General Studies 3

Overexploitation has led to a significant depletion of natural resources that, a millennium ago, seemed inexhaustible but now face severe limitations primarily due to the expanding human population. 

An alien species refers to one that has been introduced outside its native range. According to experts, alien species become “invasive” when they are unintentionally or intentionally transported beyond their usual habitats, where they outcompete local species and disrupt the ecological balance. 

Habitat fragmentation refers to the modification of habitat, leading to the spatial separation of habitat units compared to their previous more connected state

Biodiversity loss, a critical environmental issue plaguing ecosystems worldwide, stems from a complex interplay of various factors

As per the latest assessment presented in the ‘State of the World’s Birds’ review, around 48% of the global bird species are identified or presumed to be experiencing declines in their populations.

The Living Planet Report 2022 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reveals a substantial 69% decline in the global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish over the past 50 years. 

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has released a groundbreaking report asserting that the sustainable utilization of wild species has the potential to meet the needs of billions.

Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety of life within species, ecosystems, specific locations, and on a global scale. 

India, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, harbors some of the world’s most significant Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots represent areas of exceptional ecological importance characterized by high levels of species richness and endemism