The call for conservation of Himalayan ecosystems is growing by day. Critically discuss the unique features of these ecosystems, the threats they are facing and the need for their conservation.
unique features of these ecosystems
Physiography: comprise of 3 mountain ranges named greater himalyas,lesser Himalayas and outer Himalayas.
Drainage: The Himalayas are drained by 19 major rivers, of which the Indus and the Brahmaputra are the largest. Of the other rivers, five belong to the Indus system—the Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej
Climate
The Himalayas, as a great climatic divide affecting large systems of air and water circulation, help determine meteorological conditions in the Indian subcontinent to the south and in the Central Asian highlands to the north. By virtue of its location and stupendous height, the Great Himalaya Range obstructs the passage of cold continental air from the north into India in winter and also forces the southwesterly monsoon (rain-bearing) winds to give up most of their moisture before crossing the range northward.
Plant life
Himalayan vegetation can be broadly classified into four types—tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine—each of which prevails in a zone determined mainly by elevation and precipitation.
Animal life
at higher elevations, snow leopards, brown bears, lesser pandas, and Tibetan yaks have limited populations
Threats Himalayas are facing
Climate Change
Continued climate change is predicted to lead to major changes in freshwater flows, with dramatic impacts on biodiversity, people and their livelihoods.
Habitat Loss
Conversion of forest to agriculture land and for development purposes, and the exploitation of forests for timber, fodder and fuel wood are some of the main threats to biodiversity in this region. Other threats include wood-charcoal production and intensive grazing.
Species Loss
Poaching is a major threat to wildlife in the region, especially endangered species like tigers, elephants and rhinos, which have a high commercial value on the black market.
Infrastructure and Development
The creation of numerous dams without due environmental impact assessment could lead to the submergence of arable lands and biodiversity hotspots
Need for conservation
--The Himalayas are our greatest heritage. They are storehouses of biodiversity and natural resources which have sustained life in the mountains as well as the plains for centuries. They need to be conserved to protect the diverse cultures and communities whose lives and livelihood are intricately woven with these mountains.
--The current spate of rapid urbanization and indiscriminate construction of roads and dams can lead to short term gains but may cause irreparable damage in future.
