New Delhi

The rich biodiversity of India is facing threat as a result of large-scale man-made landscape modifications and over-exploitation of resources causing loss of degradation of natural ecosystems/habitats. In Gujarat 20 animal species and 16 plant species are in endangered category. The Minister of State for Minister of State (Independent Charge) For Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar provided the information to the Rajya Sabha on May 9, 2016 in reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha member Mr. Parimal Nathwani.

The minister said that in Gujarat there are 20 endangered species namely Black Mahseer, Golden Mahaseer, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Indian White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Greater Adjutant-Stork, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Sociable Lapwing, Spotted Greenshank, Forest Spotted Owlet, Dhole, Caracal, Blue Whale, Fin Whale & Indian Wild Ass.

According to the minister’s statement, the studies conducted by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) revealed that the number of endangered faunal species has increased by 17 in last two years. There were 648 endangered faunal species in the country in 2013, which has increased to 665 in 2015. The number of endangered mammals has increased from 95 to 98, birds from 80 to 88, reptiles from 52 to 53, amphibians from 74 to 75, fishes from 213 to 216, molluses from 6 to 7 in last two years, said the statement.

Mr. Nathwani wanted to know about increase in the number of endangered species during the last two years, the names of such species with the areas/regions of their habitation, whether wildlife habitats are being destroyed due to mining activities in the country and the special efforts being made by Government to stop/prevent damage/ destruction of wildlife habitats.

The minister said that as per the data available with the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), out of 19156 species of vascular plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Pteridophytes) so far recorded from the country, 1236 species belong to different threatened categories like Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable etc. They are threatened due to various anthropogenic and natural factors, he said.

The minister also stated that 16 plant species namely Bombax insigne Wall (Bombacaceae), Excoecaria agallocha L. (Euphorbiaceae), Sapium insigne (Royal) Trimen (Falconeria insigne Royle), Brugiera cylindrica (L.) Blume, Butea monosperma var. lutea (Lam.), Wrightia dolichocarpa, Sterculia guttata (Sterculiaceae), Olax nana, Commiphora stocksiana, Entada rheedii, Spatholobus parviflorus (DC.), Talinum portulacifolium, Tephrosia collina var. Lanuginocarpa, Tephrosia jamnagarensis, Ceropegia odorata & Drosera peltata have been identified by BSI.

According to the statement of the minister, at present Hon’ble Supreme Court has prohibited mining activities within National Parks and Sanctuaries and within 1 km. radius from the boundaries of National Park and Sanctuaries.

– DeshGujarat