The Biogeographic Classification for the Conservation of Biodiversity are as follows:
Biogeographic Zones of India:
For the planning of conservation of biodiversity at the state and national levels, classifications of ecosystems are done based on biogeography. The biogeographical classification uses following four levels of planning:
(1) The Biogeography Zone:
It is a large distinctive unit of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species, e.g., the coasts, the islands, etc.
(2) The Biotic Province:
It is secondary unit within a biogeographic zone, giving weight to particular community.
(3) The Land Region:
It is a tertiary set of units within a province. It indicates different land forms.
(4) The Biome:
It is an ecological unit and is found in biogeographic zones or provinces.Explanation of the Characteristics of Biogeographic Zones of India:
A concise description of major biogeographic zones is outlined below:
(1) Trans-Himalayan zone:
Climate is cold, vegetation is mountain type, animals found are sheep, goats, snow leopards, etc. Siachin, Leh and Sri Nagar are important places of this zone.
(2) Himalayan zones:
East, west, central and north-west Himalayas are the four biotic provinces of this zone. It has three climate zones and three vegetation zones. Elephant, ape, tiger, lion, bear, etc. are main animals of this zone. Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir is important places of this zone.
(3) The North-East India:
Climate is highly moist because of heavy rainfall. Bamboo, citrus plants, banana, etc. are important vegetation of this zone. Elephant is main animal of this zone. Cherrapunji, Imphal, Shillong etc. are important places of this zone.
(4) North- West Desert Zone:
Summer is very hot and dry; winter is cold; rainfall is less. Ground vegetation and grasses are the main vegetation of this zone. Indian Bustard (highly endangered