What is Red Data Book ?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (d) All of these

The Red Data Book is a comprehensive resource that serves multiple purposes, encompassing:

Acquainting About the Dangers of Extinction:
It highlights species facing the risk of extinction, raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Unanimous Marking of Endangered Species:
It provides a globally recognized system for categorizing species based on their risk of extinction.
The categories include Extinct (EX), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), and others.

Marking of Endangered Species on a Local Level:
While it primarily functions at the global level, many regions and countries maintain their own versions of the Red Data Book to address local conservation needs.

Thus, the Red Data Book encompasses all these aspects, making it a crucial tool for global and local conservation efforts.

Published by:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is responsible for maintaining the global Red Data Book.

Applications:

• Helps in identifying species at risk and prioritizing conservation actions.
• Provides data for policymakers and international conventions like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Key Features:

• Regularly updated to reflect changes in the conservation status of species.
• Covers a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Additional Information:

Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is rich in species diversity but is also highly threatened by human activities. These regions are home to numerous endemic species, meaning species found nowhere else on Earth. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was first introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 to prioritize areas for global conservation efforts.

Criteria for Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Species Richness: Must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (species found only in that area).
• Habitat Loss: Must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat due to deforestation, agriculture, or urbanization.

Key Features of Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Endemism: High percentage of endemic plants and animals.
• Rich Ecosystems: Includes tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and unique habitats.
• Global Importance: Despite covering only 2.3% of Earth's surface, these regions account for more than 50% of the world's endemic plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrates.

Major Biodiversity Hotspots in the World:

• Amazon Rainforest: Largest tropical rainforest with unmatched species diversity.
• Congo Basin: A vital hotspot in Africa, home to gorillas and elephants.
• Indo-Burma Region: Covers parts of South Asia with unique flora and fauna.
• Coral Triangle: Rich marine biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
India is home to four biodiversity hotspots:

1. Himalayas:

   • Includes the entire Indian Himalayan region and parts of neighboring countries.
   • Species: Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Monal.

2. Western Ghats:

   • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for tropical rainforests and montane forests.
   • Species: Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Civet, Lion-tailed Macaque.

3. Indo-Burma:

   • Includes the northeastern states of India and extends into Myanmar.
   • Species: One-horned Rhino, Bengal Florican, Hoolock Gibbon.

4. Sundaland (Andaman and Nicobar Islands):

   • Islands with unique marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
   • Species: Dugong, Nicobar Pigeon, Saltwater Crocodile.