Biogeographic Zones of India represent the natural division of the country into 10 unique regions based on geography, climate, vegetation, and wildlife. India’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and deserts to islands and coasts, create different habitats that support rich biodiversity. Each zone has its own distinct plants, animals, and ecosystems. Understanding these zones helps us learn how living beings adapt to their environment and why conserving them is important for maintaining nature’s balance.
Biogeographic Zones of India Definition
Biogeographic Zones of India are large natural regions where plants, animals, and ecosystems share similar characteristics. These regions are formed based on factors like climate, altitude, latitude, geography, and habitat. In simple words, a biogeographic region is an area where we find the same types of living organisms because the environment and natural conditions are alike.
Biogeographic 10 divided Zones of India
Biogeographic Zones of India are large natural regions where plants, animals, and ecosystems share similar environmental conditions. India is rich in biodiversity and has been divided into 10 biogeographic zones, each having its own climate, terrain, vegetation, and species.
These zones help us understand how different living organisms adapt to their surroundings and survive in varied environmental conditions.
| Zone | Biogeographic Provinces | Location / States | Key Features | Major Wildlife |
| 1. Trans-Himalayan | Ladakh, Sikkim, Tibetan Plateau | J&K, Himachal, Ladakh | Cold, dry, high-altitude | Snow leopard, marmots, black-necked crane |
| 2. Himalayan | West, Central, East Himalayas | J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal | Tall mountains, rich biodiversity | Musk deer, red panda, Himalayan tahr |
| 3. Indian Desert | Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana | Hot, dry, low rainfall | Indian bustard, camels, desert fox |
| 4. Semi-Arid | Transitional dry zones | Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP | Sparse vegetation, dry climate | Nilgai, blackbuck, chinkara |
| 5. Western Ghats | Biodiversity hotspots | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, TN | Evergreen forests, high endemism | Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet |
| 6. Deccan Plateau | Peninsular highlands | Telangana, AP, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra | Volcanic soil, mixed forests | Sloth bear, wild boar, Indian wolf |
| 7. Gangetic Plain | Indo-Gangetic lowlands | UP, Bihar, WB, Haryana, Punjab | Fertile plains, agriculture | Elephants, rhinos, river dolphins |
| 8. North-East India | Hills and valleys | Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram | Heavy rainfall, rich biodiversity | Hornbill, hoolock gibbon, orchids |
| 9. Islands | Andaman, Nicobar, Lakshadweep | Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea | Coral reefs, mangroves | Saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, turtles |
| 10. Coasts | Eastern & Western Coastlines | Entire Indian coastline | Mangroves, deltas, estuaries | Olive ridley turtles, flamingos |
Biogeographic Zones of India Challenges
Biogeographic Zones of India are rich in biodiversity, but they face many environmental and human-made challenges. These issues threaten natural habitats, wildlife, and the balance of ecosystems. Below are the challenges explained in simple words:
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Changing Climatic Conditions
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- Many zones are affected by temperature rise, unpredictable rainfall, and seasonal changes. This impacts vegetation, wildlife, and farming patterns.
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Drying of Rivers and Aquifers
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- Overuse of water and reduced rainfall have caused rivers, lakes, and underground water sources to dry up, especially in semi-arid and desert regions.
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Loss of Species and Biomass
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- Due to deforestation, poaching, and changing weather, many plants, animals, and insects are becoming endangered or extinct, disturbing the natural balance.
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Desertification
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- Overgrazing, deforestation, and poor land management are turning fertile lands into barren deserts, especially in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, and semi-arid areas.
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Rapid Melting of Glaciers
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- In the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan zones, glaciers are melting faster because of global warming. This threatens rivers, water availability, and downstream farming.
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Frequent Floods and Droughts
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- Climate change has caused uneven rainfall, leading to severe droughts in some areas and flash floods in others. The Gangetic plains and coastal zones are among the most affected.
Also read – Biosphere Reserves In India
Biogeographic Zones of India Key Environmental Problems
After understanding the biogeographic zones of India, it is important to explore the key environmental problems affecting these regions and their biodiversity.
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Deforestation and Habitat Loss
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- Large-scale logging, farming, mining, urbanization, and road construction have destroyed natural forests, reducing shelter for wildlife and disturbing ecosystems.
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Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
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- Hunting and illegal trading of animals like tigers, elephants, rhinos, and pangolins have pushed many species towards extinction.
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Invasive Alien Species
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- Foreign plants and animals like Lantana and Parthenium are spreading in forests, replacing native species and disturbing natural ecosystems.
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Impact of Climate Change
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- Changing weather patterns are affecting fragile zones such as the Himalayas, North-East India, and coastal regions, making these ecosystems highly vulnerable.
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Pollution of Land, Water, and Air
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- Industrial waste, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and untreated sewage are polluting rivers, lakes, and soils, directly affecting plants, animals, and human health.
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Human-Wildlife Conflict
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- Due to deforestation, wild animals are entering villages and farms, causing frequent clashes between humans and wildlife, especially in the Deccan Plateau and Himalayan zones.
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Overgrazing by Livestock
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- In desert and semi-arid regions, excessive grazing by cattle damages grasslands and forest boundaries, reducing food availability for wild herbivores.
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Mining and Quarrying Activities
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- Mining in areas like the Western Ghats and Central Highlands is destroying natural habitats, polluting rivers, and forcing wildlife to leave their homes.
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Unsustainable Tourism
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- Uncontrolled tourism in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas and Andaman & Nicobar Islands leads to littering, habitat damage, and disruption of marine life.
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Poor Conservation and Management
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- Many protected areas suffer from weak laws, lack of funds, and limited community participation. This slows down conservation efforts and affects biodiversity protection.
Biogeographic Zones of India FAQs
Which is the largest biogeographic zone in India?
The Deccan Plateau is the largest biogeographic zone in India, covering most parts of peninsular India. It includes diverse landscapes, rich forests, and unique ecosystems spread across several states.
Which biogeographic zone is richest in biodiversity?
The Western Ghats and North-East India are the richest in biodiversity and are recognized as major biodiversity hotspots. These regions host numerous endemic plants, animals, and unique ecosystems.
Which is the smallest biogeographic zone in India?
The Islands zone is the smallest biogeographic zone, including the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands. It is known for its unique marine life, coral reefs, and diverse ecosystems.
Which biogeographic zone has the coldest climate?
The Trans-Himalayan zone has the coldest and driest climate because of its high-altitude location. It includes areas like Ladakh and Spiti, known for extreme temperatures and scarce vegetation.
Which animals are commonly found in the Indian Desert zone?
Camels, desert foxes, wild asses, spiny-tailed lizards, and the endangered Great Indian Bustard.
Why are biogeographic zones important?
They help us understand the distribution of plants, animals, and ecosystems and the need for biodiversity conservation.
