme weather conditions, such as scorching heat in summer and heavy monsoon rains. Unfortunately, this shift in land use is causing detrimental effects on these creatures and their habitats.
- Loss of Natural Shelters: The loose rocks that once provided safe haven for the animals are being displaced or destroyed during the land clearing process for monoculture plantations. This loss of natural shelters makes it difficult for the wildlife to find suitable hiding places, leading to increased vulnerability to predators and extreme weather.
- Disruption of Ecosystems: The monoculture plantations create a mono-crop environment, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem. The diversity of plant species that once coexisted is now replaced by a single dominant crop, affecting the food chain and overall biodiversity.
- Threat to Endemic Species: The Sahyadri range harbors many endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. With the transformation of landscapes, these unique species face heightened risks of extinction as their habitats shrink and fragment.
Challenges Faced by Wildlife
The amphibians, insects, and reptiles in the Sahyadri plateaus have adapted over millions of years to survive in this rocky terrain. However, the rapid and drastic shift in land use poses several challenges for their survival:
- Limited Adaptation Time: While these animals are resilient and can adapt to changes over time, the pace of the transition to monoculture is too rapid for their natural evolutionary processes to keep up.
- Restricted Movement: The mono-crop plantations offer little to no suitable habitat for the wildlife, limiting their movement and dispersal. This leads to population isolation, reducing genetic diversity and increasing the risk of inbreeding.
- Altered Climate Conditions: The conversion of landscapes can alter local climate conditions, such as temperature and humidity, further impacting the survival and reproductive patterns of these creatures.
Conservation Measures
To mitigate the negative impact of the shift in land use and preserve the unique biodiversity of the Sahyadri range, several conservation measures can be implemented:
- Protected Areas: Designating and expanding protected areas within the Sahyadri plateaus can ensure the preservation of critical habitats for the endemic and threatened species.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices that promote crop diversity and reduce reliance on monoculture can help maintain ecological balance.
- Reforestation Efforts: Undertaking reforestation and afforestation projects can restore lost habitats and encourage the return of wildlife to these areas.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards safeguarding the region’s biodiversity.
Important Points:
- The Sahyadri plateaus in Maharashtra, known as the Western Ghats, are rich in biodiversity and endemism, making them one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity.
- Traditionally, local grain cultivation coexisted harmoniously with the environment in the Sahyadri range.
- However, a rapid shift to monoculture plantations of mango and cashew is occurring due to economic incentives and increased demand for cash crops.
- This transition is negatively impacting amphibians, insects, and reptiles that rely on loose rocks for shelter from extreme weather conditions.
- The loss of natural shelters due to land clearing for monoculture plantations poses a threat to wildlife and disrupts the ecosystem’s balance.
- The shift in land use is particularly concerning for endemic species found only in the Sahyadri range, increasing their risk of extinction.
- Wildlife faces challenges in adapting to the rapid pace of change, limited movement opportunities, and altered climate conditions.
Conservation Measures:
- Designating and expanding protected areas within the Sahyadri plateaus can help preserve critical habitats for endemic and threatened species.
- Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices that promote crop diversity can maintain ecological balance and reduce the reliance on monoculture.
- Reforestation and afforestation projects can restore lost habitats and attract wildlife back to these areas.
- Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can foster a sense of responsibility towards safeguarding biodiversity.
Why In News
The rapid shift from traditional local grain cultivation to monoculture plantations of mango and cashew in the Sahyadri plateaus of Maharashtra is posing a significant threat to the delicate ecological balance of the region. This transition is disrupting the habitats of amphibians, insects, and reptiles that depend on the shelter provided by loose rocks under the crops, endangering their survival and biodiversity.
MCQs about Threats to Sahyadri Plateaus’ Biodiversity
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What is the primary reason for the rapid shift from traditional local grain cultivation to monoculture plantations in the Sahyadri plateaus?
A) Economic incentives and increased demand for cash crops.
B) Preservation of endangered species in the region.
C) Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
D) Desire to maintain ecological balance.
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What is the significance of the Sahyadri range in terms of biodiversity?
A) It is a renowned tourist destination in Maharashtra.
B) It is known for its diverse cultural heritage.
C) It is one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity.
D) It is famous for its gold and diamond reserves.
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Which group of animals is most impacted by the shift in land use in the Sahyadri plateaus?
A) Birds and mammals
B) Amphibians, insects, and reptiles
C) Fish and marine life
D) Invertebrates and microorganisms
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What conservation measure can help mitigate the negative impact of the shift in land use?
A) Encouraging monoculture plantations to boost economic growth.
B) Expanding the use of pesticides to control pests in the plantations.
C) Designating and expanding protected areas within the Sahyadri plateaus.
D) Promoting more land clearing for agricultural expansion.
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